SMJ’s Ray Frager forwarded me an e-mail sent to him from ESPN in response to my post earlier this week questioning ESPN’s decision to produce the late night SportsCenter from Los Angeles.

Here is ESPN’s response:

Why was the decision made to open a west coast facility?
· To increase production capacity as ESPN continues to grow
· The opportunity to produce the 1am SportsCenter at 10pm on the west coast so that employees who comprise this team do not have to regularly work into the early morning
· To have a visible presence on the west coast in the heart of an entertainment capital – geograhic diversity makes us better
· To have additional access to sports and entertainment celebrities – we are literally in Staples Center parking lot

I understand that the move to the west coast was not going to translate into a totally different looking 1am/10pm SportsCenter.  The brand is the brand.  I still question whether it was a wise move.  At least right now.  But as they say…it’s not my money.

Thanks to ESPN…and Ray for sending over the information.  It is appreciated!