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KFI AM-640 Afternoon Host John Kobylt Has Adjusted to Life Without Ken Chiampou

BNM Staff
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KFI AM-640 Afternoon Host John Kobylt Has Adjusted to Life Without Ken Chiampou

Over 30 years on KFI, Los Angeles, the John and Ken Show became as iconic to Southern Californians as the Hollywood Sign and the Dodgers. When Ken Chiampou announced his radio retirement this past November you couldn’t help but wonder what would become of his career-long partner, John Kobylt.

John announced he’d fly solo but to some of us that sounded like bravado. You don’t replace half of a superstar talk team with the remaining half and expect the same audience chemistry and response.

But that’s exactly what he did.

JK: Things have been going remarkably well. We (Ken and I) had a good last three months and it continued through the first four months of this year. Fortunately, it didn’t skip a beat. The audience stuck with us.

Earlier this week, Kobylt told me outside of missing Ken’s company on and off the air the big difference is the added show prep work.

JK: The structure of my workday, all the stuff off the air, is a lot different, somewhat more stressful than anything on the air. But off air, Ken used to do a lot of work. He was like the super producer on the show. Ray Lopez is our producer, but Ken would get up early in the morning, 6 a.m., and gather up a couple of dozen headlines and send it to Ray and me. He originally did that because I had three little boys aged five and under.

So he said, look, you are really tired in the morning. I’m awake, so why don’t I get things started? And it was true. I had to make the guys’ breakfast and take them to school. By the time I got home, it was after nine o’clock and Ken had already been up three hours. So he got the first rundown sent to us and I could see what he found. And then I could go and do my own search.

He took a lot of what I would say is the obvious headlines of the day and I would look for the longer pieces, the more magazine-style pieces, editorials, or columns to see different ways of looking at issues because I did not want to do the same kind of show that everybody else does.

DW: And now you do it all.

JK: And now I’ve gotta do it all. You know, I get up at 5:30 in the morning and I’ve got to send out the first run of headlines, then I find the extra stuff that I really like to talk about. I guess the big difference is this is all what I’m interested in. You know, this is not through Ken’s lens.

DW: So, has your subject matter changed at all now that you’re doing more of the pre-producing?

JK: No. I mean, I’ve always looked at doing a talk show like, uh, did you ever work at a music station? Top 40 station?

DW: Oh, yeah.

JK: Well that that’s what we did too. And I always looked at it as you play the hit records. After all the time out here in LA, over 30 years, I know what the hit records are.  I know what ignites the KFI audience.

I explain it to people this way: there is a circle of things I’m interested in, there’s a circle of things the audience is interested in. Where we overlap is what I do on the show.  I don’t do stuff I don’t care about. There are a lot of issues that are beaten to death on other talk shows that I just don’t care about. And I’ll, I’ll say that on the air: ‘I’ve got a big story. I don’t care.’  And you know, there’s stuff that the audience doesn’t care about.

DW: How do you figure out what an entire audience cares about?

JK: Well, after all this time, you know, KFI has this audience for a reason. And since I’ve lived on the inside for over 30 years with it, you know… I hate the word family, but like, you know how your friends and family think, right? And they know how you think, the people closest to you in life.

DW: In LA there’s a lot of stuff going on locally, politically, statewide…

JK: Yeah, you know, (in California) we live under a communist system.

(We both laugh.)

JK: That’s what it is. I mean, you just quickly go through the issues. The homelessness is so out of control and it’s gross, disgusting. Homelessness. You know, these are not poor people down on their luck that just got evicted from the house.

No, these are lifelong drug addicts, criminals, and mental patients for the most part, the street people that you see. And they’re terrorizing everybody, absolutely terrorizing, everybody’s afraid.  So that’s a real big deal, you know, and gas here is two dollars more a gallon than it is in most other states. And people see that every day, you know, every few blocks. So it’s that kind of stuff we’re living within California that nobody is living within any other state.

There’s a set of circumstances here that are unique inside the borders of California. And people know I’m here going through exactly the same thing that they’re going through. And that’s a big part of the bond.

