Home Blog Page 2038

Mark Levin: Presidential Candidates Should Avoid ‘Hostile’ Media Interviews

BNM Staff
-
0

As the 2024 presidential primary campaigns begin to ramp up, conservative radio host Mark Levin has advice on how candidates should handle media inquiries.

“Our buddy Rich Lowry at National Review has some advice for Governor DeSantis. Take on some of these challenging interviews — he says — with some of the hostile media out there. My advice to Governor DeSantis is to ignore this advice,” The Mark Levin Show host said. “Being attacked in Democrat media during low-rated shows is foolish. I mean, it hasn’t helped Christie, and he’s all the rage on these shows.

“So, I wouldn’t do it. If he’s gonna win the nomination, Governor DeSantis that is, it certainly won’t be because of that. You go on with George Stephanopoulos? I mean — that’s not — I don’t even think it’s sensible. So I’ll go ahead and post that advice, which is not to listen to that advice. So, it is on the internet at a minimum. Governor DeSantis is likely to come on this program tomorrow – scheduled, I should say, to come on this program tomorrow. Love to have him.”

Former President Donald Trump was lauded in conservative media circles for going “into the lion’s den” for a live town hall event with CNN. Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and Mike Pence have also sat down for town halls with the network. Additionally, prospective candidate Vivek Ramaswamy recently appeared at a SiriusXM town hall with Michael Smerconish.

Boomer Esiason: WFAN Needs ‘Fireworks’

BSM Staff
-
0
Boomer Esiason: WFAN Needs ‘Fireworks’

As a result of Craig Carton announcing his departure from WFAN to join FOX Sports 1 to host his morning show on a full-time basis, the station considerably shifted its programming lineup. Led by Chris Oliviero and Spike Eskin, Audacy management made the decision to move Tiki Barber from middays to afternoon drive to pair with Evan Roberts, and in his place, added Sal Licata from overnights. While these moves are bittersweet in the sense that they are thought to represent positive steps in the career arcs of both hosts, the ripple effect it has caused has obviously disheartened some people within the building.

In the midst of his farewell message to his longtime producer Shaun Morash, CBS Sports Radio host Damon Amendolara expressed frustration over Audacy-owned CBS Sports Radio losing talent to WFAN. Within his diatribe, he chided the station’s management for undervaluing the national outlet and making it sound akin to New York sports radio. By the end of it, he declared a New York embargo and deemed he did not want to play clips from WFAN or talk about the local sports teams while promising his listeners “a fresh start.”

The remarks circulated within the building and around the radio industry, leading Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti to discuss his impassioned assertion and the state of affairs in the studios on Thursday morning. The morning program, which routinely ranks No. 1 in the market among the male 25-54 demographic, is currently the longest-tenured program on WFAN.

“There’s been a lot of emotion that has been going on here,” Giannotti said. “I guess that’s a good thing because people like one another. Maybe I’m just jaded because we have now been together; this is year No. 6 that we’re working together and there have been so many changes since I started out in 2018. I feel like the only person that made it out of Pompeii with everything that has gone on after this show ends at 10 a.m.”

After Giannotti read what Amendolara had to say about Audacy management over the air, Esiason quipped that he would be immediately fired for the comments. The question that was then discussed pertained to whether or not Amendolara tried to join Roberts on afternoon drive when the spot became available.

“I think every talk show host that’s in this building that doesn’t have a full-time job during the daytime, or actually isn’t on this show because we’re morning drive, would probably want to have their hat in the ring for this show,” Giannotti said. “That’s sort of assumed that anybody would probably want to move over there.”

Both morning show hosts understand that the comments were made in a state of frustration, especially with Amendolara learning the news on Monday and appearing on the show while on paternity leave to bid a pivotal cast member farewell. Yet if Amendolara was in the situation of Morash with an opportunity to produce the afternoon drive program in the No. 1 media market in the country, they do not believe he would pass it up.

“I know that he is feeling inferior in that sense because they’re plucking away his guy and putting him on another show,” Giannotti commiserated. “In this business when you’re talking about the people that are running this building – we’re talking about the people that are making decisions in this building – [they] are doing it for a reason. I think those who are in charge in this building know what they are doing, and if they believe that it’s more important to have somebody over here than it is over there, then you’ve got to trust it.”

