Was the 4th of July holiday everything it could have been? Did you take Friday or Monday off and make it a three-day holiday? Or, as I have every year, did you work like Demetri Ravanos even though you were on a family vacation in a cabin? I am not proud that I have left weeks and days of earned vacation unused every year. And, no, it never was eligible to accrue from year to year or be paid in cash. I blew it.
Now, go back and look at how productive or unproductive you were last Friday or Monday. How did you spend your time? Did you need to be in work from home mode or at the office? If you didn’t get much done, maybe you should have done anything but work. One regret I have through my work life is not taking more time off. And I am not just saying I should have taken more one-week vacations to Hawaii. That’s not always financially possible. I mean a few days here or there. An afternoon or Friday off to enjoy a three-day weekend somewhere other than my home. Or spend a morning or afternoon with my wife or kids focusing on them and their interests. The guys at Harvard have it figured out. Read how to get the most out of vacation. I wish I had. Here are some things to consider right now.
Ben Franklin was right
If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Make sure next year, around December, you look out at the annual calendar and make your vacation plans. Committing will organize your work and personal life a lot better. You also will have reservations for hotels, flights, whatever. Planning vacation is like writing copy; it’s easier to edit than create. And it’s not too late to look over the rest of the year right now. Make a different plan for the last summer weekend of the year, Labor Day. Or why not spend Veterans Day on 11/11 by visiting a veterans’ home or military hospital? Why not plan to take a drive this thanksgiving and see a friend or relative you have not connected with since COVID? Did you know Christmas eve is on a Thursday this year? Take it off! Same with new years eve. Why spend the last day of the year working on a Friday when you could create a special day with your family or partner going to a local hotel for a day of fun and then New Year’s Eve celebration. And, if there is one week I usually did take off correctly, it was the week between Christmas and New Year. If you can swing it, do it. You can do your annual planning somewhere other than the office, and you will struggle to make presentations that week anyway.
Go Longer
Leaving for a vacation takes something out of you. Getting to a getaway spot can also be taxing. Let’s figure at least two days of travel, stress, and decompression. Then, if you are like me, I always traveled back home two days before I had to be at work and took that last day to get organized. That’s four days of a 7-day vacation filled with anything but Mai Tais and margaritas. On your next one week off, take six vacation days off and travel on a Friday and return on a Saturday. That will give you a good Sunday-Friday break of no stress. The best days of vacation are the days when you know you have more days of vacation left.
Getaway
If at all possible, get away from making any decisions at home. Go to a hotel or wherever else if possible. Especially with all the work from home time we have logged, get out of the house.
Delegate!
Just have another sales rep do anything you would need to do. Tell all your clients that need to know. Please put it on your voice mail. And stop looking at your phone. It took me 30 years to realize that calling and emailing clients while on vacation was work!
If you spend time on yourself and your loved ones, you will never regret it. My dad worked seven days a week, 12 months a year, and NEVER TOOK VACATION. When he was dying, he regretted working so much and said he should have spent more time with his family. Take some time off and live it up.
He’s been the guy calling pretty much every big event on Fox since the late 1990’s. Joe Buck has become a regular part of many people’s Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, well you get it. Buck calls the NFL and Major League Baseball for the network, covering the biggest events on the biggest stages. The Super Bowl and of course the World Series.
Busy should be his middle name. During the baseball playoffs, he’s still working his Fox NFL gig, which can also include a Thursday night game. A couple of times in the last decade he’s called his own “doubleheader”. On October 14, 2012, Buck called an NFL game between the Giants and 49’ers in San Francisco, which started at 4:25pm Eastern Time. He then made the 7-mile journey across town via trolley for Game 1 of the NLCS between the Cardinals and Giants.
Buck has also become one of the most polarizing national announcers in recent memory. He is opinionated, sometimes sarcastic and is usually accused of having a bias against, well, pretty much every fanbase in sports. He’s been called a jinx to whatever team it is that a viewer follows. That’s a power many of us in the industry wish we had. Of course, it’s not true.
ROAD TO THE NETWORKS
Buck called play-by-play for the then Louisville Redbirds, a minor league affiliate of the Cardinals. He was a reporter for ESPN’s coverage of the Triple-A All-Star Game in 1989. Buck became a reporter for St. Louis’ CBS station KMOV in 1991, the same year he began broadcasting Cardinals games on local television and on KMOX radio. He would fill in for his father Jack Buck, while the elder Buck was working on CBS telecasts.
