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Josh Beard Added to ESPN 97.5 in Houston For Middays

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Josh Beard Added to ESPN 97.5 in Houston For Middays

Congratulations are in order for Josh Beard! He is back on the air in Houston. 

Beard is the new host of ESPN Houston’s new midday show. Barrett Sports Media has learned that a permanent co-host will be named at a later date. For now, Beard is partnered with a rotating cast of co-hosts.

Since 2019, Beard has been off the air. He has been working in the software field. Prior to that, he had two different runs at Sports Radio 610 as a host, producer and reporter.

On his Facebook page, Beard thanked his wife for supporting his return to the airwaves. 

“I’m excited to get the show started today!” he wrote. “I hope all of you tune in and listen to the chaos you all know I’m about to bring to this city!!”

Earlier this month, ESPN Houston moved The Killer Bs out of middays and into afternoon drive.

Jason Fitz Heading To Yahoo Sports

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Jason Fitz Heading To Yahoo Sports

Jason Fitz wasn’t without a job for long. He was part of the layoffs that hit ESPN at the end of June. Now at the end of August, he has a new gig.

Fitz will join Yahoo Sports for the football season working on NFL, College Football, and Fantasy Football shows. The former ESPN host confirmed the news on X.

During his time with ESPN, Fitz was a part of the network’s college football coverage both on air and digitally. He also worked in a number of different time slots on ESPN Radio. His most recent role was being partnered with Harry Douglas from 12-3 pm.

Fitz’s move to Yahoo Sports reunites him with former ESPN executive Ryan Spoon. Spoon was named Yahoo’s new president of sports in June 2023.

Howie Long: Terry Bradshaw is ‘the White Charles Barkley’

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On Sunday, September 10, FOX NFL Sunday will begin its 30th year of NFL coverage. Howie Long has been a mainstay on the show and over the last three decades, he has developed a close relationship with another member of the show, Terry Bradshaw. 

“We aren’t a rehearsal show. We do our show live. The reactions when he says things are so genuine because it’s like ‘oh my god, did he just say that!'” Long told the hosts of Pardon My Take. “He’s kind of like the white Charles Barkley. We’ve been together 30 years and we couldn’t be any more different, but he’s like the older brother I could have never imagined having. It’s a great relationship.”

When Long first auditioned for FOX, he said that nobody at the network told him exactly what they were looking for before his audition and he thought they were looking for the next Bob Costas, so he did a fair amount of research going in. 

“I did every single research pinpoint on games. I literally spoke to the Commissioner, multiple coaches, I had a stack of papers this big.

“I did HBO’s Inside The NFL and I had my own segment where you literally ran the prompter with a scroll, you wrote it on a scroll and you had your hand hitting the button to start the prompter. That was my first experience with doing something from a national standpoint.”

Bob Fescoe: ‘ESPN is Destroying College Football’

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Throughout the college football offseason, realignment dominated much of the discussion as the Pac-12 Conference struggled to come to terms on a new media deal. As a result, the conference is currently left with just four teams heading into the 2024 season, which many are indicating will end its time among the Power Five and, perhaps, its existence altogether. UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington are joining the Big Ten Conference in 2024, while Arizona, Arizona State and Utah will be members of the Big 12 Conference. In total, the Pac-12 has currently lost eight of its 12 teams heading into next season, reshaping the college football landscape for years to come.

On this weekend’s edition of College GameDay, ESPN aired a segment discussing the dwindling regionalization of college football. Throughout the piece, there were lines such as, “It feels like the game as we love it is destroying itself to save itself,” and, “College football as a regional game of rivalries is fading from memory.” The entirety of the segment, voiced by Wright Thompson, was played on 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City, Kan., during which show hosts Bob Fescoe and Josh Klingler discussed the irony of the top rightsholder airing such a feature.

“The game is not destroying itself,” Fescoe said on Monday morning’s edition of Fescoe in the Morning. “ESPN is destroying the game.”

ESPN has part of the Big 12 broadcast rights and exclusive media deals with the SEC and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The network had a chance to renew its Big Ten package; however, it ultimately decided that the SEC was a better value proposition, according to recent comments made by ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus to Barrett Sports Media. Momentum is reportedly increasing towards a move that would see it add existing Pac-12 members UC Berkley and Stanford in addition to Southern Methodist University, a current member of the AAC

“We kind of liked those Saturdays where there were rivalry games,” Fescoe said. “Now there aren’t, [and] we need to get those back. You know what we need to do? Smaller conferences; more regionalized; and get the rivalries back. Oh, you mean where we were a decade ago, sir?”