KFI Program Director Robin Bertolucci is effusive in her praise of John’s continuing solo success:

RB: Super proud of the great trajectory for The John Kobylt Show! John has a pep in his step and has been super engaged and excited about the show. That comes through loud and clear. The John Kobylt Show is live, local, and focused on the biggest issues impacting Southern California and it is working beautifully! Hats off to the whole team- John Kobylt, Captain of the ship, Producer Ray Lopez, board op extraordinaire and the show’s social media maven Eric Sklar, and news with Debra Mark!

The words fearless and honest are overused in our business. Some very good talk talents have walked into major market stations and crumbled from fear and insecurity. Ask me, I’ll tell you. We try to be what we think we’re supposed to be rather than who we are.

John Kobylt is a nice guy who can’t possibly relate. He’s as honest and fearless as they come.

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The John Kobylt Show can be heard on KFI live weekdays live from 1-4 pm Pacific Time. See my separate YouTube interviews with John and Ken, when their split was first announced in November 2023.

The Importance of an Advertising Slogan

Jeff Caves
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The Importance of an Advertising Slogan

An advertising slogan is vital to any small or medium-sized business (SMB)’s advertising strategy. It communicates the story of a company, promotes its unique value proposition, and makes an emotional connection with customers. This guide will help you understand the importance of slogans and provide a step-by-step process to create an effective one for your business. Use this guide as well.

Brand Identity

A slogan articulates what your business stands for and its unique value proposition. This is essential for building a memorable brand that stands out in a competitive market. Identify what your company does better than anyone else.

Customer Connection

A well-crafted slogan can create an emotional connection with customers. It reflects the business’s values, mission, and personality, making it easier for customers to relate to and remember them.

Consistency in Marketing

A slogan provides consistency across all advertising platforms. A consistent slogan reinforces the brand message, making it more memorable with increased frequency of exposure.

Standing Out

A unique and catchy slogan differentiates your business from competitors in crowded markets. It highlights what sets your business apart and why customers should choose you over others.

Recall and Recognition

Slogans are often easier to remember than business names. A memorable slogan enhances recall and recognition, making customers more likely to think of your business when they need your products or services. A business must be known before they are needed.

For example, McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” is instantly recognizable and reinforces customers’ relationship with the brand. But how do you create a slogan for your business? Here is a simple guide:

1. Define Who You Are

   – Mission and Values: Reflect on your mission and core values. What do you stand for? What is your unique selling proposition (USP)?

   – Audience: Understand your target audience. What are their needs and preferences?

2. Identify Key Benefits

   – Focus on the main benefits your product or service provides. What problems do you solve for your customers? What sets you apart from competitors?

3. Keep It Simple

   – A good slogan is short, memorable, and easy to understand. Aim for a phrase that is no longer than five to seven words.

4. Make it Unique and Catchy

   – Use creative language that grabs attention. Play with words or rhyme to make your slogan catchy.

5. Be Timeless

   – Your slogan should be relevant for a long time. Avoid words that might quickly become outdated.

6. Reflect Your Personality

   – Ensure your slogan matches the tone and personality of your business. It should align with your overall branding, whether serious, fun, professional, or quirky.

7. Test it Out

   – Get feedback from employees, customers, and partners. Ensure they understand what you are trying to convey.

8. Ensure Uniqueness

   – Research to ensure another company isn’t already using your slogan. This prevents confusion and potential legal issues.

Example Process:

Define Brand Identity:

   – Mission: “Providing authentic NY deli food and local favorites, serving our community.”

   – Values: Authenticity, community.

Identify Key Benefits:

   – Unique fusion of cultural cuisines.

   – Authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients.

Keep It Simple and Concise:

   – Ideas: “Taste the World,” “Delight in Diversity,” “Savor the Fusion.”

Make It Unique and Catchy:

   – Final options: “Deliciously Diverse,” “Only in America!”

Reflect Your Personality:

   – Ensure the slogan feels inviting and inclusive if your business is warm and community-focused.

Test It Out:

   – Share with loyal customers and get their input. Do they feel it represents your business well?

Check for Uniqueness:

   – Quick online search to ensure no other local or national business uses the same slogan.

Winner: “Only in America!” This slogan represents the immigrant owner’s story, unique menu, and pride.