Buck continued to call Cardinals games after being hired by Fox Sports in 1994. Though as he got busier and busier with the network job, his local duties shrank. Prior to the 2008 season he announced that he would no longer be calling Cardinals games. It marked the first time since 1960 that a member of the Buck family was not part of the team’s broadcasting crew.
LIFE AT FOX
Buck has been the face and voice of Fox Sports since 1994. He was hired to work the NFL in the inaugural season on the network at age 25. Buck became the youngest person ever to announce a regular schedule of NFL games in network TV history.
He took over as the top play-by-play man in 2002 replacing the legendary Pat Summerall. Buck is only the third announcer to handle a television network’s lead MLB and NFL coverage in the same year. He joins NBC’s Curt Gowdy and ABC’s Al Michaels.
Buck, as mentioned, is also the top guy at Fox on the network’s coverage of Major League Baseball. In 1996, he was named Fox’s lead play-by-play voice teaming with Tim McCarver.
On September 8, 1998, Buck called Mark McGwire’s 62nd home run that broke the single-season record. The game was nationally televised live in prime time on Fox. Not a normal circumstance at all, but the record, at the time, was of huge national interest.
One of the other well-known broadcasts by Buck, included a tribute to his late father Jack. It came during the broadcast of the 2002 World Series. Game 6 between the Angels and Giants came down to an Anaheim comeback in the bottom of the 8th to take a lead on San Francisco. The Angels needed to win to stave off elimination. When the final out of the Angels victory was recorded, Buck said, “We’ll see you tomorrow night.” Buck’s father Jack had passed away only a few months earlier and it was a perfect hat tip to his dad, because Jack said the exact same phrase in 1991. Jack Buck made the original famous call when Minnesota’s Kirby Puckett hit a home run off of Atlanta’s Charlie Leibrandt to end Game 6 of the 1991 World Series.
Through 2020, Buck has called 22 World Series and 21 All-Star Games for Fox, the most of any play-by-play announcer on network television.
WHY IS HE SO GOOD?
For some, being the son of a Hall of Fame announcer would be enough for them to think, I can do this broadcasting thing, my dad did it so why not me? Yes, some get jobs based on their name. But just a few last as long as Joe has, because of one thing. No, not his name. Talent. He’s not his dad, he’s his own guy. As I wrote last summer.
Joe had a difficult time dealing with his dad’s shadow, but learned later that there was no reason to feel that way.
“I was broadcasting Cardinal baseball in the major leagues at the age of 21, and that only happened because my last name was Buck. At the time, I fought that.”, the younger Buck told NPR in 2016. He continued, “But there’s also a little bit more of a sharp knife out there, as far as critics are concerned, that you better be as good as the old man, or in some cases better, to be considered a success.”. Being modest, Joe continued to NPR, “I know I do a decent enough job to keep my job, but I will forever be known to some people as Jack Buck’s son. And thank God he and I were best friends or that would drive me nuts. Instead, I consider it a high compliment.”
To me this is why the younger Buck is so polarizing. Some feel that since he’s not his old man, how can he do this job? Some may feel he’s just on the air because his name is Buck and dismiss him? There are those that don’t like his wit or sarcasm, saying he seems to come off as a know it all or aloof. Whatever the reason, it is a thing, Buck hating is real. There are Twitter accounts dedicated to the practice. Petitions online call for his job routinely. This is broadcasting in a new era of social media. Thick skin is required. Buck proves he’s above it, because here he is, a couple of decades later, still going strong. To know all of that is out there and still be able to do your job at a high level is an extraordinary thing. It’s a testament to his talent.
Buck finds a way to make games exciting. Whether it be a great call in a huge moment or his ability to set the scene for a game that has a lot on the line. It is such a compliment to a broadcaster when you achieve the level of “you know it’s a big game when you hear that voice” and Buck has.
I appreciate the enormity of the job he has, in being expected to get everything right. It’s an awesome responsibility.
CONTROVERSY
Buck has had to deal with some controversy over the course of his career. Several of them have popped up over the last few years, about things he said on air, and things picked up while not on the air.
“That’s a lot of jet fuel just to do a little flyover,” Aikman is heard saying in the video.
“That’s your hard-earned money and your tax dollars at work!” Buck replied in a mocking tone.
Buck told the St. Louis Dispatch that he was a fan of military flyovers before sporting events. He also says that what sounded like he and partner Aikman mocking them that weekend was in fact an inside joke and sarcasm that was taken entirely out of context.