Moving to discuss the new station lineup, Giannotti and Esiason know that the expectation in middays will consist of protracted, impassioned and vociferous debate between Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. Being in radio long enough though, Giannotti is fairly certain that it will at least fall short of expectations in the beginning before there being some moment of combustion that catalyzes the program and allows it to find its stride.

“Just the ‘Kumbaya’ moments around here are just getting out of control though really, honestly,” Esiason said. “You need some fireworks; that’s what we’re hoping for, I guess, with Sal and BT. Man, that’s going to be some fireworks.”

NewsNation Titanic Submarine Interview Goes Viral After Expert Shares Grim Outlook

BNM Staff
-
0

Retired Navy Captain Don Walsh joined Ashleigh Banfield on her NewsNation show earlier this week, and his grim outlook on the likelihood of finding the missing submarine exploring the wreck of the Titanic has gone viral.

Banfield introduced Walsh as one of the foremost experts in U.S. deep-water exploration and ocean navigation. He served as the country’s first submersible pilot and a former submarine commander.

The very first question Banfield asked Walsh was “Do you have optimism that they are going to be able to find this vessel?”

“No,” Walsh simply replied.

“That’s a very hard answer to hear,” admitted Banfield.

(Courtesy: newsnation)

The cold response from Walsh led many to share the interview on social media, with the interaction gaining traction on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

NewsNation has been under fire for the tone of its coverage surrounding the Titan submersible vessel going missing. The network showcased an “Oxygen Remaining” countdown on the screen for several hours before ultimately removing the banner. Many observers called the graphic “sad”, “classless”, and “insensitive”.

Dick Vitale Prepares For Surgery Amid Returning Health Scare

BSM Staff
-
0

On Thursday morning, ESPN basketball analyst Dick Vitale tweeted an update about his health, revealing that previous complications with his vocal cords had returned. Vitale had been previously diagnosed with precancerous vocal cord dysplasia that left him on vocal rest for several weeks, a silence broken with medical permission at the 2022 ESPY Awards. He previously expressed that he has no desire to slow down and made a triumphant return to ESPN’s college basketball broadcasts last season while raising awareness and funds for cancer research.

Vitale serves on the board of directors for the V Foundation for Cancer Research and is involved in the “Jimmy V Classic” basketball event each year. Additionally, Vitale himself hosts a gala to facilitate the mission and has raised over $55 million for children battling pediatric cancer. In his announcement, Vitale revealed that he will need two surgeries, the first of which will take place on July 11 and asked for prayers from others. Additionally, he stated that he is currently on vocal rest in preparation for the surgery and will need to continue for 6-8 weeks during the recovery process.

Over the last decade, Vitale has had to endure bouts with melanoma and lymphoma, which then followed with the problems with his vocal cords. When he was in the hospital and away from basketball, Vitale was fueled by the support of family, friends, colleagues and fans and always had the goal of making it back to the broadcast. Much remains uncertain about what Vitale will have to face in the days ahead, and those in the sports world are surely wishing him all the best.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is learned.

Michael Kay: Craig Carton ‘Was So Nasty and So Personal’ in Attacks

BSM Staff
-
0

Craig Carton is leaving WFAN at the end of next week to focus on hosting his FOX Sports 1 morning television program on a full-time basis. During his announcement last week on WFAN, Carton spoke about radio ratings and referenced his competitor, The Michael Kay Show on rival ESPN New York 98.7. He said the show never provided palpable competition to he and Evan Roberts’ afternoon drive program, and that he takes great pride in having defeated the competiton for nine of ten ratings books.

“This was never a seesaw battle,” Carton said. “It burns me to my core that anybody can refer to the ratings battle between us and ESPN as ‘seesaw’.”

The winter ratings book awarded Carton and Roberts with a 7.7 share, good for third in the market among the male 25-54 demographic. Conversely, Michael Kay, Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg attained a 2.9 share, good for 15th overall.

“Now that Craig is leaving to do TV full time, the narrative is, ‘Well, Kay’s probably thrilled,’” Kay said on a podcast appearance with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of the New York Post. “No – I’d rather continue to get my butt kicked and continue to win. Let’s say we beat Tiki and Roberts – okay, it’s still going to be, ‘Well, you didn’t beat Craig at the end.’ I’m an ultra-competitive person, so I would have liked to have gotten that done.”

Kay does not believe the radio ratings encompass a complete picture of listenership. He cannot comprehend how 500 portable people meters can effectively adjudicate an 11-million person footprint. Nonetheless, he understands that is how the score is kept and reflects back on the times when his show beat various WFAN afternoon programming – most notably when he defeated Mike Francesa by 1.9 shares and finished No. 1 in the market.