Following this guide, you can create a slogan that effectively builds your identity, connects with customers, and sets your business apart from the competition. Use these steps to craft a powerful slogan and build a strong, memorable image in the minds of your customers.

Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Ernie Johnson Are a Privilege to Watch

John Molori
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Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Ernie Johnson Are a Privilege to Watch

Rumors and reports are swirling about the impending disintegration of the quintessential NBA pregame show, Inside the NBA on TNT. This program has set a standard for basketball discourse with the illustrious crew of Ernie Johnson, Jr., Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley.

Their essence is more than just decades of basketball knowledge and accomplishments. In truth, this TNT crew stands in rarified broadcasting air with the likes of Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, and Don Meredith on Monday Night Football.

With NBC poised to make a run at pilfering the NBA from TNT, we may be looking at the end of an era. So, let’s play along and assume that next season is the last hurrah for this roundball wrecking crew. In television, when the end is near, two results can occur. A broadcast team can engage in self-pity and mail in their final shows, or they can make the most of their moments and deliver sterling performances.

Clearly, the TNT crew has embraced the latter. This was no more evident than on May 28 with Game 4 of the Western Conference Final series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks. On this night, the TNT pregame show foursome, joined by Draymond Green, delivered a positively beautiful performance.

Like an operatic aria or a Shakespearean soliloquy, Johnson, O’Neal, Smith, and Barkley took the stage and created epic moments. As always, it is Johnson who sets the tenor and tone of the discussion. He is a broadcasting icon, but also an anomaly.

Johnson is not blessed with the vivacity, voice, or volume of the prototypical sportscaster. In fact, in his early bespectacled days, Ernie Johnson looked more like Ernie Douglas from the old My Three Sons sitcom, but Johnson’s talent has never been about the surface. He is just really good at what he does. Johnson brings a depth of emotion and understanding to every show – competent and committed, prepared and passionate, solid and sensitive.

Similarly, Kenny Smith takes a singularly unique approach to his role on the show. In commenting on the Timberwolves, he offered a global view of the team saying that it is about more than just this series vs. Dallas. For them, Smith said, it is a mandate as to whether the Wolves are going to be true championship contenders for years to come or one year wonders.

The always awesome TNT production crew showed a telling graphic of how Dallas closed games one through three by erasing late game Minnesota’s leads. The NBA on TNT consistently has a smooth rhythm between the on-air talent and the behind-the-scenes production team. Each episode is synchronized, seamless, and statistically satisfying.

Early in the broadcast, Johnson threw to Allie LaForce, a courtside reporter of the highest caliber. LaForce is one of those vital sideline reporters who bring substance and important details to a broadcast. Her standups are not just a break from the set or booth. She is thorough, prepared, and proactive. LaForce is one of my favorite reporters along with Lisa Salters, Melissa Stark, and the fast-rising Meghan McKeown.

With Minnesota facing a deep deficit in the series, Smith again rose above cliched commentary when he opined that to be an NBA player, you have to be delusional. Smith expounded on that premise saying that you have to be delusional to think you can make it as an NBA player and that Minnesota has to be delusional and truly believe that they can come back in the series. The Wolves obviously did just that, winning Game 4.

Smith brings these delicious morsels to the broadcast table every night. The dude has depth and is so captivating to listen to and watch. I see a lot of Kenny Smith in FS1’s Emmanuel Acho and CBS’ Nate Burleson. These chaps seek out original angles and articulate them perfectly.

At different times in their NBA playing careers O’Neal, Smith, and Barkley took important leadership roles on their respective teams. Barkley talked about how important it is for playoff teams to set the tone at home games – getting the crowd into the game and being aggressive from the opening jump. Of course, fearless aggression has been Barkley’s calling card both as a player and a personality.

While the first 20 minutes of this edition of the show showcased the immense strengths of its talent, the show rose to a completely different level when Johnson introduced a tribute to NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who passed away on May 27 at the age of 71.

TNT’s Reggie Miller joined the crew on set and began what I believe was the best all-around segment of the entire NBA media season. Miller talked about his personal connection to Walton, as both men were sublime players at UCLA. He explained that Walton would often return to UCLA to mentor young players not only on basketball, but on life.

