I am not in anyone's demographic. I mostly like something like the Dan Patrick Show or the old Mike and Mike show. I tune in for no politics. I want an actual discussion about on the field things. I don't really want "hot takes" or loud and flashy. I don't particularly want to listen about GOAT arguments. Now where even Dan and the old Mikes show annoyed me was the forced big market and historical greatness bias. I get that is where they can make their money since more eyes are on those areas. I don't want to hear about the Cowboys or Lakers or Yankees or Red Sox or LeBron or Tiger every day. I want to hear about the story that is actually developing instead of the story they pre select to talk about. I like to hear about the guy or lady or team that is putting together a great season no matter where they play.
The problem is you can find the stuff you want to see online, any time you want. ESPN has to provide something unique to attract viewers.
Throughout the 90s and into the 2000's, ESPN taped an hour long Sportscenter at 5 or 6 AM, and ran that show on repeat until 10. That, plus maybe a morning newspaper, is how we found out what happened in sports the night before.
That is laughable today. You can get all the sports news you want, anytime you want, in a matter of seconds. Then the stories you want to hear are pushed to you through social media, and the like.
ESPN needs viewers, so they have to rely on personalities and gimmicks.
I just watch for the live sports, and sometimes college gameday. I only see McAfee on Gameday, and that's more than enough for me.