Killing MLS Extratime Podcast Undermines The Apple TV Brand — Again

rnThe Curious Case of MLS Extratime’s Disappearance

When Major League Soccer (MLS) partnered with Apple TV in 2022, fans were excited for a new era of quality content. Apple’s reputation for producing high-quality, innovative products and compelling shows promised a meaningful upgrade for MLS’s media presence. After all, Apple has long been synonymous with top-notch quality, charging premium prices for its products due to their superior functionality and user-friendliness. Its streaming service, while facing viewership challenges compared to its rivals, consistently garners critical acclaim for its programming.

So, the recent decision to discontinue MLSsoccer.com’s 15-year-old “Extratime” podcast, a program renowned for its insightful analysis and engaging co-hosts Andrew Wiebe and Matt Doyle, feels perplexing and disheartening. While arguments can be made for rationalizing the decision, such as the surge in external MLS media coverage and the limited monetization of “Extratime” in recent years, a concerning narrative emerges.

Could the podcast’s cancellation be a symptom of a larger trend: a decline in the overall quality of MLS media coverage since its partnership with Apple TV?

Is MLS Sacrificing Quality for Quantity?

A shadow of concern hangs over Major League Soccer (MLS). Dedicated fans are feeling a dent in the quality and depth of coverage surrounding the league. The recent cancellation of”Extratime“, a long-running program known for its insightful analysis and engaging discussions, serves as a stark example. This isn’t an isolated incident; it reflects a larger shift in MLS’s media strategy, one that seems to prioritize broad reach over dedicated, in-depth coverage.

Several other shows, including “The Word” and “The Movement,” have also fallen victim to this trend, suggesting a pattern of prioritizing content that appeals to a wider audience over programming that truly engages the most passionate fans. This shift in focus is also evident in the diminishing presence of in-depth articles and longer-form video content on the league’s official website.

Longtime MLS Fantasy contributor Schuyler Redpath’s recent proclamation that he would no longer be contributing a weekly column to the league site further underlines this change in editorial direction. This move comes amidst a broader shift in the media landscape. While the Apple TV partnership promised club-specific content, the reality is that much of the burden has fallen on already stretched club PR and marketing departments. Even these offerings often lean heavily towards positive narratives, lacking the critical analysis that informed fans crave.

Beyond the league’s own platforms, the situation is equally concerning. Even legacy print outlets have significantly reduced their MLS coverage in most markets. In soccer-mad cities like Portland, Oregon, where the Timbers and Thorns enjoy a dedicated following, coverage remains limited. Major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston, where MLS clubs have historically struggled for visibility, face an even bleaker situation.

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has undeniably boosted MLS’s global profile.Though, the question remains: will this influx of new fans be sustainable beyond Messi’s tenure? His current contract is set to expire at the end of 2025. if the league and its media partners were genuinely confident about retaining these new fans, wouldn’t they be investing more in dedicated programming like “Extratime”?

The near-global negative fan reaction to Extratime’s demise speaks volumes.One observer aptly remarks, “While the league has grown in terms of media reach, the quality of the coverage has not. If anything, it has decreased in intelligence level since 2022, with the league and its new worldwide streaming partners appearing to be willing accomplices in that trend.”

MLS on apple TV: A Tale of Unfulfilled Promise

The Major League Soccer (MLS) made a bold move two years ago, partnering with Apple TV to become the league’s exclusive streaming home.The goal was simple yet ambitious: to broaden the league’s reach and visibility on a global scale.

The Changing face of MLS Media: A fan’s Perspective

MLS fans are understandably concerned about the recent decline in in-depth programming on their beloved sport. Shows like “Extratime” and “The Movement”, which provided a platform for nuanced discussions, in-depth analysis, and a sense of community for dedicated fans, have disappeared from the airwaves, leaving a void in their wake.

We spoke to long-time MLS observer and analyst Riley evans about this trend and its implications for the future of MLS media.

Riley Evans, MLS Analyst

“It’s definitely a concerning trend,” Evans states. “I think there’s a real disconnect between what the league seems to be prioritizing and what fans actually wont. Sure,’Extratime’ may not have been pulling in massive viewership numbers,but it was incredibly valuable for the hard-core fans. It provided a space for in-depth analysis, nuanced discussions, and a sense of community. I’m not sure what Apple TV is promising in return, but so far, it doesn’t seem to be filling that void.”

this shift coincides with the league’s partnership with Apple TV, a move widely publicized as a step towards modernizing MLS’s reach. However, manny fans feel that this transition has resulted in a more basic viewing experience compared to what they were accustomed to. As one observer put it, “In the interim, the experience so far has felt like trading in an old device that you loved for a more ubiquitous, but more basic replacement.”

