Last Word On Sports Media Podcast

It's the latest edition of our show devoted to covering sports media with insight, analysis and info. And, this week's edition spends a lot of time on the new found "marriage" of the NFL and ESPN with their announced deal for the league to buy a 10% stake in ESPN and for ESPN to now be in charge of the NFL media assets like NFL Network and the "NFL RedZone" Sunday coverage, etc. It's all part of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" with host T.J. Rives back aboard. He also welcomes Joe Flint, Senior Media Writer for the Wall Street Journal, who's been covering the NFL deal with ESPN that has been ongoing for months and months. Joe has insight on when this will take effect, how the fans viewing will be impacted (if much at all) and more. Also, the guys discuss whether ESPN is compromised now from an integrity standpoint and being able to be critical of the NFL on a big scale, if the NFL is now part owner, etc.? Plus, how much say will ESPN have on something like the RedZone, which has been commercial free for it's two decade existence, but could now have ads? They also discuss the NCAA and it's basketball tournament failing to get it's TV Partners Skydance/CBS and WBD/Turner Sports to go along with expanding. And, also the WWE has a new deal with ESPN also for streaming its biggest events. Finally, T.J. wraps up with some ratings and news info from over the weekend and more. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

On the newest edition of the sports media show/podcast we're back talking the passing of baseball icon Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs and the media angles around his playing and managerial career, etc. Plus, we talk the NFL getting back to work with training camps and the scary mass shooting at the HQ in Manhattan on Monday, where the gunman was apparently targeting their officies. It's all part of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" with co-hosts T.J. Rives and Mike Gill. The guys are also joined by George Ofman from Chicago. George is the host of the "Tell me a story I don't know' sports podcast to talk the passing of Sandberg and give insight on his career, the coverage of it and more. Also, T.J. and Mike talk the scary cancer surgery for Colorado Buffaloes coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. He met the media on Monday. And, they also prop the Nascar on TNT coverage from Sunday's "Brickyard 400" race at Indianapolis with the thrilling final two laps coverage. It's all on this "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back as Summer rolls on with more on sports media takes, ratings and interviews on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast." Host T.J. Rives is back with more on: Scottie Scheffler winning another golf major and actually brining more audience for NBC on Sunday late morning/early afternoon. The WNBA All Star Game last Saturday night predicably having a dud audience on ABC (down over 30%) with Caitlin Clark injured and unable to play. And, what about FS1 cable turning to Dave Portnoy's "Barstool Sports" to help their lifeless audience numbers during the week, etc.? Then, T.J. brings aboard Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, noted NFL author and national writer Jason Cole to go over some top stories. What's going on with the NFL Players Association and the ouster of their executive director. And, why isn't it seemingly getting more media and public scrutiny? Jason and T.J. debate. Plus, they talk some interesting storylines for the upcming season. The show wraps with T.J. giving thoughts on Paramount/CBS cancelling Steven Colbert's late night show on the network- a show failing in audience and losing massive money. Where have you gone Johnny Carson?! It's all on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Our newest show/podcast welcomes back Mike Gill with T.J. Rives to go over numerous sports media topics, including: The MLB All-Star Game/coverage on Fox Sports and of course, the home run derby knockoff to decide it the ending won by the National League. Do the guys like it or not? And, what else from the ASG broadcast stood out? Next, Andrew Marchand of the the Athletic breaks the Fox/FS1 cancellation news of three daily shows, including "Speak" with Joy Taylor, apparently tiding up all of the lawsuit controversy. What does FS1 have to do to get some audience during the day? Also, the WNBA All Star Game is this weekend in Indianapolis, but Caitlin Clark was re-injured at the end of the game Tuesday night at Connecticut. She's doubtful know to be able to participate now. How much does this damper it all and that includes, the primetime audience on ABC for Saturday night? And, Samantha Ponder finally speaks out on her ESPN firing on Sage Steele's new show/podcast. It's her first public comments since being dropped from her high paying "Sunday NFL Countdown" hosting role last year. The guys also talk abou the #1 golfer in the world Scottie Scheffler playing in the "Open Championship" (or "British Open" as we know it) this week. He had some very interesting comments on what does or doesn't motivate him anymore to the media. We like the honesty! Hear it all on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a special edition of the show this week, as we've flipped our calendars to July and we decided to enlist a