Jemele Hill to lead new sports newsmagazine, ‘Above The Fold’ on TruTV

Jemele Hill to Lead New Sports Newsmagazine, “Above The Fold” on TruTV

Jemele Hill, noted sports journalist and former ESPN veteran, is set to breathe new life into the sports newsmagazine format with her latest endeavour, “Above The Fold”. The new programme is set to debut on TNT Sports via TruTV on Tuesday, October 22, at 5 p.m. Subsequently, new episodes will air every Thursday at 7 p.m., becoming a cornerstone of TruTV’s recently launched sports programming block.

“Above The Fold” aims to resurrect the in-depth journalism synonymous with shows like “Outside The Lines” and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel”, both of which have been discontinued in recent years. Hill regards this venture as a “love letter to the profession”, honouring the legacy of long-form storytelling in sports journalism. The title itself is symbolic, referencing the most crucial stories that traditionally feature prominently in newspapers.

The series is being produced by Uninterrupted, a subsidiary of LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, with Hill taking on the role of executive producer. Uninterrupted has previously collaborated with Hill and sees her involvement as an opportunity to offer diverse and compelling sports narratives.

Craig Barry, chief content officer for TNT Sports, has expressed enthusiasm about this latest addition to their programming, highlighting Hill’s influential voice within the sports community. He remarked, “As we develop the TNT Sports on truTV programming lineup, we’re excited to partner with Uninterrupted and Jemele, to create a show that will be entertaining, insightful, and thought-provoking.”

The format of “Above The Fold” will explore a range of stories that intersect sports and culture, delving into both serious discussions and lighter, cultural elements of the sporting world. The show’s content will shine a light on different facets of sports, featuring profiles and interviews that reveal untold stories and lesser-known figures, such as the people behind the mascots.

In line with Hill’s vision, the show will introduce both seasoned journalists and first-time TV reporters, aiming to foster a new generation of sports journalists. She notes the challenge of returning to this type of journalism in a media environment that often favours opinion and debate over deep dives. Yet, Hill remains committed to offering a unique sports product that appeals not only to die-hard sports fans but also to casual viewers.

The production team for “Above The Fold” includes several key figures from The SpringHill Company, with LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron listed as executive producers. Kelchris, which holds an overall deal with The SpringHill Company, also contributes to the production with Joe Braswell and Steve Barry serving as executive producers.

As “Above The Fold” prepares for its launch, many in the industry are keen to see if this ambitious reboot of the sports newsmagazine format can capture the interest of a modern audience and fill the void left by its predecessors.

Source: Noah Wire Services