Fox Sports 1’s ratings have been so bad that the network has had to give free advertising to advertisers– even during the World Series–to compensate for not living up to ratings that had been promised.
Fox Sports has been accused after the network’s launch with violating broadcaster’s Craig James’s religious freedom by firing him for his views on traditional marriage. In addition, Fox’s NASCAR announcer Michael Waltrip was caught mocking Sarah Palin during a race before the launch of Fox Sports 1.
According to AdAge:
Some advertisers on Fox Sports 1 are being offered time in Fox broadcasts such as college football games and pre-game and post-game NFL programming, the buyers said.
Some advertisers even received time in the World Series on Fox. And if FS1 continues to under-deliver, some buyers suspect very early pre-game inventory on Super Bowl Sunday could be made available.
AdAge notes “media buyers are mindful that it is still too early to accurately assess the network. By offering such high-end inventory to make up for shortfalls, Fox Sports is showing its commitment to the channel and keeping advertisers happy, according to a buyer.” In addition advertisers reportedly “have a vested interest in seeing the channel succeed as they look for a credible alternative to ESPN.”