couple of guests to help sort out some interesting, current sports media topics on the "LWOS Media Podcast." Host T.J. Rives welcomes Ken Fang of Awful Announcing and Tyler Jones of Chat Sports and his "Jones Report" Pod to this show. They cover: The end (sort of) of Turner broadcasting the NBA and new partners NBC and Amazon coming up. NASCAR's failed production is hampering the mid-season racing slate. Tyler sounds off specifically. Also, T.J. talks up the new "F1" movie with Brad Pitt and how it's helping the F1 brand immediately with interest. Next, what does Ken think of ESPN's Wimbledon coverage/broadcasters? Does anyone really care anymore about what use to be sports television "Gold," the MLB All Star Game? The boys discuss. And, could there be some musical chairs coming soon for NFL TV studio shows? And more! It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Some controversy on the golf course with an on course TV reporter and a famous golfer getting into a fulll fledged verbal dispute after the round and a guest with great insight is part of the newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast." Host T.J. Rives is back to go over it all. First, he talks media news including: the return of ESPN's NFL analyst Randy Moss slated for this year after his battle with cancer. Get more of the details. Next, a sexual harrassment lawsuit settlement is in place for former Fox Sports talent Julie Stewart-Binks against the company. Is ESPN back in the discussion to keep Sunday night MLB baseball? And, we have more on the NBA Draft Ratings, etc. Then, he's joined by PGATour Radio's Will Haskett. They discuss the controversy with NBC's Roger Maltbie and multi-time champion golfer Padraig Harrington of Ireland last Saturday at the U.S. Senior Open event in Colorado. Where's "the line" on an on course commentator and doing his job vs. potentially, making a golfer mad/interfering with him or not? It's a fascinating listen into golf coverage and dealing with the pros. And, it's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a wrap to the NBA season with the OKC Thunder winning their first NBA title and now the attention immediately turns to the NBA Draft and the name Cooper Flagg. And, we're ready to talk about it all on the newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast." Host T.J. Rives returns and welcomes guest "The Famous Jay" Betsill of DFWSportsOnline.com to go over it all. What about the game 7 "bump" in TV audience for Disney/ABC? But, also, bigger how abominable has ESPN/ABC's pregame and halftime show become? The guys discuss. Then, they turn to the Dallas Mavericks, who will take the phenom Flagg on Wendesday night at the draft on ESPN from Brooklyn, NY. How's the Dallas market handling all of this and the anticipation of Flagg being the new "star of the NBA" potentially 2-3 years down the road? Jay has the insight. We also talk some golf with the wrap up to the U.S. Open title won by J.J. Spaun dramatically and followed by Keegan Bradley winning in thrilling fashion Sunday in Hartford on the final hole. Now, will Bradley pick himself to be a "playing captain" on the USA Ryder Cup team against the Europeans this Fall? The boys also discuss the end of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs with the Florida Panthers winning it all and going back to back for titles. They also talk the coverage and can anything help boost the audience to a competitive level with the NBA or MLB or is there no hope? There's even some brief pop culture discussion of the new Brad Pitt sports movie "F1" as he plays a fictitious Formula One driver and the film is getting lots of hype. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc. for all of our coverage.

It's our latest edition of the show where we take a look at sports media news, ratings and updates and that includes the NBA Finals and whether a prominent ESPN commentator is speaking for America on being less than interested? Plus, Caitlin Clark's returns to WNBA action, the Stanley Cup Final and more on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast." Host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill discuss: Stephen A. Smith caught playing Solitaire on his phone while OKC-IND game 4 action was going on and how bad a look for ESPN? Did he speak for most of America though on not caring to watch that much? Then, it turns to the electric Clark bombing in three pointers for Indiana in her Saturday return to help restart interest in the WNBA season. The guys go over her quick impact. They also talk thrilling end to the rain interrupted final round of the US Open golf on Sunday for NBC won by little known JJ Spaun dramatically on the final hole. But, what was good or not so good on the TV coverage? The Stanley Cup Final wrapped up Tuesday night with another Florida Panthers win to go back to back, but disappointingly, the hockey just doesn't grow audience right now. The College World Series has a no-hitter to spice things up and also, it's the 31st anniversary of the infamous OJ Simpson Bronco chase from the L.A. cops, And, we bring back a segment from George Ofman's "Tell me a story I don't know" podcast with Bob Costas re-living how OJ was trying to call him on that Friday night, as Costas hosted the NBC NBA Finals coverage live in New York. It's great stuff. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