The part about Carton’s tenure at WFAN that perturbed Kay was in Carton’s verbose parlance towards Kay and his show. Before Carton was convicted in 2017, he was given a platform on The Michael Kay Show to tell his story to listeners and explain the course of events. Once he rejoined WFAN and took the air, Carton portrayed Kay as an ostensible antagonist. In reality, while Kay was surely cognizant about what was being said, he did not believe in engaging in a radio war.

“The discourse was so nasty and he was so personal and stuff like that,” Kay said of Carton. “I never did anything to him; that’s not the way I do my show. I don’t believe in doing it that way – maybe I’ve outgrown the world.”

Elon Musk Agrees to Cage Match With Mark Zuckerberg

BNM Staff
-
0

In what could be one of the wildest media executive stories of all time, Twitter owner Elon Musk has agreed to a cage match with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

After a report surfaced that Facebook was working on a text-based app to rival Twitter, Musk had said “I’m sure Earth can’t wait to be exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options. At least it will be ‘sane’. Was worried there for a moment.”

Zuckerberg has reportedly been undergoing jiu-jitsu training. A Twitter user joked that Musk and Zuckerberg should fight, with Musk replying “I’m up for a cage match if he is lol.”

On Instagram, Zuckerberg shared the interaction with a comment that read “Send Me Location”. A Meta PR executive, when asked for comment, replied “The story speaks for itself”.

After Musk was told that Zuckerberg was not joking about the situation, the Twitter owner wrote “If this is for real, I will do it” with two fire emojis.

Late Wednesday, while replying to the story that Zuckerberg was indeed serious about the offer to fight, Musk simply replied “Vegas Octagon” to the story from The Verge’s Alex Heath.

No more details about a potential fight have been released.

Tony Katz: Gannett Deserves Financial Problems Due to ‘Woke’ Policies

BNM Staff
-
0

WIBC Radio host Tony Katz criticized Gannett for filing a federal lawsuit against Google. Gannett owns the Indianapolis Star and claims that Google has a monopoly on advertising dollars. 

Katz made the comments on his morning show Tony Katz + The Morning News.  

“Gannett has allowed newspapers to go woke,” Katz proclaimed. “As they suffer from a lack of advertisers and a lack of readership, just remember, you did this to yourself!”  

Gannett, the leading newspaper publisher in the United States, has initiated legal action against Google, claiming that the tech behemoth possesses a monopoly over the digital advertising industry. 

The lawsuit was filed by Gannett, the publisher of USA Today and over 200 local publications, in a federal court in New York on Tuesday.  

“By the way, is the [writer’s] strike still going on? I don’t know. There was a while there where people weren’t putting their names on a byline. A group that will allow their sports guy, Gregg Doyel, to engage in politics and get it so wrong, you deserve what you get.”  

Gannett is seeking unspecified compensation, alleging in its court filings that Google and its parent company, Alphabet, exercise control over publishers’ purchasing and selling of online advertisements. 

“I am curious about how they’re going to be able to make their case,” said Katz. “Let’s argue that this is the case that Google acts in this predatory way. Does the Indy Star really think that that’s the issue? You failed Indianapolis. Does that change how you are an organization of woke and not of news?”

According to Katz, the Indy Star does a great job with real news reporting. 

“But you don’t highlight journalists doing journalism; you highlight schlock. Your sports guy thinks he knows what he’s talking about, and he’s talking about things that have nothing to do with sports. When the Indy Star wants to do news, they can do it. When the Indy Star wants to give you Gregg Doyel talking about Kyle Rittenhouse, it’s garbage!”  

Who Are the Lottery Picks Among NBA Analysts?

Andy Masur
-
0

“With the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…” 

We’ll be hearing Commissioner Adam Silver make that announcement Thursday night, when the lives of young men will be changed forever. Multi-million-dollar contracts await the next wave of superstars in the league. The stage has been set by those that came before these next great group. 

Many of those former players, made a very good living on the court with their play and off it with endorsements and shoe deals. Some have even made the step into television booths across the country, for local networks and for the national broadcasts of the NBA. Some have made a smooth transition, carved out a niche and made themselves stars. Others have struggled and didn’t meet expectations and fizzled out before they could shine. Just because you were a great player, there is no guarantee you’ll be a great broadcaster. The opposite is true as well.  

