Stephen A. Smith recently signed a massive new contract, he’s got national commercials, always seems to have the network’s backing whenever he crosses the line – be it uttering the N-word on air, or threatening one of the best players in the NBA – but how does this all look to the guy who carries the show Smith co-stars on, First Take?
As the stories in Bristol go, Skip Bayless is less than thrilled with the current setup of First Take. He shows up hours before the show goes on air and huddles with producers to go over topics they will cover, as it usually works in television. According to several people at ESPN interviewed for this article, Smith is said to regularly saunter into the morning meetings a half hour before the show, leading Bayless to ask colleagues at the network why he has to do all the work. On more than one occasion, Smith has called into said meeting from his bed.
ESPN’s been through a tumultuous year, losing some recognizable names from their opinion roster: Keith Olbermann, Bill Simmons, Colin Cowherd, and most recently, Jason Whitlock. Like Cowherd, ESPN wants to keep Bayless when his contract ends next year. He’s on one of the most lucrative TV shows at the network and it sets the table for His & Hers, giving the show a nice lead-in, and helping turn it into a hit. In 2016, Bayless figures to become one of the highest-paid people at the network. Unless … is there a chance he leaves?
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Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
