Edward Little grad Sylvester to start own company NESN producer to keep network ties

After putting in 121/2 years behind the scenes at New England Sports Network as an intern, master control operator and producer, longtime Mainer Bob Sylvester is striking out on his own.

The 38-year-old Sylvester, producer of NESN’s “Charlie Moore Outdoors” and ESPN2’s “Beat Charlie Moore,” is now CEO, CFO and president of 3B Media.

Creating his own company is the realization of a longtime dream for the Edward Little High School graduate.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a number of years and Charlie’s current contract with NESN expires after this year, so it was basically a timing thing,” Sylvester explained. “And other people have asked about the possibility of me doing other things, so I thought this was a good time to make the move.”

Sylvester said not getting tied down with all the numerous projects NESN does besides the Moore show (Boston Red Sox and Bruins games, for example) also will free up some more family time as well.

The longtime Auburn resident now lives in Upton, Mass., with his wife Carolyn and three children – Bobby (11), Brad (8) and Brooke (5).

Sylvester will continue to produce Moore’s shows, along with a new NESN program starting Oct. 12 called “Roughing It: New England.” The initial six-episode run will feature former New England athletes like Bill Lee, Mark Fidrych and Todd Rucci as well as stand-up comedians joining Moore on a variety of outdoor camping-adventure trips.

“Charlie and I are like an old married couple. We understand each other very well,” Sylvester said while chuckling. “He’s one of my best friends. We have three projects now and have bigger things planned. We love New England and we’ll always be here.”

Sylvester was born in Richmond, Va., but moved with his family to Cape Elizabeth when he was 4. He moved to Auburn before his fifth-grade year began and graduated from Edward Little in 1984. His mother and father still live in Harpswell and his sister lives in Kennebunk. His brother is farther away, but still on the east coast in Washington D.C.

Sylvester began his career with NESN as an unpaid intern in January 1992. From there, he moved to overnight master control operator and “hung with it” for 18 months before getting a chance to become a field producer and then full-time producer. He has always preferred to be behind the camera.

“I think the people in front of the camera are just wired differently and I would rather not have people looking at me and recognizing me,” he said. “I like my anonymity. Actually, I was embarrassed at my own [NESN] going-away party.”

Sox keep scoring for NESN

New England Sports Network earned its fourth-highest household rating for any event in the regional cable and satellite television service’s 20-year history Tuesday night for a Boston Red Sox telecast.

NESN drew a 13.3 average household rating for the Boston-Anaheim game at Fenway Park. Viewership peaked at 17.0 during the 8:45 p.m. quarter hour. The household rating is the percentage of total households in the market turned to a specific program.

The 13.3 rating is NESN’s highest-ever for a non-Red Sox/New York Yankees broadcast.

Pats on FSNNE’s back

Fox Sports Net New England is leaving no piece of sod unturned when it comes to New England Patriots coverage this fall and winter season.

With three nightly and two weekly shows covering the Patriots and the NFL, FSNNE is devoting 14 hours of coverage per week to New England’s quest for a third Super Bowl title in four years.

FSNNE’s lineup includes Mohegan Sun/Boston Herald’s New England Sports Tonight, Mohegan Sun’s New England Tailgate, Totally Football, and The Ultimate Fantasy Football Show.

Andrew Neff can be reached at 990-8205, 1-800-310-8600 or at aneff@bangordailynews.net