So, with the NBA Draft on the horizon, I thought it might be fun to look at these former players turned broadcasters as “lottery picks”. The only criteria is that the former players need to be active members of either a television network’s coverage of the NBA or a local television analyst or co-host. There are 14 lottery picks, so there will be 14 of these analysts ranked and “selected” in order. 

With the first pick in the former NBA player turned NBA analyst draft:

#1 Charles Barkley

Years Active: 2000-Present

Network: TNT/Inside the NBA

Drafted in 1984 by Philadelphia, 1st round, 5th overall pick 

Scouting Report: 

Barkley to me is hands down the #1 pick in this draft. Even if he thinks play-by-play sports on the radio is stupid, he’s really good at what he does on air. He’s controversial without apology and is never afraid to step out on that ledge, if he believes in something. Barkley isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself either. If he makes a stupid mistake and is called out by any of his teammates on Inside the NBA, he may fight it at first, but in the end, he’ll have a laugh at his own expense. 

As I wrote last year, “Barkley makes you think, scratch your head or laugh. Sometimes all of those things happen at the same time. Barkley’s commentary is usually the stuff that floods the internet that night, and is the talk of your office, or friends the next day. Seemingly if you miss it, you’re a little behind the times.” Barkley is a game changer and is a top flight analyst. 

#2 Grant Hill

Years Active: 2013-present

Network: NBA-TV, CBS

Drafted in 1994 by Detroit, 1st Round, 3rd overall pick

Scouting Report:

Hill admittedly was not ready for his big shot when he moved from NBA-TV over to the CBS/Turner coverage of the NCAA Tournament. He was only a couple of years removed from his playing days and was thrust into a new and high-profile situation. Hill has quickly climbed the charts as an analyst, showing why some took the chance on him early. He has the credentials and basketball IQ to be very successful. Hill is now as at ease behind the mic as he was on the court for his NBA career. While not as flashy as the top pick in this “draft”, Hill has a quiet charisma about him and he is on the rise and very worthy of the 2nd pick. 

#3 Reggie Miller

Years Active: 2005-present

Network: TNT

Drafted in 1987 by Indiana, 1st Round, 11th overall pick

Scouting Report:

Miller has kind of grown on me over the years. His candor is refreshing. Some analysts will get to an opinion, but will couch it with fluff and a veiled compliment, Miller does not. He rarely apologizes for his opinions either. Miller is fair in his assessment of players and game plans alike. Every once in a while, he’ll poke fun at himself, which I like to see. It makes him more human. His credentials also back up his thoughts and make them impactful.  I have dogged him in the past for not sounding well prepared, but it seems like he’s stepped up his game in that category. Miller works well with his play-by-play announcers and it makes for an excellent broadcast. He is in that elite tier these days. 

#4 Kenny Smith

Years Active: 1998-Present
Network: TNT/Inside the NBA

Drafted in 1987 by Sacramento, 1st Round, 6th overall pick

Scouting Report:

Known as the “voice of reason” on the set of Inside the NBA. Smith is in the middle of Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal’s outlandish and sometimes off the wall commentary. That’s what they are there to do and Smith tries to bring it all back to reality. Smith has a way of getting really serious at times in trying to make points, but also loves to have some fun. Smith plays well off of Barkley and isn’t always lured into a fruitless argument. He picks his spots rather than just battle Barkley for the sake of the argument. Lost in all of it is the fact that Smith is very knowledgeable and it shows in his analysis of players and teams. Not many are able to play the role of “second fiddle” and thrive. Smith does. 

#5 Mark Jackson

Years Active: 2007-2011, 2014-present

Network: ABC/ESPN

Drafted in 1987 by the New York Knicks, 1st Round, 18th overall pick

Scouting Report:

The man who uses, “Hand down, man down” and “Mama there goes that man” is next on the list of selections. Jackson is able to navigate the complexities of a three-man booth, with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, without any trouble. Jackson is a man with opinions and is pretty matter of fact with them. Every once in a while, the former coach in Jackson comes out. More often, his perspective as a former point-guard comes through. Jackson can see things that other analysts may not because of his career at that position. Jackson is a solid pick here.  

