He was the president of the Oprah Network and proudly rides a SUP. Introducing Erik Logan, the WSL's new president of Content, Media and WSL Studios.
So, what exactly is the role of president of Content, Media and WSL Studios?
Well, according to the Wozzle:
"Logan's role at the WSL will include the delivery of all live and non-live content and media, in addition to global distribution across all the WSL's owned and operated channels, as well as its partners. Logan will also oversee the creation of WSL Studios, which will deliver a broad range of high quality scripted and unscripted surf and lifestyle content. He will also lead a new direct-to-consumer membership offering, which will in the future become a key aspect of the WSL's world class content portfolio."
There’s no doubt Erik will bring a level of professionalism pro surfing has never seen. Having built the Oprah Winfrey Network over the past decade and adding to the depth of programming from Harpo Productions, he is now looking to combine his passions for surfing and media.
But the last line in the presser alludes to big changes ahead.
"He will also lead a new direct-to-consumer membership offering, which will in the future become a key aspect of the WSL's world class content portfolio."
Pay-per-view subscriptions feel imminent as the WSL works to capitalise on the “untapped” number of surfers, casual or otherwise, “out there”.
But staying up last night to watch the Quiksilver Pro France, all I could see on my Facebook stream were the measly three or four thousand viewers tuning in.
Late last year the WSL surveyed its subscribers asking, “Would you pay per event? Per event? Per year?”
For a year pass the lowest price option was $25 or under, moving up in $25 increments, topping out at $100+ for those with deeper pockets.
Then nothing. It appeared the response was crickets.
But with the WSL’s business model forging ahead, the deep pockets of Dirk Ziff, and new appointments from all corners of business and the entertainment industry perhaps the WSL are willing to stake they can bring an offering too good to resist.
Whether that’s with premium scripted programming, pay-per-view events, a wave pool world tour or by manufacturing man-on-man heats at the equivalent spectacle of a UFC title fight (just imagine Kelly and John John at macking Chopes). In the eyes of the WSL, the future is looking bright and path to new audiences potentially paved in gold.