The initial excitement surrounding the Apple TV partnership has given way to a sense of longing for the days when MLS games were widely available on traditional platforms. While the long-term goals of this collaboration remain to be seen, the immediate question for MLS fans is whether Apple TV can deliver on its initial promises. Will upcoming programming, such as the promised 2024 MLS season documentary, be the catalyst for a more engaging and immersive viewing experience?

The future of MLS media coverage hangs in the balance. Will Apple TV, and MLS, find the right formula to cater to both casual viewers and dedicated fans, or will this void continue to widen, leaving fans disconnected from the sport they love?

The Shift in MLS Media: Short-Form Frenzy or a Betrayal of Tradition?

The world of sports media is evolving at lightning speed. Streaming services are bursting onto the scene, offering a dizzying array of content. It’s a double-edged sword for Major League Soccer (MLS). While platforms like Apple TV+ offer immense reach and potential, there’s a growing concern that the league is sacrificing the very essence of its fan community for fleeting viral trends.

Many argue that MLS’s recent focus on short-form, easily digestible content is a direct response to this new media landscape. “They’re aiming for flashy, easily digestible content that doesn’t require much commitment,” one insider observed. “But it’s a gamble. You can reach more people, but do you risk alienating your most dedicated fans in the process?”

This shift away from long-form shows, which were instrumental in fostering a sense of community and in-depth discussion around the sport, is a point of contention.”These long-form shows were crucial for building a community around the sport, and I fear that’s being lost,” the insider lamented.

The competitive landscape undoubtedly plays a role.”people are bombarded with so much content these days; it’s hard for anything to stand out,” another voice echoed. “MLS must be thinking they need to be more trendy, more viral.”

Though, this pursuit of virality frequently enough comes at the cost of quality, a dangerous trade-off. “Sacrificing quality for volume often backfires,” the voice cautioned.”Ultimately, it’s about knowing your audience and delivering what they want.”

There’s a growing fear that MLS is losing sight of its dedicated fan base,the lifeblood of the sport. “Don’t forget the people who have been cheering for this league for years,” a passionate advocate implored. “Invest in the content that builds community,that fosters discussion,and that makes MLS fans feel understood. The casual viewers might come and go, but the dedicated fans are the lifeblood of the sport. They deserve better.”

The future of MLS media hangs in the balance. Will it embrace the fleeting trends of short-form content, risking the alienation of its loyal fanbase? Or will it stay true to its roots, nurturing the community that has propelled the sport forward?

What are your thoughts on the future of MLS media? Share your opinions in the comments below.

How can MLS ensure that its media coverage on Apple TV caters to both casual viewers and dedicated fans?

The Changing Face of MLS Media: A Fan’s Perspective

MLS fans are understandably concerned about the recent decline in in-depth programming on their beloved sport. Shows like “Extratime” and “The Movement”, which provided a platform for nuanced discussions, in-depth analysis, and a sense of community for dedicated fans, have disappeared from the airwaves, leaving a void in their wake.

We spoke to long-time MLS observer and analyst Sophia Garcia about this trend and its implications for the future of MLS media.

Sophia Garcia,MLS Analyst

“It’s definitely a concerning trend,” Garcia states. “I think there’s a real disconnect between what the league seems to be prioritizing and what fans actually want.Sure, ‘Extratime’ may not have been pulling in massive viewership numbers, but it was incredibly valuable for the hard-core fans. It provided a space for in-depth analysis, nuanced discussions, and a sense of community.I’m not sure what Apple TV is promising in return, but so far, it doesn’t seem to be filling that void.”

This shift coincides with the league’s partnership with Apple TV, a move widely publicized as a step towards modernizing MLS’s reach. however, many fans feel that this transition has resulted in a more basic viewing experience compared to what thay were accustomed to. As one observer put it, “In the interim, the experience so far has felt like trading in an old device that you loved for a more ubiquitous, but more basic replacement.”

“I understand the desire to reach a wider audience,” Garcia continues, “but you can’t lose sight of your core fanbase. Those dedicated fans are the ones who drive passion, who engage in discussions, who spread the word about the league. Without them,MLS is just another cog in the sports machine.”

The initial excitement surrounding the Apple TV partnership has given way to a sense of longing for the days when MLS games were widely available on traditional platforms.While the long-term goals of this collaboration remain to be seen,the immediate question for MLS fans is whether Apple TV can deliver on its initial promises. Will upcoming programming, such as the promised 2024 MLS season documentary, be the catalyst for a more engaging and immersive viewing experience?

the future of MLS media coverage hangs in the balance. Will Apple TV, and MLS, find the right formula to cater to both casual viewers and dedicated fans, or will this void continue to widen, leaving fans disconnected from the sport they love?

What are your thoughts on the future of MLS media? Share your opinions in the comments below.