#6 Bill Walton

Years Active: 1990-Present
Network: NBC, ESPN

Drafted in 1974 by Portland, 1st Round, 1st overall pick

Scouting Report:

There’s normally at least one pick in the first round that causes a lot of head shaking. This might be that selection.  Walton is quite a polarizing figure. It’s interesting because I was going through some old VHS tapes (yes, I still have a VCR) of the Bulls and Jazz NBA Finals and Walton was part of the broadcast crew. He was pretty good. He rambled on like he does today, but it was about basketball. It was kind of jarring to hear and see. Today, I’m not sure what the heck he’s talking about most of the time. He’s become more of an entertainer, or sideshow, but people tune in. Walton tests the metal of all the play-by-play people he works with, that’s for sure. Sticking with this pick, every team needs a big man!

#7 Jalen Rose

Years Active: 2007-Present
Networks: ESPN, TNT, Fox Sports

Drafted in 1994 by Denver, 1st Round, 13th overall pick

Scouting Report:

I covered Rose the one and a half seasons he played for the Bulls and remember how sharp and personable he was. It’s not surprising that he went on to a career in television. Rose certainly knows the game and has the ability to break down players and plays with ease. There’s a confidence and swagger when Rose makes a point or expresses an opinion. Much in the same way he guided 6 NBA teams, and of course, the Fab Five Michigan teams in the 90’s. The other thing I appreciate about Rose is the way he sticks to his thoughts and doesn’t waiver despite what others on the panel of NBA Countdown may say or think. Rose is underrated in that realm and that makes him a good, solid ‘sneaky’ pick inside the top 10. 

#8 Vince Carter

Years Active: 2020-present

Networks: ESPN

Drafted in 1988 by Golden State, 1st Round, 5th overall pick

Scouting Report:

“Vinsanity” is a relative newcomer to the NBA Analyst game. He played 22 seasons in the league. Leading up to his hiring as a full-time analyst on ESPN, Carter put in the time to show he really wanted to continue an association with basketball on television. He went through the Players Association’s “Sportscaster U” camp to get prepared. Carter speaks from experience, and lots of it in the NBA. He presents a more “x’s and o’s” style, being analytical and breaking down players and plays. Carter hasn’t jumped on the “let’s be loud and bombastic to get noticed train.” 

#9 Shaquille O’Neal

Years Active: 2011-Present
Network: NBA-TV/TNT/Inside the NBA

Drafted in 1992 by Orlando, 1st Round, 1st overall pick

Scouting Report:

As daunting as he was as a player, Shaq is pretty soft spoken on television, but it really works for him. He’s the definition of a personality. Shaq is funny and like a little kid when poking fun at Barkley, Smith or EJ on Inside the NBA. Some find it disappointing that he isn’t louder or more controversial on the show, but what he’s doing really works for the chemistry of the show. Don’t change a thing big man. 

#10 Walt Frazier

Years Active: 1997-PresentNetwork: MSG Network

Drafted in 1967 by the New York Knicks, 1st Round, 5th overall pick

Scouting Report:

Walt “Clyde” Frazier is an institution in New York. He’s the first “local” broadcaster selected. One of the best all-time players in the organization, he’s parlayed that into a nice second career with the team. Knicks fans have come to appreciate his sense of fashion, with his colorful and stylish suits that he loves to display on camera. Frazier is old school personified, but has adapted to the modern game very well. Phrases like “posting and toasting”, and “tenacious D” are some of his signatures. Every team needs experience.

#11 Dennis Scott

Years Active: 2016-presentNetwork:TNT

Drafted in 1990 by Orlando, 1st Round, 4th overall pick

Scouting Report:

Another great NBA talent in his playing days, “3D” made the transition to television and radio after setting the standard for 3-point shooting in the 1990’s. Scott seems very at ease when on camera, using some of that confidence as a shooter to his advantage. He comes across as a fan when he’s analyzing. Scott also has a great personality, he’s funny and is an encyclopedia of knowledge. 

#12 Jim Jackson

Years Active: 2007-presentNetwork:TNT, Fox Sports, Big Ten Network, CBS

Drafted in 1992 by Dallas, 1st Round, 4th overall pick

Scouting Report:

Jackson played for 12 teams throughout his NBA career and now juggles several jobs in the media world. When entering the field, he got advice from his Ohio State contacts like Clark Kellogg. Jackson also hired a coach to go over video of his on-air work. Pretty dedicated, which is why I have him here as a lottery pick. Jackson was a smart basketball player and uses his experience to provide that kind of insight in his broadcasts. 