“The perception that we’re not supporting the military is crazy,” Buck told the paper. “We were being completely sarcastic. I’ve seen some of the most chilling flyovers you’d ever see. It’s like a communal experience. Flyovers are great.” Buck suspects that someone who isn’t with Fox clipped the audio, packaged it with video that wasn’t Fox’s and then sold it.
Buck, in another recent controversy told Colin Cowherd on his podcast that he and Aikman used to sip tequila mixed drinks on occasion in the broadcast booth during games, and that he liked to nurse “the biggest beer” in the stadium to call baseball.
“I’ll say this. We have had that glass of bourbon in the booth. Although it’s not bourbon, it’s tequila, splash of Grand Marnier and grapefruit juice,” Buck replied. “I went through a couple years where, in the first inning of every postseason baseball game, I had the runner go get the biggest beer that the stadium sold. And I had it sitting there and I would sip it from time to time to remind myself to relax and have fun. I’m just doing a game.”
Buck says the remarks were just a tiny segment in a long conversation. He is not happy about the way it is playing out, leading some people to perceive that he slams drinks during the game — something that never was said.
“It is just another reminder that journalism is indeed dying and clickbait rules the day,” Buck tweeted. “… I am 51, not 15. I believe I am old enough to understand what a drink is.”
He said the drinks were just one of the tricks he has used over the years to calm his mind.
He puts notes to himself on his spotting boards to remind him to put things into perspective.
“The notes on my board ‘have fun’ ‘relax’ are examples from every Super Bowl,” he said. “Texts from friends pop the bubble and are needed during the game. The coffee machine and almost fake trips to it to leave the front of the booth are necessary for me.
HALL OF FAME
For his work over the years in the NFL, Buck is headed to Canton. He will receive the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s prestigious Pete Rozelle Award, given for “longtime exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football.” Buck joins his father, Jack Buck, in receiving the award, the first father-son duo to do it.
Hall of Fame president David Baker surprised Buck with the news on a Thursday Night Football broadcast between the Bengals and Browns. Buck will be officially recognized during next summer’s enshrinement week in August, during the enshrinement of the Centennial Class of 2020.
The announcement left him speechless for a moment during the broadcast. “I don’t even know what to say. I feel like – what? That’s unbelievable.”
JEOPARDY!
TV Sports Announcers for $400 please…
This NFL announcer for Fox TV shares a name with a male deer and will also be the host of Jeopardy.
Who is Joe Buck? Correct.
So, Joe Buck is going to appear on Jeopardy! as a guest host. His episodes are set to air in early August. Buck joins a long list of those that are interested in replacing the late Alex Trebek who passed away last year. He joins Aaron Rodgers, former Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings, Anderson Cooper and Mayim Bialik on the roster of potential new hosts for the show.
CONCLUSION
I understand that Buck isn’t for everyone. People seem to enjoy picking him apart for every word, every nuance and every call. Seriously though, the guy has enjoyed a long and successful career, so he’s doing something right. You don’t stick around and perform at a high-level just because you have the same last name as a legendary broadcaster. I enjoy how Buck seems to play off the negativity and turn it into something to laugh about. Deep down, nobody likes to hear bad things about their broadcasts. At the same time, you can’t cave to the trolls and haters, they’re always going to be there, but seemingly so will Buck.
SUMMARY:
Joe Buck is the voice of the NFL and Major League Baseball on Fox and has been at it for a long time. The son of the late Jack Buck, he has carved out his own niche in the industry. Joe Buck has become the soundtrack for some of the biggest sporting events in the last 20+ years. Buck has dealt with controversy and detractors, but it hasn’t affected his longtime grip on the top job at Fox.
When considering how to sell live play-by-play commercials, four factors come to mind: broadcast times, tv, streaming rights, and announcers. And, let’s define play by play as broadcasts for local high school football and basketball, college football and basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games.
First, make sure you review this piece from Rob Taylor to understand how programming and management feel about paying to broadcast games. Once somebody in your building decides to give up inventory or cash to broadcast those games, you will be expected to sell live play-by-play whether you want to or not.
When will the games air?
This helps in determining the price of most inventory. Games that are during the weekday or late afternoon drive have the most value to me. If the broadcast is important enough to bump your regular weekday programming, it MUST be critical. Local college and pro games can have great tune-in for pre and post-game coverage as well. Afternoon drive weekday pre-game shows for big games are perfect settings to reach fans anticipating the game and driving around doing errands while they whet their appetite for the game. Home game post-game coverage has the advantage of thousands of fans getting in their cars and craving post-game analysis and interviews. Some games end early enough for fans to listen to post-game while traveling for hours home after a college football game. Weekend day games are perfect for listening while driving around or working around the house.