Barkley then chimed in talking about Walton’s bigger than life personality. He said that he never met a person who was more of a joy to be around than Bill Walton and told us that one of his most prized possessions is a photo of him with Walton and Bill Russell.

You could tell that Barkley was truly touched and moved by Walton’s passing and his legacy. “Our basketball hearts are heavy,” said Barkley. “The world is not as good a place as it was yesterday because we lost Bill Walton.”

Johnson talked personally about the strong connection between Walton and legendary UCLA Head Coach John Wooden while Green recalled Bill Walton visiting the Warriors often when his son Luke Walton was on Steve Kerr’s coaching staff.

Perhaps the most candid discussion about Walton came from O’Neal. Walton was a part of O’Neal’s personal Big Man Alliance along with Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell. He frankly revealed that he and Walton had many difficulties in their relationship and that Walton was quite critical of him early in his career.

O’Neal got emotional as he talked about how he first resented Walton, but over time, realize that Walton was just trying to make him a better player and person. It was a deeply personal confession. Smith added to the tribute reminiscing about taking NBA sponsored trips with Walton and listening to his many stories over the years. He also said that if Walton played today, he would be on a par with two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.

Johnson got deeply personal in his recollections. He read an actual email that Walton sent to him when Johnson’s mother passed away. It was a truly touching moment as the show went to break to which Barkley responded, “That’s a mic drop, Ernie.”

The Walton tribute was sports television in its highest art form. One by one, these men took off their jovial veneers and bared their souls. If Inside the NBA as we know it is nearly done, this should be the Hall of Fame and time capsule episode. It had absolutely everything – debate, basketball analysis, humor, and the heartfelt, in-depth ideals of a basketball genius collective.

Johnson, O’Neal, Smith, and Barkley form a quintessential quartet of quality quipsters. They are a group of ex-players led by a seasoned TV pro who came together to talk hoops and ended up changing studio sports television forever.

If next season is indeed their swan song, let’s just realize what we have been privileged to watch. This foursome ranks with the best far beyond basketball – like Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr making music; Grier, Olsen, Jones, and Lundy making tackles; Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion making their way down the Yellow Brick Road; or Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer making nothing. They are quite simply the very best.

Chicago Bears to Be Featured on Training Camp Edition of ‘Hard Knocks’

BSM Staff
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Chicago Bears to Be Featured on Training Camp Edition of ‘Hard Knocks’

HBO and NFL Films have announced that the Chicago Bears will be the featured team on this summer’s training camp edition of Hard Knocks. The five-episode series will premiere on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO and will also be available to stream on Max. New episodes will debut on Tuesdays through Sept. 3 ahead of the start of the NFL’s regular season. Liev Schrieber will narrate the Bears’ edition of the series, which marks his 18th season on the program.

“We are honored to feature such an iconic NFL franchise on ‘Hard Knocks,’” Shannon Furman, senior director and supervising producer at NFL Films, said in a statement. “The Chicago Bears have a talented roster, coaching staff and front office all determined to match the expectations of a hungry fanbase. We are thankful to the entire organization for opening their doors to us for what is sure to be an exciting training camp.”

“‘Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears’ will provide our passionate fans across the world the ability to experience this unique and critical time in the history of our franchise,” Kevin Warren, president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Bears, said in a statement.

The Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and aim to qualify for the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2020 with a dynamic young core and skilled veterans. In the year prior, the team had traded the No. 1 overall draft selection to the Carolina Panthers and received several draft picks in return, one of which ended up being the No. 1 selection in this past draft. Entering the 2024 season, the team is coming off three consecutive losing finishes and trying to execute a rebuild with the hope of securing its second Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Aside from the Chicago Bears, the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos were the other two teams eligible for being forced to participate on the show. The National Football League recently refined its criteria by narrowing the timeframe from having previously participated from 10 years to eight, along with removing the exception made for teams that have recently made the playoffs.

This summer’s iteration of the show will mark the first time the Bears franchise is featured on Hard Knocks, which follows editions of the show last year featuring the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. Moreover, the New York Giants were revealed to be the featured team as part of the first offseason edition of the series, which premieres on July 2 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

“The 2024 training camp will be big for us in preparation for achieving our season goals,” Ryan Poles, general manager of the Chicago Bears, said in a statement, “and we look forward to bringing the fans at home along for the journey.