On our newest edition of the sports media POD, host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill return with their insight, info and opinions on the latest. They go over: The NBA Finals are underway with a close game and blowout, but commissioner Adam Silver is already complaining about TV Ratings always being mentioned. Also, is it over for the ABC 3 person booth? Next, the Stanley Cup Coverage is excellent for Turner/TNT. The guys discuss how Kenny Albert Ed Olyczk and Brian Boucher have messed into a great "championship call" night in and night out. They also play Albert's 2OT call of Brad Marchand GW goal for the Panthers. Next, legendary Dick Vitale Re-Ups with ESPN and celebrates his 86th Birthday Plus, TJ has a story of being with Dick at a hall of fame banquet last week in Tampa, too. Next, Mike disses on the Belmont Stakes coverage on Fox. Why with a network known for being so good, was the broadcast soooo lame?! We await the ratings result (drop) for the CBS/WNBA prime time game for Indiana at Chicago WITHOUT Caitlin Clark. Later this week it's the U.S. Open golf on NBC/Golf Channel, where the course at Oakmont Golf Glub just outside Pennsylvania will be THE Story on how hard it is and how difficult to score it will be. Also, they prop a MLB- tremendous Call on Denzel Clarke of the A's leaping catch Monday night by the A's play by play woman, Jenny Cavanar and analyst Dallas Braden. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscrbe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's the latest edition of our show/podcast as host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill are back to go over the sports media topics that kickoff the month of June on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" The guys cover NBA Finals set with OKC/IND. Is this series going to be one of the least watched ever? Were the ratings due to plummet without a "big market" involved? The guys also talk the sendoff of the "NBA on TNT" with the end of the Indiana/NY Knicks series and now, the bizarre situation with their "Inside the NBA" pre-game and post-game show going to Disney/ABC/ESPN next year. Next up is the Stanley Cup rematch with Florida/Edmonton. Will that hurt the casual interest that it's not prominent franchises and we saw it last year? The guys discuss. A possible great storyline for them is: can a Canadian team breakthrough for their first Cup since 1993?! Incredible drought for that Country, when it's "their sport." The guys also talk the reports of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament expansion heating up and why the proposals could be "dead on arrival" because CBS/Turner don't want more "play-in" type games. Also, NCAA College Baseball Tourney is going and the results were bad for the SEC specifically and now the non-power conferences may have a tougher time with the bigger conferences not wanting them in their post-seasons. The guys talk abou ti all on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscrbie to this feed for all our content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

On this edition of the show we get the chance to spend some time with Sean Kelley, the radio voice of the Florida Gators and also a free lance contributor to ESPN Radio's play by play coverage of the NBA and MLB. Host T.J. Rives and Sean go back almost 25 years together as broadcasters and they have an engaging conversation with Sean on his career, the Gators winning the college basketball national championship and now working NBA playoff games for ESPN Radio. Sean has great insight into his call of the winning moment and his call in San Antonio in April, as Florida knocked off Houston for their third national title. And, he also relates his best venues to have called a game in his career. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's the newest edition of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" off the Memorial Day Weekend covering everyting from racing to the NBA to MLB having new interest in Sunday night baseball? Host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill are back and go over: - Indy 500 scores BIG in the ratings in it's Fox Debut. Why did it do so well? - The NBA is one game away from a Thunder/Pacers Finals and is that going to be an audience disaster or sign of a new wave of NBA stars that have to take over? - Plus, the NBA on Turner "Swansong" coming at the end of Pacers/Knicks after 40+ years of doing pro basketball. - Also, Caitlin Clark is injured- are the WNBA Interest/Ratings about to suffer? - New- NBC And Apple reportedly are neegotiating For the Sunday Night MLB package that ESPN apparently no longer wants. - And, it's late May and we have in-fighting For conferences over the College Football Playoff format. The guys explain and detail the greedy moves by the SEC and Big Ten upcoming. It's all part of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast," and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