Is the game on TV?
Most everybody prefers to watch a game on tv over listening to the radio. And now fans can stream some tv broadcasts off their phone and listen in their car or earbuds. Road games with no tv option present great tune-ins for fans who want to follow the game live.
Can you sell streaming commercials?
If you can sell commercials on your stream, you can sell two demographics to your advertisers. Younger or tech-savvy fans prefer to stream even in their car, and older listeners in their cars or even, to some extent at home, will flip on the radio. I still think that fans prefer the tv to any stream, which is just a tiny part of the case for buying play-by-play from you. I don’t think it is a deal-breaker for most clients, but there will be enough buyers who will want this option.
Who is calling the game?
Long tenured broadcasters who have a distinct style like the retiring Marv Albert generate an audience on their own. If you have a beloved local broadcaster, you already know that. If you don’t, and you control the situation, find one and stick with them. I have sold more local play-by-play this way to clients who want to associate with the legendary local broadcaster.
If you look at play-by-play as a unique asset, treat it that way to your client, and price it fairly, selling play-by-play is a slam dunk in sports radio.
Hall of Famer John Smoltz was one of the dominant pitchers of his era. Smoltz joined forces with Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine to lead the Atlanta Braves to an incredible run from the early 1990’s to the mid 2000’s. His Braves teams amassed, 14 consecutive NL East titles, won 5 National League pennants and in 1995, won a World Series Championship.
Amazingly, during the run, Smoltz proved to be one of, if not, the most versatile pitcher of the day. From 1992-2005, Smoltz was 135-86, with a 3.10 ERA. He had 34 complete games and 13 shutouts. Ok, those are numbers you’d expect from a guy in the Hall of Fame. What you might not expect? Smoltz recorded 154 saves during that period as well. Oh, and he missed the entire 2000 season following Tommy John surgery. That injury forced him to pitch out of the bullpen for a time and Smoltz became the first player in baseball history to record 200+ wins and 150+ saves during a career. He is one of four pitchers ever to have a 20-win season and a 30-save season (Dennis Eckersley, Derek Lowe and Ian Kennedy). Smoltz and Eckersley are the only two pitchers with a 20-win and 50-save season.
Not bad for a Tigers’ prospect, who was drafted in the 22nd round of the 1985 draft, right? Smoltz ended up making Doyle Alexander the answer to a trivia question. Who was the guy Atlanta sent to Detroit for John Smoltz? Yup, Alexander. The first ballot Hall of Famer, 8-time All-Star and NL Cy Young Award winner, pitched 21 seasons in the Majors, with of course, Atlanta, also briefly for both Boston and St. Louis. Smoltz retired after the 2009 season.
ROAD TO THE BOOTH
One of Smoltz’s first forays into the world of broadcasting came in 2010, the year after he left the game as a player. He joined the Braves broadcast alongside Joe Simpson on Peachtree TV. Also that year, he did some games on MLB Network and also called some postseason games for TBS. In 2014 he was first hired by Fox. The network paired him with Matt Vasgersian in Fox’s number two booth. He also joined Fox Sports South to call select Braves games that season.
Just after the 2015 season ended, Fox bumped Smoltz up to the top booth alongside Joe Buck. Smoltz worked his first World Series in 2016, when the Cubs ended the longest drought in professional sports by winning the title. Smoltz and Buck have called the Fall Classic together ever since.
Smoltz also serves as a game and studio analyst for MLB Network.
WHY IS HE GOOD?
Just because you were a good player, or even a great player, it doesn’t automatically translate into an equally great broadcasting career. Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson and recently Jason Witten come to mind as tremendous players that weren’t good analysts. These guys may have been good interviews for reporters in their playing days. However, talking about a game you actually played in, seems easier to do than one you aren’t a part of on the field. Many have tried to varying degrees of success.
Smoltz has the rare ability of parlaying a fantastic Major League career into an ability to analyze what he’s seeing. He’s good at being able explain it in terms the audience can understand. There are few former athletes that “get it” the way he does. He combines knowledge, wit and candor into a broadcast like few baseball analysts can. His baseball resume gives him the credibility to make some of the statements he does. Whether they be about the game itself or a player or team.