“Our players, coaches and staff are excited to continue the process of building for the 2024 season,” Matt Eberflus, head coach of the Chicago Bears, said in a statement.

Report: Mike Tirico ‘Expected’ and Noah Eagle ‘Likely’ to be NBC NBA Play-by-Play Announcers

BSM Staff
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Report: Mike Tirico ‘Expected’ and Noah Eagle ‘Likely’ to be NBC NBA Play-by-Play Announcers

In an article about what Charles Barkley might be worth on the open market should TNT lose its partnership with the NBA; Puck’s Dylan Byers drops some additional information on who he is hearing might fill play-by-play and other roles should NBC and Amazon gain the rights. Byers reports Mike Tirico is “widely expected” to be NBC’s lead play-by-play announcer, with Noah Eagle “likely” to lead the second team.

Neither would be a big surprise given their current roles within NBC Sports. Some other names Byers mentions are Allie LaForce, who he says the network is likely to “make an aggressive play for,” and Zora Stephenson, who currently calls women’s college basketball games on Peacock.

In another rather interesting NBC note, Byers writes, “One thing that’s not clear is where Maria Taylor might fit into NBC’s plans. One less-than-well-kept secret is that the Football Night in America host, who joined the network from ESPN in 2020, is not universally loved inside NBC Sports.”

Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Draymond Green and Grant Hill are mentioned as names that could be in the mix for analyst roles and sources have told Byers that Kenny Smith could be an odd man out if a network is to pay Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal what they might command at a new home if they went together.

As for Amazon, Ian Eagle is mentioned as someone they have their eye on for a No. 1 play-by-play announcer and Byers says in his report, Kevin Harlan would be someone else Amazon may have on their wish list.

Speculation has run rampant about who the NBA will partner with after next season for its media rights. It is believed that Disney/ESPN, Comcast/NBC and Amazon’s Prime Video have the framework of deals in place, however Warner Bros. Discovery/TNT Sports has a right to match in their current agreement. Once the NBA signs official agreements, WBD would have five days to match, although the definition of match and which offer it can match may end up being decided in a courtroom.

Adam Lefkoe to Dan Patrick: WBD Execs Said It’s Not Over, We’re Still Talking to NBA

BSM Staff
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Adam Lefkoe to Dan Patrick: WBD Execs Said It’s Not Over, We’re Still Talking to NBA

The conversation surrounding the future of media rights in the National Basketball Association has continued to amplify over the last several months, much of which is centered on the future of the NBA on TNT. On Wednesday, The New York Times released an article that discussed the situation surrounding the show that included studio analyst Shaquille O’Neal revealing that the cast of the show had been asked not to speak on the situation. Charles Barkley scorched Warner Bros. Discovery executives while on the Dan Patrick Show last week and provided his thoughts on the situation surrounding the media rights.

Adam Lefkoe, who hosts NBA coverage for TNT, was a guest on the Thursday edition of the Dan Patrick Show, was asked to be on the show by producer Todd Fritz and obliged. Before he began the interview, Patrick said that his goal was to get Lefkoe in trouble in what seemed like a sarcastic manner, and then asked if there were any topics that they could not discuss pertaining to the broadcast property.

“I’ve been prepped, you know,” Lefkoe said. “Because Todd was like, ‘Hey, love to have you come on and talk about the Western Conference Finals,’ and I was like, ‘Sure, Todd.’ I was like, ‘I’m sure you want to break down how Dereck Lively has 108 dunks and [Maxi] Kleber only has six and his impact on the glass is a huge difference.’”

Lefkoe is a co-host of The Big Podcast with Shaq featuring O’Neal and is often utilized as a fill-in host when Ernie Johnson is absent from Inside the NBA. With his experience and insight into the NBA on TNT property, Lefkoe had a feeling that the Dan Patrick Show would want to address the ambiguity surrounding its future with the league.

“We know how this goes,” Lefkoe said. “You got Charles out here. When Charles came on your show, I jokingly hit up a P.R. person and said, ‘Those talking points you gave him were great. I can’t believe you told him to say those things.’”

