Longtime ESPN reporter/host Michele Steele yesterday announced on X that she was departing the network after 14 years. Her last stint has been as a bureau reporter in Chicago. Steele wrote in part, “ESPN has some of the best storytellers, producers and editors around, and I’m thankful to have learned so much.” She did not announce what would be next for her (SBJ).
VIEWERSHIP STAYS RISING: In K.C., Pete Grathoff reported Royals fans are “streaming games in record numbers.” FanDuel Sports K.C. said that it had “more than” 115,000 unique streamers for Royals games this season. There has been a 54% year-over-year increase in unique streamers per game, and the number of minutes streamed has gone up by 59%. FanDuel Sports K.C also reported robust cable viewership. Television ratings for Royals games “are up” 23% year-over-year through 94 games (K.C. STAR, 7/17).
