A gridiron show that last month not only got a new lease on life for next season, but also a jump-up to HD at the same time, has just announced some other changes, as well. “Inside the NFL,” which was featured on HBO for more than 30 seasons, was not renewed by HBO for 2008-09 but was picked up by another pay-channel, Showtime, which will also upgrade the program to HD.
Now some on-air personnel changes, too, have been announced for the mid-week review. Longtime NBC sportscaster Bob Costas, who will co-host the upcoming Olympics in Beijing just prior to the football season, will step down. Taking his slot will be NBC sports analyst Cris Collinsworth, who has appeared regularly on the NFL show for more than 15 years. Veteran NFL analysts Phil Simms and James Brown of CBS Sports (part of Viacom, which owns Showtime) will complete the weekly highlights show as newcomers.
“Inside the NFL’s” HD premiere is set for Wednesday, Sept. 10, on the premium venue.
