Starting June 1st, Mark Brunell will serve as a sports reporter, analyst, anchor and insider for News4JAX, WJXT in Jacksonville, FL, the city in which Brunell quarterbacked the Jaguars for nine seasons.
Brunell will be teamed up with Cole Pepper and Brian Jackson, replacing sports director Sam Kouvaris, who’s contract was not renewed. Brunell will anchor the 6, 10 and 11 p.m. sports reports throughout parts of the year.
“The idea that we’re going to be re-defining sports coverage in local newscasts is very exciting to me,” said Brunell. “Wherever I go in the community, people always ask me for the story behind why our team won or lost. I’ll now be able to share that information on TV regularly on the best local television station in Jacksonville. I’m thrilled to be at a news organization willing to think about how fans want information on their favorite teams and develop an innovative approach to provide it.”
As the Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s head football coach, Brunell has a strong understanding of the local sports scene. Brunell will continue to coach the team even with his new position at WJXT.
“Our commitment to local sports has never been stronger than it is right now. That’s what being the local station is all about,” said WJXT GM Bob Ellis. “With Mark now here regularly, we’ll have additional announcements coming about plans for more special events and coverage of local sports. Things no one has ever done in Jacksonville, things viewers have been asking us to do for years.”
Brunell was already partnered with News4JAX, writing a weekly column and hosting the Monday Morning Quarterback segment during the NFL season each Monday after a Jaguars game. Brunell will continue to carry out those responsibilities for WJXT in addition to his expanded role at the station.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
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.
