Major League Baseball is facing some tough challenges as they try to get baseball back on the field, which was delayed due to Coronavirus. The entertainment industry is facing a similar impact as MLB in trying to find ways to create content. This could have lasting impacts and challenges in both industries for the next few years.
It will be interesting to see how the MLB recovers from all this and if they can pull off getting the 2020 season off the ground. It could end pushing the next season because they will be playing in the playoffs into November. The offseason may prove to be short if they decide to start the 2021 season as usual. That will have a huge effect on the free-agent market, creating problems with teams making deals. The draft may not happen this June so it brings questions for the players involved and teams plans for the future.
The entertainment industry is going to have to figure out how to navigate creating content without being together. There will be issues creating TV show seasons and movies if people can’t work together. So, it could lead to a lack of content. The networks and streaming services will run out of new shows and movies. Music may suffer the most because right now big live events are prohibited.
MLB Challenges
MLB’s current plan is to open as many home parks as possible as soon as July. If MLB decides to go from July 1st to September 30th, there would only be 92 days to get 82 games in. It will be interesting to see how MLB handles situations like weather delays or cancellations. Beyond that, how will teams travel regularly and have safe accommodations, locations, and medical testing?
For the time being, not having fans in the stands is the safest thing for everyone. It is a bummer because the fans are a big part of the fun of the game. A big challenge is that the financial loss from lack of ticket sales could affect the small market teams like the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals.
The league will have to come up with a plan to keep players fresh and in shape. Players will also need at least have a couple of weeks of spring training. Therefore players need a safe place to get back in the swing of things.
Entertainment
The entertainment industry was affected like sports from the Coronavirus shutdown. Movie and TV show productions shut down, affecting the making of the content that networks or streaming services present. Some TV shows had episodes shot but eventually ran out, leaving short seasons.
Theaters are closed right now and may not open for some time, forcing new releases to go to streaming services like Hulu. It does help that there is an increase in online access to many TV shows, movies, and other forms of entertainment like concerts. Since concerts and events are canceled many groups or artists have found ways to provide fun for fans.
An example of how some artists are dealing with it is New Kids on the Block, who recorded and released the single “House Party” featuring Jordin Sparks, Boyz II Men, and Naughty by Nature. The music video was shot from all the artist’s homes with special guests like Carrie Underwood. The group participated in a virtual cruise for fans after the cruise that had been scheduled for April was canceled. They have also done weekly YouTube live events.
There is an increase in music digitally and online due to circumstances. Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Jonas Brothers are some examples of those who are creating and releasing music from home. Hunter Hayes has been doing shows from home and behind the scenes of recording the new album. Even though artists and producers are producing content now, it’s only a temporary fix for their many challenges.