“Before you guys stepped in and offered up everybody a bunch of money to move around,” added Klingler.

Fescoe discussed the termination of rivalry matchups such as Texas-Texas A&M and Kansas-Missouri because of contracts from television networks. Airing such a segment, he expressed, is insulting to the intelligence of college football fans. Furthermore, it draws questions about how objectively the network can cover the teams and conferences without interfering with business interests. As a result, there was considerable pushback towards the piece on social media.

“You are the reason why we’re here,” Fescoe said, addressing ESPN. “Look in the mirror and understand you’re the problem in all of this. The only problem in college athletics right now is ESPN… or FOX. Well, FOX went along with it because ESPN led the charge.”

“ESPN cannot lament it,” Klingler added. “They are the ones that cannot. They can’t say, ‘We wish it was how it was.’ You cannot produce a piece like that because you’re the source.”

Cole Cubelic, Roman Harper Starting New SEC Network Show

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With Week 1 of the college football season quickly approaching, the SEC Network has announced a new Monday program that will recap the weekend around the Southeastern Conference. Read & React pairs Cole Cubelic and Roman Harper together to discuss the latest news around the conference, keeping viewers informed, entertained and ready for the upcoming week of action.

Cubelic, who has been with ESPN since 2011, recently inked a new contract with the company and will remain situated as its field analyst for SEC Saturday Night. In this role, he will continue to work with Tom Hart and Jordan Rodgers on the lead commentary team. Harper has been on the SEC Network since 2020 and now expands his studio responsibilities, maintaining his roles on SEC Nation and SEC Now. The new program will make its debut on Monday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST.

The studio lineup will also add analyst Takeo Spikes as co-host of Out of Pocket alongside Alyssa Lang, who signed a new, multi-year deal with the SEC Network ahead of the season. Spikes is a 15-year NFL veteran and former linebacker who joined the SEC Network last year after watching the network from afar. He will bring his energy and enthusiasm to the program that will air on Wednesdays keeping viewers prepared for the forthcoming week.

“We’re thrilled to add Cole, Roman and Takeo to our revamped studio slate this fall,” Pete Watters, ESPN coordinating producer and SEC Network studio production lead, said in a statement. “Cole and Roman paired together creates instant fireworks. They’re both competitive, love debate and when you add that Auburn-Alabama rivalry to any conversation, it’s entertaining and exciting.”

Spikes and Lang are familiar with one another having worked on the SEC Network and are set to work together on the revamped program, which returns on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. Lang will also continue to host SEC Now with Dari Nowkah and Peter Burns featuring a rotating analyst lineup that includes Matt Stinchcomb. It was announced that both Lang and Stinchcomb have re-signed with the SEC Network.

“Adding Takeo to Out of Pocket alongside Alyssa provides the former player perspective to a show that is known for humanizing the athletes and coaches who fans see every Saturday,” Watters said. “We’re excited for SEC Network viewers to experience a different side of Takeo, and for his and Alyssa’s friendship to play off each other on air.”

SEC Network also announced that several shows will hit the road again, including SEC Nation and Marty & McGee. The Saturday evening show SEC Football Final will recap the storylines and highlights of the weekend and continues to include Nowkhah with analysts Chris Doering and Benjamin Watson. Both analysts signed multi-year renewals with the network ahead of the show’s return on Saturday, Sept. 2.

The rest of the lineup remains largely intact, highlighted by the four-hour daily program, The Paul Finebaum Show, which is simulcast on ESPN Radio. The “Voice of the SEC” will continue bringing consumers his unabashed opinions on the conference and distinguished interactions with callers. SEC Network is one year away from celebrating its 10th anniversary on the air, coinciding with ESPN securing the exclusive media rights for the conference as part of a 10-year deal worth a reported $3 billion.

Jason Rantz: Sad to See How Far a Brand Like NBC News Has Fallen

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770 KTTH host Jason Rantz took exception to a report from NBC News accusing Vivek Ramaswamy of using “neo-Nazi” language during the first 2024 Republican Presidential debate.

During The Jason Rantz Show Friday, the Seattle host argued that NBC News has fallen from their once proud perch atop television news.

“I can’t help but think about how far they’ve fallen,” said Rantz, before noting that he now calls NBC News “Teen Vogue”. “This is so especially egregious. Vivek Ramaswamy is getting a lot of attention for some of the obvious reasons he’s surging in the polls. He’s very good on his feet. He’s able to deliver clear and concise, concise messages, he’s young, he’s smart, and he’s a huge success. Now whether or not someone wants to vote for him is something else.

