I'm still not hip on podcasting and vlogs, and I'm pretty sure that everyone hates all of the videos that pop up all over ESPN, but the "Leader" is going to be introducing online-only programs over the next few weeks and months. Via SBD....

ESPN is "planning to launch several new programs that will appear only on broadband," according to Jon Lafayette of TV WEEK. ESPN Exec VP/Multimedia Sales Eric Johnson: "We're going to come to market with digital-only shows." Johnson said that the net is "developing six different programs that will appear weekly, biweekly or monthly," and ESPN is talking to "SportsCenter" talent about anchoring one of the programs. The net, which is "betting that Web video will be a big part of this year's television upfront advertising sales market," also is "investing in new technology that will enable [it] to integrate sponsors' commercials into the online programming that most closely matches their TV ad buys."

Sounds like they're banking on these online shows to be pretty successful. They'd have to be some pretty crazy shows if they're going to get me as a viewer, but nothing is impossible. And it also looks like they have some help now thanks to a deal with AOL. Via SBJ...

ESPN has struck its first online video syndication deal, partnering with AOL to make short-form video content available through AOL Sports and the AOL Video player. Specific shows being distributed through the deal include "SportsCenter Right Now," clips from "Mike & Mike In The Morning," "PTI," "Around The Horn" and other ESPN programs, as well as highlights and breaking news.

As annoying as that sounds it's definitely a great plan. AOL links ESPN into the only audience that's probably bigger than there own, so more people watching the better. For ESPN that is....not necessarily Sports fans.

(Photo and quotes via Sports Business Daily)