Numerous sources say JM Associates has been sold to Atlanta-based Career Sports & Entertainment (CSE).
JM, based in Little Rock, Ark., is the production company founded by Jerry McKinnis that currently films several TV shows including The Bassmaster Tournament Trail, Madfin Shark Series, and Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup. It produced the first fishing program televised on ESPN – The Fishin' Hole with Jerry McKinnis – which is also the second-longest-running show on ESPN, after SportsCenter. The company is regarded as the best producer of tournament fishing shows on TV, and before ESPN purchased BASS in April 2001, JM produced FLW Tour coverage.
The news that JM has (or will potentially) be sold isn't a surprise. Last summer, JM had been in talks with Winnercomm about a potential merger, but no action materialized.
CSE, in a statement on its website, describes itself as: "A global, full-service marketing and representation agency. We deliver creative and innovative solutions for our clients that generate results and positively impact their success. With clients including individuals, corporations, and properties, our business philosophy ensures each of our unique solutions leverages our collective expertise to maximize our clients' investment and opportunity in the world of sports and entertainment."
CSE clients include corporations like AT&T and The Home Depot, as well as several professional golf and baseball athletes.
A CSE communications official declined to comment on the deal. Calls to JM officials went unreturned.
