Combatwire lasted 11 episodes from May to August on Chicago's 24 hour cable news station CLTV.
Although the show did not last I still take this as a victory for several reasons:
- Successfully pitched it to management
- Pretty much had 99-percent creative/editorial control
- Got the hosts I wanted
- Cooperation from UFC/WEC/Zuffa to use images and more importantly video. Not even Inside MMA on HDNet has this.
- Made local MMA connections
- Got good feedback from MMA fans
- Showed there was a enough to support 30 minute show content wise.
I also learned a lesson about the growth of the sport. Although the UFC gains popularity, the struggles of EliteXC on CBS and failure of IFL on Fox Sports Net and MY Networks suggest the sport of MMA isn't keeping up. I truly believe there are UFC fans, and then there are MMA fans. Also, with the sports just entering the infancy stage there's still little money in the game. Sure new MMA ventures are arising in merchandising and clothing, but these start-ups have a long way to go. My programming director summarized the situation:
For many reasons we were unable to secure enough sales revenue to keep the project going. The financial world of MMA is tricky and it seems a select few hold the keys to the larger sponsorship dollars. Many of the smaller players just don't have the money to help support a television program. It's unfortunate and I wish it was not the case.
In the meantime enjoy some clips from Combatwire and stay tuned, I am not finished bringing MMA to the local Chicago TV market.
