ESPN Research utilizes various media research methods, including Nielsen, comScore, Adobe Analytics, and primary research, to provide ESPN and the Walt Disney Company with information about the performance of the sports category and specific sports content. The team manages measurement and reporting for all platforms and properties, in addition to conducting brand, content, fan, and marketplace research.

Position Summary:

The Live Sports & Forecasting Analyst will support their manager in cross-platform reporting, tracking, and analysis of various professional sports, covering live games and studio shows for NBA, NHL, MLB, and WWE. The analyst will also support network operations by ensuring accurate and timely schedules are input into Nielsen’s NCL system and ESPN’s internal system daily.

The analyst should be curious, proactive, and detail-oriented, able to handle several tasks at once and contribute ideas to enhance reporting. Candidates ideally possess media research experience, a genuine interest in sports, and skills in data analysis, dashboards, and emerging AI tools. Strong written and verbal communication is required for client interaction across ESPN and Disney. This role reports directly to the Manager, Live Sports & Forecasting team and will operate in a cross-functional capacity as needed within ESPN Research.

Responsibilities:

• Provide details of the ESPN networks’ program schedules to Nielsen daily.

• Track performance of ESPN programs across TV and streaming and provide highlights of their performance to all departments.

• Provide analysis of audience trends for ESPN networks and its competitors to assist with programming, production, sales, and strategic planning efforts for the company.

• Work on a variety of custom projects with guidance and supervision from the Manager of ESPN Research.

• Assist with forecasting audiences for ESPN’s linear networks, supporting Finance and Revenue Management.

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of media math concepts and data analysis.

• Needs excellent writing and verbal communication skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, and display strong attention to details.

• Must be proficient in Windows-based PC applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Collaborative nature and ability to work well in a team environment.

• Strong familiarity with sports and sports media landscape.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in media research.

• Experience with Nielsen’s suite of national TV tools like NNTV and National TV Toolbox.

• Familiarity with Comscore and Adobe Analytics.

• Experience with software and languages such as Power BI, Tableau and SQL.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

• Degree in communications, mathematics/statistics, psychology, or related field preferred.

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The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $66,800 to $91,700 per year and in Bristol, CT is $65,270 to $87,560 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.