He has one of the most exciting play by play jobs in all of sports. Larry Collmus is the live track announcer for some of the biggest moments in horse racing, including NBC Sports coverage of the "Triple Crown" races. And, he's with our host Mike Gill on a special editoin of the "LWOS Media Podcast!" The 59 year old Collmus, a Baltimore, MD, native, is off his thrilling call of "Journalism," the horse who narrowly lost the 2025 Kentucky Derby finishing second, roaring from behind to narrowly win the Preakness this past weekend. Larry gives Mike insight into all that goes into seeing and calling a dramatic race like last Saturday and talks more about his long career as an announcer at famous tracks all over the U.S. Collmus has been with NBC since 2011 and continues quite a run as such a recognizable voice in sports play by play. Hear him on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back with another edition talking all things sports media, as Caitlin Clark and the WNBA have returned, a crazy finish and great race call to the Preakness, Bill Belichick is still trying to rehab his image and more on the "LWOS Media Podcast." Host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill return with their insight and analysis on the topics this week. What about the Clark/Angel Reese contraoversy and how the WNBA continues in year two of having a transcendent player to botch the situaion and promotion, etc.? Still, the ratings for her games with Indiana are tremendous by their previous standard. The guys discuss. There's alson NBA Playoffs talk and can the NY Knicks save the ratings for ESPN/ABC in the Finals? Also, the ECF series of Knicks/Pacers willl be the last games on Turner for awhile. They also go over the outstanding race call finish to the 2025 Preakness with announcer Larry Colmus and discuss how to make the Triple Crown races better attended by the top horses. Plus talk on Scottie Scheffler winning the PGA Champ on CBS, the NHL Final Four for the Stanley Cup Playoffs are set, the Indy 500 goes to Fox Sunday and Scott Hanson is back on NFL Redzone too! It's all part of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back with another week and takes/news on sports media from Michael Jordan joining NBC's NBA covergae, to the NFL flexing it's off field interest again this week and the "Rich Eisen Show' is on the move back to where he started nationally, ESPN. It's all part of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" Host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill of "The Sports Bash" five day a week afternoon show in Atlantic City, NJ return with their insight and opinions. They talk some NBA Playoffs and shaky games and looming matchups that might not have a lot of interest. But, there was definitely intrigue from the Monday night NBA Draft Lottery and Cooper Flagg headed to Dallas. Plus, will MJ make an impact and even, be critical of players/coaches, etc. as a broadcaster later this year? Also, the boys are interested in the NFL putting out it's schedule on Wednesday night and the amount of natonal standalone games and different places that they will be played. Plus, they discuss what ESPN might be up to with the Rich Eisen Show coming to their outlets online and on maybe on ESPN Radio? It's all on the newest "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Some insane endings in the Stanley Cup and NBA Playoff matchups, one of the premier single events in sports, the Kentucky Derby, delivers on audience and more are part of the latest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives is back with co-host Mike Gill to go over it all and give some insight and takes. They talk first about some great play by play moments by Kenny Albert of TNT in the thrilling game 7 finish of the NHL series with Winnipeg and St. Louis. And, then, follow it up with fellow Turner broadcaster Ian Eagle calling a last second three pointer for the Nuggets to beat the Thunder in game 1 on Monday night. The guys have thoughts on the broadcasters showing greatness. Then, the attention turns to the Kentucky Derby and the success that NBC has had growing the audience year after year for the race. Also, though, there was a scary situation for one of their premier broadcasters in Mike Tirico, who had a food allergy make him ill and take him off the pre-race coverage. You'll hear from Tirico on what happened and our guys can relate their own food allergy stories, too. The guys talk the media handling of the Batimore Ravens releasing controversial kicker Justin Tucker and finish by going over an amazing TV series finale' anniversary for May 6th of 2004. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a jammed edition of the latest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" with so much to cover from the plummeting NFL Draft status of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, to former Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his "girlfriend problem" as it relates to coverage and the NBA playoffs heating up. Host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill are back wtih their insight and takes on it all. Why did Deion Sanders' son not get drafted on the first two nights costing him 10s of millions of dollars and more to our point, what about the media coverage and the takes? The guys go over with insight and analysis of the draft on ESPN, NFL Network and the internet. Also, what's up with Belichick, who's a first time college coach with North Carolina and has his nearly 50 years younger girlfriend already badly damaged his situation with her handling of the media? We discuss it all. There's trouble for Shannon Sharpe and have we seen the last of him on ESPN, plus, a top Fox Sports executive is now out of his role with two different lawsuits pending against him and the huge broadcaster. The guys also talk NBA Playoffs coverage and ratings and wonder what would be so wrong with having Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller call the NBA Finals one year? The are truly great together on game coverage on Turner Sports. Hear it all on the newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcsat" and make sure to be on this feed for all our coverage through Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

