ESPN Buys True Hoop Blog, Hires Blogger
ESPN has purchased the popular and formerly independent True Hoop basketball blog. Henry Abbott, the blog's author, is joining the ESPN staff.
Abbott, a sportswriter, is promising the blog will remain as is. However, he will now have access to ESPN's vast resources. This includes a budget so that Abbott can travel to games and cover them. This includes this week's NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas. In addition, he will get access to ESPN photographs. Though it's not clear from his post, one would assume he will get access to ESPN's rich cache of statistics and that they will sell ads on his blog as well.
You gotta wonder how long some of the bigger tech, political and entertainment blogs are going to remain independent. It's only natural for the big media companies to acquire the larger franchises - if they are willing to sell out. It's a win win for all involved, provided they can take the same laissez faire approach ESPN plans.
Thanks to Chris Clarke for the heads-up.
