Turner Plans to Televise Video Game Competitions

By Jon Lafayette
( Broadcasting & Cable )
published

Turner Broadcasting said it is teaming up with WME/IMG to create a video game league whose contests will be aired live on TBS and digital platforms.

Turner is trying to capitalize on the fast growing world of e-gaming, which attracts young viewers and live programming, which attracts advertisers.

Turner is building a gaming center at its Atlanta studios. During the first season, the competition will feature the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive from Valve Corp.

Turner plans to launch its e-gaming programming in 2016 with 10 consecutive weeks of programming airing twice a year on TBS on Friday nights.

Digital coverage will include live daily competitive gaming content Tuesday through Friday when tournaments are being held. The competition will be covered by Bleacher Report, owned by Turner.

Jon Lafayette
Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.