Lefkoe later explained that he did not believe anything to be above Barkley’s paygrade, a sentiment that Barkley himself gave the impression of indirectly cosigning while appearing on SI Media with Jimmy Traina this week. Barkley said that executives with the network know better than to bother him and revealed that he did not have a relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery president and chief executive officer David Zaslav outside of meeting him at the company’s Upfront in New York City. Lefkoe, however, did receive information when he was recently getting his makeup done and running into higher-ups at the company.

“They just said, ‘Listen, it’s not over, we’re still talking to them,’” Lefkoe explained. “You still have Zaslav talking to Adam Silver; they’re still really, really trying. That’s what I’m being told.”

Recalling a conversation Lefkoe had with his agent regarding TNT Sports’ reported ability to match rights, he remembers thinking that lawyers do not often complete paperwork in a timely manner and do not want to forsake billable hours. Throughout the process, he has found it amusing that different outlets have posted pictures of the Inside the NBA cast with text explaining that the show was over with no further context.

Warner Bros. Discovery currently pays the NBA a reported $1.2 billion annually for media rights to the league, which expires following the conclusion of next season. The company, which has broadcast NBA games on its networks since the 1984-85 season, reportedly did not reach a deal with the league during its exclusive 90-day negotiating window as an incumbent rightsholder. Patrick then wanted to know Lefkoe’s plan to supplant Johnson at the network, to which he explained that he stays late just to watch Inside the NBA in studio and watch the games with the cast.

“And then Ernie comes in and he goes, ‘Kid, what are you still doing here?,’ and then I am like, ‘Yes, now I get my six minutes of Ernie time before he goes into his bunker and starts working,’ and so it’s one of the greatest thrills of my life for him to be my colleague,” Lefkoe said. “I don’t think that he’s replaceable.”

Lefkoe reminisced that he was watching a game recently with a friend of his who had several writers and comedians in attendance. Upon their finding out about his role with the NBA on TNT, he was informed by one of them that Inside the NBA is a representation of perfected comedy. Off of that point, Lefkoe was curious to know how Johnson plays into that paradigm, to which it was explained that Johnson is indicative of rules that are disobeyed by the studio analysts.

“He calls himself the worst traffic cop ever, but he creates the boundaries that they break,” Lefkoe said. “That’s why the ages there are so great because Shaq gets to be 15 again because Ernie to him is still Grandpa Ernie.”

Kendrick Perkins: Success of Big Men in Sports Media ‘Shows We Know The Game’

BSM Staff
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Since Kendrick Perkins joined ESPN in 2019, he has been granted several opportunities to display his basketball proficiency and expertise across a variety of network programming. Perkins regularly appears on editions of NBA Today and NBA Countdown throughout the regular season and playoffs, along with morning shows such as Get Up and First Take. As ESPN prepares to cover the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and whichever team comes out of the Western Conference, Perkins took time Thursday to delineate his expectations for the series as two teams battle to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy victorious.

Perkins, who signed a multiyear contract extension with ESPN in 2021, is considered by many consumers to be a rising star in sports media, and he encompasses one of various former NBA centers thriving in this regard. While speaking about the NBA Finals, he addressed the notion that big men are wiser than their counterparts on the playing floor and can translate that aptitude to analysis and commentary.

“Well, because one, big men just have better personality than guards do,” Perkins said. “That’s it. That’s No. 1. We’re authentic.”

Part of the rationale behind Perkins’ answer was the proclivity that big men become subject to unwanted conversations whenever they walk into a room. He explained that those conversations often begin with a comment about their height and other people wondering how tall they are. From there, they get into a conversation with strangers that they do not know and are able to grow out of any reticence or insecurity.

“But it’s real cool to watch a lot of guys just come into this space,” Perkins said. “Obviously, you’ve got Charles Barkley and Shaq, but then even when you look at Udonis Haslem coming into this space, real authentic, great personality, he’s funny as hell. But it also shows that we know the game, as well.”

Perkins elucidated that he perceives it to be a problem that more big men are not becoming head coaches in the NBA, asserting that they are not given a fair shot. Instead, he observes shooting guards and point guards occupying the sidelines in the NBA. Perkins conveyed that there are more people that know the game of basketball rather than the former guards that used to play the game.

