CBS Sports Net to Launch Late-Night Program

'Lead Off' to debut Oct. 22 and be hosted by Doug Gottlieb

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/20/2012 11:48:20 AM

CBS Sports Network next month will launch its first late-night show, Lead Off, hosted by newcomer Doug Gottlieb.

Lead Off will air weekdays from midnight to 1 a.m. ET and feature live guests, highlights, debate and commentary from Gottlieb and others, with a focus on "tomorrow." Gottlieb agreed to host a daily show on CBS Sports Net when he signed with CBS in July.

Lead Off debuts Oct. 22.

"We are aggressively expanding our programming and launching Lead Off is another important step in the evolution of CBS Sports Network.  Together with Rome, we're bracketing prime time by providing fans with informative, topical and entertaining programming," said David Berson, executive VP, CBS Sports and president, CBS Sports Network. "Lead Off will be a high energy and unique show.  Instead of dissecting what just happened as most late night shows do, it will be forward looking, spinning the sports conversation ahead. Doug is perfectly suited for this role."

Lead Off will be produced by Dick Clark Productions and originate from the network's Orange County, Calif., studio.