#13 Richard Jefferson

Years Active: 2018-presentNetwork:ESPN

Drafted in 2001 by Houston, 1st Round, 13th overall pick

Scouting Report:

Jefferson has burst onto the scene at ESPN as one of their best personalities/analysts. Jefferson played in the NBA for 18 seasons and is using that experience to help him along the way. He brings some comedic value to the set with him, but it doesn’t get in the way of his basketball knowledge. The information is fair and accurate even when talking about former teammates. 

#14 Stacy King

Years Active: 2006-Present
Networks: NBC Sports Chicago, WGN-TV

Drafted in 1989 by Chicago, 1st Round, 6th overall pick

Scouting Report:

King is the second of the “local” broadcasters to make the lottery here. King is one of the more creative and entertaining analysts. Chicago wants its broadcasters to back their teams and King doesn’t disappoint. He gets excited like a fan would. With King you get vocal imitations, and catchphrases. “Gimme the Hot Sauce” is one of his favorites. He’s turned the phrase into a podcast as well. 

Andraya Carter Takes Her Biggest Stage Yet at the NBA Draft

Derek Futterman
-
0
Andraya Carter Takes Her Biggest Stage Yet at the NBA Draft

Barclays Center in Brooklyn is usually the place where basketball fans go to watch the Nets and the New York Liberty take the floor. Sitting at the crossroads of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, the aura of hoop culture is undeniable, making it the perfect destination for the players of tomorrow to be ushered into the Association. For those who are unable to attend in person, The Walt Disney Company will have extensive coverage of the NBA Draft on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Radio and across ESPN’s digital platforms.

The NBA Draft on ESPN will feature NBA Today host Malika Andrews and analysts JJ Redick and Jay Bilas. Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski and Front Office Insider Bobby Marks will provide their insights throughout the coverage, and reporter Monica McNutt will speak with draft picks and personnel throughout the night. Everyone on the network has done this before and excelled in their roles. However, there is one name making her NBA Draft debut Thursday night. It will be an immense step forward in her flourishing media career.

Andraya Carter pursued a career in professional basketball from a young age, and by the time she made it to the University of Tennessee, thought reaching the WNBA was a realistic possibility. A slew of injuries and setbacks forced her to reevaluate her career trajectory. When she declined her fifth year of NCAA eligibility and terminated her pursuit of a lifelong dream, Carter was perplexed and had no idea where to turn. The uncertainty and need to make a living forced her to take several smaller jobs, including driving for Uber and Lyft and working as a coach at Orangetheory Fitness.

Carter was encouraged to explore television as a side hustle after conversations with Maria Taylor, Carolyn Peck and LaChina Robinson. They figured she would be a good fit for the University of Tennessee basketball games streamed online on ESPN3. After an email exchange with ESPN Vice President of Production, Patricia Lowry, and an in-person meeting at the SEC Tournament, she was added to the SEC Network roster.

“Every producer that I worked with asked me what I felt the most passionate about,” Carter said. “When I was so nervous and when I was so, ‘No one try to force me into anything,’ everyone was just like, ‘Hey, what do you feel?’. I think having the freedom to speak to what I felt the most passionately about from very, very early on helped me get a jump on having confidence because I didn’t have to fake how I felt.”

The meeting Carter had with Lowry – which required help from Maria Taylor in order to secure a media credential to access the space – led to the ensuing opportunities. Early on in her time with the SEC Network doing studio work, she was given her own segment titled “Doing Work with ‘Draya,” on which she spoke about the value of hustle plays and analyzed several relevant examples.

“I was so fired up and so passionate about it, and I did it with confidence because I felt good about it,” Carter said. “It’s little things like that they didn’t have to do or give me early, and they did – they trusted me with it and I felt that. I think that goes a long way – the people around you and the people above you – [when] you feel like they trust you and you have some autonomy in what goes on, I think you grow the best that way.”

Conversations with coordinating producer Pete Watters and accruing commonalities and building chemistry with colleagues such as Alyssa Lang and Steffi Sorensen engendered professional development. From the very beginning, Carter felt she was afforded the chance to confidently assert her position on a wide array of topics and that she had the trust of her colleagues. The environment and commitment to producing stellar broadcasts has fueled her, but reaching the position she will be in Thursday night required she have plenty of experience and versatility in a wide variety of situations.