On this special edition of the LWOS Media Podcast, host T.J. Rives is back to remember one of the iconic TV play by play broadcasters of the 1980s-2010s, as ESPN's Mike Patrick passed away at age 80 this past weekend. T.J. welcomes back to the pod- Ken Fang of Awful Announcing and broadcaster historian Phil de Montmolin of the Announcer Schedules Twitter handle and podcast to share their thougts and stories on Patrick's career. Whether it was calling big time College Basketball in the 80's with Dick Vitale or eventually becoming the signature voice of the NFL on ESPN starting in 1987 and running for 18 years teaming with Joe Theismann and Paul McGuire, Patrick became legendary for the "big game" calls of his career. They guys share a roundtable of stories and personal encounters, as well, as Patrick's versatility was constantly on display, including doing the women's final four and the college world series for ESPN, too. It's all part of this special "LWOS Media Podcast" remembering Mike Patrick and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

On this week’s Last Word on Sports Media, host T.J. Rives and co-host Mike Gill react to the breaking news of Lee Corso's retirement from #ESPN's College #GameDay and his legendary media legacy. It's a move that has been years in the making. Why now? And, what's the natural evolution of that show? The guys also dive deep into media coverage of the #NBA and #NHL #StanleyCup playoffs, and preview how ESPN and #NFL Network are handling their 2025 #NFLDraft coverage. Who’s doing it best, what to expect from live broadcasts, and how networks are stacking their talent? You'll hear the draft story of former New York Giants running back great now turned WFAN Radio and CBS Sports NFL broadcast Tiki Barber telling Tiki Barber his draft story. And, his twin brother Ronde, who went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was picked a little while later than night in 1997. The guys also go over the NBA's TV ratings from Easter weekend and the bump that they got from the Lakers, Celtics and Warriors in their standalone games. Also, there was a massive technical glitch for Turner Sports NBA coverage in Cleveland and sideline reporter and former Magic player Dennis Scott saved the broadcast. The guys also talk Wrestlemania coverage for the WWE and the "Pat McAfee Show" for ESPN, etc. We give you insights, behind-the-scenes talk, and media takes you won’t hear anywhere else on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spotify/Spreaker, etc.!

We're back with another April edition of our show talking the HUGE Sunday on the course for Rory McIlroy winning The Masters and for CBS wtih the massive audience his dramatic playoff win brought. Plus, was a prominent ESPN host really about to leave for rival Fox Sports? We're ready to go over it all on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives is back with co-host Mike Gill to give their insight and takes. They discuss the dramatics on CBS Sunday and why the Masters resonates for sports fans that aren't really golf fans. And, how Jim Nantz is in his best element calling this event. Then, they turn to the story of Rece Davis re-signing with ESPN to continue to host their College Gameday for football and basketball, but was he really close to leaving for Fox Sports' coverage of college football and more? Lots of discussion on this. The guys also talk the NBA playoffs starting mid-week with their lastest "Play-in" one game elimination games to set their final two seeds in each conference. Plus, they talk about tremendous national hockey play by play voice Kenny Albert getting a new role with the N.Y. Rangers. And, they wrap with some LEGENDARY boxing nostalgia on the 40th anniversary of the Marvin Hagler-Thomas "Hitman" Hearns three round brawl from 1985. They also have some quick comments with an interivews with from great boxing broadcasters Al Bernstein and Barry Tompkins. It's all on the "LWOS Media Podcast!" and make sure to follow/subscribe for our content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!