“But he’s obviously got the attention of the media and it caught the attention of an NBC reporter called Sakshi Venkatraman. And she took issue with a comment that Ramaswamy made during the debates. And it’s not a comment that any normal person would take significant issue with.”

In a story on NBCNews.com, Venkatraman quotes AAPI Data founder Karthick Ramakrishnan — the founder of a non-profit policy and research group, who claimed the Republican candidate “has a very selective reading of the immigrant experience” after he claimed “My parents came to this country with no money 40 years ago. I have gone on to found multibillion-dollar companies.” 

Later in her story, she quotes the President of the National Immigration Law Center who alleged Ramaswamy was using “talking points from neo-Nazis”, labeling his comments “dangerous” and “repulsive”.

“NBC is claiming basically implying that Vivek Ramaswamy is a neo-Nazi,” Rantz said. “It’s rather remarkable. He didn’t try to compare his upbringing to anybody else’s including other Asians. He didn’t say ‘Hey, Asians are inherently successful and hardworking’, he very specifically talked about his own experience. And over at NBC News, were pretending that somehow that’s offensive and then they go and handpick one lunatic on the far left to claim that this is somehow offensive.”

Skip Bayless Launches New ‘Undisputed’ on ‘Greatest Morning of Career’

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On Monday morning, FOX Sports 1 launched the new era of Undisputed, ending widespread speculation about the next iteration of the show following the departure of Shannon Sharpe. The program opened with a new theme song by Lil’ Wayne titled “Good Morning,” which had been teased for several weeks leading up to its debut. Bayless then sat alone at a desk with four chairs and opened the show with unrestrained enthusiasm and alacrity to start the program.

“How ‘bout that Lil’ Wayne!?,” Bayless said, slamming the desk. “I love you, man. How ‘bout this Undisputed!? You are going to love it, man. How ‘bout them Cowboys? NFC Championship Game, here we come baby!”

Bayless was jubilant on this Monday morning, set to commence the next stage of his television career. After tensions reportedly grew between he and Sharpe, they parted ways and put the show on a two-month hiatus to determine its next steps.

In the weeks leading up to its relaunch, news broke that Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson and Michael Irvin would be joining the show as new co-hosts for Bayless. Additionally, basketball reporter Rachel Nichols and the aforementioned Lil’ Wayne were named as contributors, while other members of FOX Sports 1’s on-air talent roster will appear on the show from time to time.

“This is the greatest morning of my career!,” Bayless articulated. “This is about to be the greatest show that I have ever been a part of! Welcome to the new Undisputed! I am about to introduce my new dream team of co-hosts.”

One by one, Bayless ran through the accolades of his new co-hosts, welcoming them on to the set similar to a public address announcer if they were suiting up for a football game. When Sherman emerged to take his seat with Bayless, he expressed how joining the show felt somewhat inevitable to him.

“I wanted you and I got you,” Bayless replied.

Next, Johnson was introduced, with Bayless remarking that he is another fan of LeBron James considering he cheers on the Los Angeles Lakers. The former USC Trojans star was part of ESPN’s layoffs and recently negotiated an exit from his talent contract that allowed him to join Bayless on FOX Sports 1.

“I’m going to have a little bit of fun on this show,” Johnson said. “A lot different from what they think it was, I’m sure.”

The introductions concluded with Bayless welcoming Irvin, who he affirms is the best receiver in the history of the National Football League. Since the Super Bowl, Irvin has been off of network television following allegations of sexual harassment from a hotel employee. ESPN First Take featured commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith expressed his own disappointment about losing Irvin after asserting that he should be back on the airwaves.

“I am here now,” Irvin said. “It’s good to be home, too. Good to be home. Skip, you know I ain’t got nothing but love for you when you say I’m the baddest man out there.”

As the panel was situated together for the first time, Irvin took the moment to remark the credibility of the program and how it would be different from anything on sports television. The program promptly started with a debate about the Dallas Cowboys and their recent acquisition of quarterback Trey Lance, specifically discussing how it affects the future of starter Dak Prescott.

“I love that we are standing here all champions,” Irvin said. “As players, all champions, so when we talk, we all know what we’re talking about and what we’re talking from. We’re talking from that stadium of a champion since we all are that.”