As she anticipates her debut as a reporter for the NBA Draft, Carter will utilize what she has learned from studio analysis and color commentary during games. Both roles are fixated on evaluating complex subtleties and making them comprehensible to the audience. The primary difference pertains to the cadence of the event and the time she has to make her points. During the NBA Draft, the clock governs the action. When the dulcet chimes ring, all attention turns to the stage where NBA Commissioner Adam Silver changes the life of an individual and their family forever. Everything else suddenly becomes irrelevant.

“You might have a point you want to make and then there’s a big shot; or you might have a storyline that you want to tell and there’s something else going on and you can’t quite get to it,” Carter explained. “For me, really the gist of it is still studying tendencies; studying strengths and weaknesses; and being able to articulate those things no matter what space I’m in.”

Although she has provided color commentary for NBA G-League games, the NBA Draft assignment on ESPN represents a significant step forward for Carter in terms of NBA coverage on ESPN. Leading into the day, she has watched countless hours of film and read stories about the draftees while also getting to know the colleagues she will share the airwaves with throughout the night. As a reporter, Carter’s role spans far beyond simply discussing a draftee or the fit on their roster. 

“My first time doing any event, the prep is honestly outrageous because I’m just not exactly sure how to be efficient with it; what I need; what I’m looking for [and] what I don’t need,” Carter said. “My entire process for this year’s draft – I already have in my mind things I’ll do differently or things I can be cleaner on or more efficient on, and I’ll keep notes of what worked and what didn’t work and make adjustments.”

The spotlight will be on Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 center who is expected to be selected with the first-overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs. Wembanyama’s welcome to the league and assent thereafter will surely be a preponderance of the coverage of the NBA Draft. In fact, ESPN Senior NBA Writer Brian Windhorst traveled to Paris for an exclusive interview and story with Wembanyama. Leading up to the draft, he has participated in a variety of interviews ranging from a sit-down conversation with Good Morning America host Robin Roberts to a podcast appearance with JJ Redick.

“It’s really exciting because of the person that he is,” Carter said of Wembanyama. “When you listen to him talk and you’re around him, he’s insightful, he’s thoughtful and he is the type of player that you want to cover and that you want to spend time on.”

Just as when she was a player, Carter wants to continue to improve as a professional and manufacture mutually-beneficial relationships to underscore the on-air product and property at large. As a sports fan herself, Carter recognizes the brilliance of personalities like Ryan Ruocco and Malika Andrews and appreciates every opportunity to be in their presence and work alongside them. 

“I’m covering athletes that work so hard, and so for me, it only makes sense for me to work hard for them as well,” Carter said. “I just feel a lot of motivation from the people in my support system; the people beside me and my colleagues; and then the athletes that I’m covering. Everyone around me – I just feel motivated by them all the time to do my best and try to show up ready to give everything that I can.”

Carter feels that she had a successful 2022 and reflected back on the year with gratitude and fulfillment. Yet she was not aware that award ceremonies existed in sports media, let alone that she would be honored with one. The National Sports Media Association is recognizing Carter as the winner of the ‘Best Young Reporter’ accolade. She is honored, but she is cognizant of the fact that it is just a marker on a much larger, expansive roadmap.

“It is nice to know that I’m on the right track and at least that I have systems and processes in place that translate and that work and that at least seem to be received well,” Carter said. “I think that’s special [and] I’m thankful.”

Before her first studio appearance on the SEC Network, Carter spilled a cup of soda at the desk with 30 seconds until air. It was an unambiguous moment of doubt and nervousness. Doubt and nerves permeated her psyche until the show’s producer told her to leave it and proceed as if nothing had happened, and so that’s what she did. 

Once she began to grow more comfortable with her role, Carter took on opportunities to co-host the studio program, Out of Pocket, and tried her hand at college football sideline reporting. Whether or not the calendar year ends in recognition for her work, Carter’s internal goal is to feel good about her media endeavors and have a feeling of progress and vertical integration.

Carter’s focus lies on effectively performing her role during the NBA Draft; that is, divulging her basketball acumen and extrapolating the path to the hardwood. Plenty of hackneyed maxims exist talking about how things rarely ever go according to plan, and that it is incumbent on the afflicted to demonstrate malleability to thrive.

Carter knows the uphill battle she faced throughout her basketball career, along with the one she endured to reach this point as a broadcaster. During her formative years in the industry, Carter continued to work multiple jobs and thought about stopping broadcasting altogether to become a fitness coach on a full-time basis. The journey, however, is far from over. 

