976-1313
Scott Orgera
Sports Phone set out to change the way scores and breaking news were consumed, and in turn ended up setting the tone for the up-to-the-second updates we take for granted today. Found among those who called the service home are some of the most well-known broadcasters, reporters, public address announcers, and other prominent media figures — as well as several who’ve been successful in Hollywood and the music industry. A veritable breeding ground for these now-polished professionals, the dial-up platform that once handled 50 million calls in a year churned out talent at a level likely not seen before or since.
Brought to you by media veterans Scott Orgera and Sports Phone alum Howie Karpin, 976-1313: How Sports Phone Launched Careers and Broke New Ground features never-before-told tales of triumph and tragedy, a mix of hilarity, inspiration, and regret from the broadcasting hopefuls and sports junkies that comprised the brains and voices behind the pioneering operation. If you were assembling an All-Star team of media personnel, you’d only have to look as far as Sports Phone’s ranks.
As colorful as that cast of characters was, those who dialed 976-1313 regularly had their own yarns to spin. They form a tapestry of hardcore fans, award-winning actors, well-known comedians, impulsive gamblers, Broadway singers, and infamous mobsters, each with captivating stories told within these pages.
With 75 years of collective experience between them, Karpin and Orgera interviewed more than a hundred people en route to creating what is a must-read.
Much of what we see and hear today was started by Sports Phone, and this tome covers untapped historical territory from every angle, kicked off with a compelling foreword written by revered broadcaster Kenny Albert.
Duration - 8h 1m.
Author - Scott Orgera.
Narrator - Joe Farinacci.
Published Date - Wednesday, 17 January 2024.
Copyright - © 2024 SDO Sports and Tech LLC ©.
Location:
United States
Description:
Sports Phone set out to change the way scores and breaking news were consumed, and in turn ended up setting the tone for the up-to-the-second updates we take for granted today. Found among those who called the service home are some of the most well-known broadcasters, reporters, public address announcers, and other prominent media figures — as well as several who’ve been successful in Hollywood and the music industry. A veritable breeding ground for these now-polished professionals, the dial-up platform that once handled 50 million calls in a year churned out talent at a level likely not seen before or since. Brought to you by media veterans Scott Orgera and Sports Phone alum Howie Karpin, 976-1313: How Sports Phone Launched Careers and Broke New Ground features never-before-told tales of triumph and tragedy, a mix of hilarity, inspiration, and regret from the broadcasting hopefuls and sports junkies that comprised the brains and voices behind the pioneering operation. If you were assembling an All-Star team of media personnel, you’d only have to look as far as Sports Phone’s ranks. As colorful as that cast of characters was, those who dialed 976-1313 regularly had their own yarns to spin. They form a tapestry of hardcore fans, award-winning actors, well-known comedians, impulsive gamblers, Broadway singers, and infamous mobsters, each with captivating stories told within these pages. With 75 years of collective experience between them, Karpin and Orgera interviewed more than a hundred people en route to creating what is a must-read. Much of what we see and hear today was started by Sports Phone, and this tome covers untapped historical territory from every angle, kicked off with a compelling foreword written by revered broadcaster Kenny Albert. Duration - 8h 1m. Author - Scott Orgera. Narrator - Joe Farinacci. Published Date - Wednesday, 17 January 2024. Copyright - © 2024 SDO Sports and Tech LLC ©.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:19:13
Dedications
Duration:00:36:54
Preface
Duration:03:04:09
Foreword
Duration:03:28:02
A Guide to Our Book
Duration:20:29:44
Sports Phone Stories
Duration:07:30:22
Chapter 1. The Birth of Sports Phone
Duration:14:39:49
Chapter 2. How It All Worked
Duration:57:34:46
Chapter 3. Telephone Trailblazers
Duration:37:39:31
Chapter 4. Getting a Job at Sports Phone
Duration:39:07:51
Chapter 5. The WFUV and WNYU Family Tree
Duration:09:20:59
Chapter 6. The Callers: Fans, Fantasy & Franchise Quarterbacks
Duration:01:29:44
Chapter 7. The Callers: Bookies, Bettors, and Touts
Duration:36:02:35
Chapter 8. The Callers: Goodfellas
Duration:18:15:10
Chapter 9. Hollywood Connections
Duration:53:50:47
Chapter 10. More Sports Phone Stories
Duration:05:16:07
Chapter 11. The Competition
Duration:13:03:07
Chapter 12. The Evolution of Live Scores and News
Duration:23:24:03
Chapter 13. Closing Time
Duration:09:03:47
Chapter 14. Final Thoughts
Duration:07:33:25
In Memoriam
Duration:00:32:27
About the Authors
Duration:03:03:51
Acknowledgments
Duration:02:08:48
Ending Credits
Duration:00:25:55