“It’s just part of it, but I’m glad the big men are stepping up for the league, man,” Perkins said. “Because when you look at NBA TV, you have Brandon Haywood who does an excellent job. Who else? You have Channing Frye. So, there’s personalities all across the board.”

Perkins continues to divulge his opinions and insights on the NBA leading up to the NBA Finals, which officially commence on June 6 from TD Garden in Boston, Ma. Coverage of the game on ABC will feature play-by-play announcer Mike Breen, analysts Doris Burke and JJ Redick and sideline reporter Lisa Salters.

ESPN to Air Around 1,000 Regular Season College Football Games Across All Platforms

BSM Staff
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ESPN to Air Around 1,000 Regular Season College Football Games Across All Platforms

College football is releasing schedules this week and ESPN and its family of stations will have unprecedented coverage, carrying around 1,000 regular season games across its platforms. Games will air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, Big 12 Now on ESPN+, ESPN+, SEC Network+ and ACC Network Extra.

It will all start in Dublin, Ireland when Florida State and Georgia Tech play on August 24 at 12 p.m. ET. It will culminate with the CFP National Championship on Jan. 20.

Week 1, which begins Thursday August 29, will see Clemson play Georgia with a noon ET kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which is also the site of this year’s CFP National Championship game.

At 3:30 p.m. ET that day, the SEC on ABC era begins with Florida playing host to Miami, followed by ABC Saturday Night Football with Notre Dame playing Texas A&M. College GameDay will air live that morning from College Station.

Some other marquee games on the schedule include Georgia at Alabama, Saturday Sept. 28 on ABC, Texas vs. Oklahoma, Saturday Oct. 12 on either ABC or ESPN and Florida vs. Georgia, Saturday Nov. 2 on ABC.

A full schedule is set to be released on June 11.

News Media Reacts to Verdict in Donald Trump Case

BNM Staff
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Former President Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 felony charges he faced in a New York courtroom Thursday afternoon for falsifying business documents.

After initially claiming they were adjourning for the day, the jury revealed they had a verdict, returning to the courtroom just before 5:00 PM ET Thursday.

The judge presiding over the case set sentencing for Thursday, July 11th, just four days before he is set to be officially confirmed as the Republican nominee for the 2024 Presidential Election at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Television cameras were not allowed in the courtroom, so cable news outlets were left to report on the verdicts on a charge-by-charge basis.

There was a wide range of reactions from news media members. Some expressed shock, others outrage, while many were unsurprised by the verdicts.

Nate Bukaty Stepping Back on Sports Radio 810 WHB in Kansas City

BSM Staff
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Nate Bukaty Stepping Back on Sports Radio 810 WHB in Kansas City

After 17 years in morning drive, Nate Bukaty announced today was his last day as co-host of The Border Patrol on WHB in Kansas City with Steven St. John.

“The time has come to step back from my full-time responsibilities on the ‘Border Patrol,’” Bukaty emotionally said on the air this morning. “I intentionally use the words ‘step back’ and underscore that I did not use the words ‘step away,’ because I plan to remain a regular contributor on the show and for the radio station in some capacity moving forward as long as they’ll have me.

“As most of you know over the past year increasingly, I’ve been presented with opportunities to cover the sport of soccer, which of course you know is a game that holds a very significant place in my heart.

“These opportunities have in many ways been a lifelong dream come true for me, but they’ve also put me in a position where I’m spreading myself too thin and something has to give,” Bukaty said. “So today will be my last day as the co-host of the ‘Border Patrol.’ No doubt many of you have seen this coming. It’s probably not a huge surprise.”

Bukaty was the television voice for Kansas City’s MLS team, Sporting Kansas City, then was hired to do games nationally, for Fox, Apple and the CBS Sports Golazo Network.

The plan is for Bukaty to continue to appear on the show two days per week when he is in town and do some guest hosting as needed. St. John said the name of the show would change along with some other elements of the show, but that, “It’s still going to be the same vibe.”

St. John said in addition to Bukaty, he plans to have other station contributors take part in the show.

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