1010 WINS Adds Scott Stanford as Morning News Anchor

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1010 WINS Adds Scott Stanford as Morning News Anchor

1010 WINS has announced it will pair Scott Stanford with Susan Richard as its morning news anchors.

Stanford has spent the majority of his career working as a sportscaster, including time at sister station 880 WCBS. He also had stints working in television at WWOR, WNBC, WPIX, and YES Network, as well as hosting programming for WWE.

“Like most life-long New Yorkers, my Dad was always listening to 1010 WINS in the car when I was a kid,” said Stanford. “As an adult, WINS has been my go-to station for news, traffic and weather. As a New York broadcaster, it’s an honor to now be one of the morning voices on this legendary station.”

Stanford will step into the role vacated when former 1010 WINS morning news anchor Lee Harris departed to join NewsNation earlier this year.

“As we continue to reshape mornings on WINS, we’re delighted to welcome Scott Stanford into the mix,” said the station’s Brand Manager Ivan Lee. “His impressive resume and wealth of experience in this market will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to delivering top-notch news coverage and engaging content to our listeners every morning.”

Stanford will join Richard from 5:00-10:00 AM ET beginning on Monday, September 5th.

Tony Romo: ‘What’s Said Is Not Always Reality’

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As he prepares to call his second Super Bowl with CBS Sports, lead analyst for The NFL on CBS and former quarterback Tony Romo is preparing to work with play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. Over the course of last season, Romo was the subject of a surfeit of criticism pertaining to his broadcast style. In fact, there were various reports openly questioning the chemistry between Romo and Nantz, suggesting that a change in on-air personnel could be coming to the network ahead of the network’s broadcast of Super Bowl LVIII this year. CBS Sports, however, has confirmed its on-air lineup for the 2023 season, and the lead booth remains intact.

In a recent interview with Richard Deitsch of The Athletic, Romo confirmed that he was privy to the criticism but put everything in context. After all, having played in the National Football League for 13 years, Romo knows that everything people do is scrutinized to the highest degree. When Romo receives feedback from CBS Sports management about his performances, most of it tends to be positive, understanding which sources to value and others to mute.

“You don’t go by what some people might say,” Romo said. “They love our team; they know how talented this group is. I think that they appreciate our skill set, and we do theirs.

Romo begins the season broadcasting a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, and it is a game many sports media pundits will be watching to see if the dynamic has changed. Yet the quarterback turned analyst also recognizes when people seek engagement and sometimes equip hyperbole for this very purpose.

“People like clicks,” Romo said. “I mean, that’s a real thing, and I think they should. I think it’s all a positive. Talking about it, it helps all of the NFL. Our job is to go out there and perform like we’ve done and try to always do our best. I think we’ve done a great job with that. You’re looking at a very talented group here. Like all things, we’re going to go and try to put our best foot forward.”

CBS Sports reportedly pays Romo $18 million annually to be a part of its lead crew, which adds another layer of pressure from external sources. From the beginning of his broadcast career, Romo was lauded by viewers for being able to accurately predict plays in the tightest of situations. Even through the criticism thereafter, he has stayed true to himself, taking a lesson that he learned early in his professional career.

“I remember reading in the comments section of the newspaper in my second year or so; there were people saying, ‘He throws it too low; he’ll never make it,’” Romo said. “So I went and tried to throw higher arm because some guy wrote an article or said it in the comments. I mean, how dumb, right? It’s like that guy had no idea what he’s talking about. What’s said is not always reality.”

Meet the Press with Kristen Welker Debuting September 17th

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Meet the Press with Kristen Welker Debuting September 17th

NBC News has officially tabbed Sunday, September 17th as the debut of Kristen Welker as the host of Meet the Press.

Welker hosted the weekend edition of Today with co-host Peter Alexander Saturday, and will officially begin transitioning to take over the reins of the venerable Sunday political affairs program from longtime host Chuck Todd.

“Chuck brought me to D.C. to cover the White House many years ago, and I have learned almost everything I know about politics from Chuck Todd,” Welker told a local NBC affiliate while covering the first Republican Presidential debate in Milwaukee. “And I just want to make sure that I am making him proud, and that I am building on the incredible legacy that he started and also the legacy of the show.”

In June, Todd announced he would depart Meet the Press after a nine-year run leading the program. “It’s been an amazing nearly decadelong run. I am really proud of what this team and I have built over the last decade,” Todd said at the time. “I’ve loved so much of this job, helping to explain America to Washington and explain Washington to America.” 

Welker has been with NBC News since 2010. She has since risen to the Chief White House Correspondent role for the network.

A new logo has been created for the Welker-led program. Additionally, NBC News has redesigned the set and studio in advance of her debut.

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