“You can pivot from that and you can turn it into something that you still love and you still enjoy and you still can be great at and feel like your best self,” Carter said. “That’s kind of my goal all the time, or what I want people to at least see when they see me or when they hear my story. I feel inspired by that because sometimes it’s not the first thing you want that works out, but it’s what comes after that.”

Fox News Shouldn’t Be the Standard For News/Talk Radio

Peter Thiele
-
0

The most successful name in news television over the past 20 years has been Fox News. They have been so dominant that they sometimes have been the number one cable channel, period. 

Sometimes, Fox News even has beaten network TV. Many of your stations may carry Sean Hannity who has been a ninja for ratings success on TV and radio. With so much winning, why not mirror Fox News? I will explain why:

A good hour in primetime on Fox News has 3 million to 4 million viewers. Certainly, that is a lot of people. But, depending on the hour, Fox News has about 1% of the U.S. population watching, if you consider that all 330 million plus Americans are watching TV at a particular moment. 

If you can live on 1% of your community listening to your station, keep it up. Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN are not broadcasting to a wide audience. This is not to say that they are not successful. Fox News, before the Tucker Carlson exit, was the number one attraction on cable,  often beating network TV in big dayparts. 

With 450 channels, streaming platforms, YouTube, gaming, websites, and more, success is certainly at a lower bar than 4 TV networks and a small number of radio stations. Radio has quite an advantage.

As of this moment, most people in the car are likely listening to radio. Local news, traffic, and weather are key advantages to that captive audience stuck in their car. Those that are heading to work, taking the kids to school or activities, or running daily errands have a friend in you. 

The competition is between the different stations. Obviously, focusing on your target demo creates a window for success. Satellite radio takes away audience, but they do not have the local advantage. By the way, I am a SiriusXM subscriber. I know what they offer. Locally focused radio wins in many ways. 

The average cable news viewer is death for radio. The average age of a Fox News viewer is 60.  Advertising sales has always been based on reaching a large percentage of adults 25-54. For TV, it is adults 18-49. I love 60-year-olds. I am closer to 60 than I am to 40. But, let us talk about why we are here. It is to make money. While the older demographic has money, it is not the focus of the advertising industry. 

I have heard hosts and managers complain about the lack of interest in older demos by the business community. I get it and agree with you. Sadly, the reality is 25-54. Cable’s success is not based solely on advertising revenue. In Cable, 1% of the U.S. population is money in the bank. A 1 share at your radio station is a recipe for failure.

Fox News Radio’s presence is for one reason only: brand extension. I am not pointing at just Fox News. If you have a sports station in your building that carries ESPN Radio, the same thing occurs. It is brand extension for the network.  Listen to the top-of-the-hour Fox News Update or The Brian Kilmeade Show, it is a commercial for Fox News. It is brilliant promotion that radio has allowed. Don’t blame the playas, they are winning the game. 

Fox News is a terrific news product for a News/Talk station. I use it on my station. There is not a suitable alternative. But don’t be fooled. You are being used as a promotional tool for them.  Fox News top-of-the-hour news fits the bent of most conservative news talk stations. It is a perfect fit considering the alternatives that are available. But, realize, it is a commercial for the network.

Cable’s income is somewhat baked into the cake. Technically, when you pay your cable company or streaming service, the network gets a negotiated monthly fee per month.  Depending on the network, it could be as high as $10 dollars per month. So, even if you never watch a moment of a network on your TV service, they are making money off of you. 

Frequently, it has been brought up having the ability to negotiate which cable companies that we pay for. I love this idea. The sushi restaurant of TV other than you pay for everything plan.  There are a couple of reasons that you can’t get TV ala carte. Due to the consolidation of TV networks, the big owners can negotiate with your streaming or TV service to carry all or nothing. They have the power. 

Obviously, Congress could step in on this, but they have not. The average consumer watches 17 channels. Name how many you are watching. Think it through. I got to 12. You may get to 30.  There is only so much you can watch, read or listen to with the abundance of choices available. 

So, if I can leave you with one thing to ruminate over, let it be that radio is still uniquely positioned to reach a mass audience. Focusing on a thing with a small audience is death to your job. Fox News is an amazing brand. They do a bunch of things right. The success paradigm for Fox News or other cable news stations is different than for your radio station.  Keep that in mind as you choose topics and discussions for your station.

1...2,0372,0382,039...2,778Page 2,038 of 2,778