Now, having played the game at a high level, sets you up for being criticized yourself. Meaning, Smoltz gets pegged for being a curmudgeon at times, lamenting today’s game and its stats and analytics. To me, it sounds at times like he’s frustrated with the way those numbers have affected managing styles and some players’ ability levels. In other words, he didn’t seem to care about his spin rate, he just knew how to get batters out, even the third time through the order. Smoltz didn’t care about his pitch count, he completed over 50 games in his career. I get it, that can grate on some, because the game is being played today under these rules and not being played “back in my day”.
It’s led many fans and some members of the media to wonder if Smoltz even likes baseball. The answer to that question is no, he LOVES baseball. How else do you explain his career? A competitor that had to reinvent himself several times as a pitcher due to injury. A prolific starter that was thrust into a bullpen role not by choice but out of necessity. Anything to help his team win, no arguments, no excuses and no regrets.
He’s good because when he and Joe Buck call a game, fans of both teams think he hates their team. It’s almost a badge of honor to achieve that level of success in the booth. During last year’s NLCS between the Dodgers and Braves, Atlanta fans were calling for his number to be “unretired”. They were upset because he was criticizing the team he used to play for. Dodger fans were equally perturbed because they perceived he was favoring the Braves in his commentary.
DID YOU KNOW?
Smoltz is good friends with Tiger Woods. The two have played golf together many times including once at Augusta National, during Spring Training. His manager at the time Bobby Cox allowed Smoltz to fly to the course and play a round with Woods.
“Tiger (Woods) offered to fly me up to Augusta like two or three weeks before the Masters,” Smoltz told PGATour.com. “There was a Sunday during Spring Training and he said, ‘I’ll have you back by 3 o’clock.’ And my manager let me do it. Nobody found out. I flew up there with Tiger and, of course, had the time of my life playing the Sunday (hole locations). All the pins that would have literally been in the tournament on Sunday. And watching that man play that golf course was ridiculous. I think I shot 76 (from the back tees) and he shot 66.”
Smoltz actually threw batting practice to Woods one time. When Smoltz was still pitching for the Atlanta Braves, Tiger wanted to take some swings off of Smoltz. During an appearance recently on “Golf Today”, Smoltz recounted the story of the day it actually happened.
“I just happened to have a rehab situation where everybody was gone from the park,” recalled Smoltz. “I said, ‘Alright Tiger, you can come and take four swings, pretend like it’s in a game, I’m going to be throwing like it’s a game.” And he took the batting practice.
“I was concerned back then about, not me hitting Tiger, I wasn’t going to hit him, it was just jamming his thumb or catching one, you know? With golfers, I was like, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ and obviously he’s so competitive, we play ping-pong, it doesn’t matter what the sport, he wants to compete, and it was a competitive swing. You know, when you think about trying to face a 95 mile an hour fastball or a 90 mile an hour slider.” Tiger claims he was 1-for-4 with a walk, according to Smoltz.
For his part, Woods believes that John Smoltz could play on the Champions Tour. Smoltz actually qualified for the U.S. Senior Open in 2018, but didn’t make the cut. Woods has been impressed by Smoltz’s game telling Golf Digest, “(I’ve) never played with an amateur who shot the types of scores that Smoltz did.”
CONCLUSION
While Smoltz may be a polarizing figure to fan bases and media folks, there is no doubting his abilities as an analyst. The fact that people have strong opinions one way or the other about Smoltz means he’s doing it right. It means they are watching and listening with enjoyment or scrutiny. They are locked into what he’s saying and why he’s saying it. I’d say that means he’s doing his job and doing it well.
SUMMARY:
Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz is making his mark on the sport he played in the TV booth. He’s opinionated, witty, humorous and a teacher of the game. His work and commentary have made him a rather polarizing figure among fans and media members. That means he’s doing his job and doing it well.
Regardless of what business you’re in, it’s inevitable that things will change. What you hope for as a professional is that when you walk out the door for the final time, you can look back and feel proud of the work you’ve done, the friendships and relationships you’ve established, and the way you helped people improve and reach heights they never dreamed possible. If you can leave a permanent mark on a city, let alone an entire format and industry, that’s even sweeter.
And that’s exactly what Mark Chernoff has done.
I never had the privilege of sharing office space or a studio with Mark, but I’ve been fortunate over the years to develop a professional relationship with him. He’s always been a champion for his people, his radio station, and the industry we’re all proud to be a part of. I’ve written before how WFAN inspired me to get into this business. The way the radio station sounded, felt, and captured the spirit, passion and imagination of New York sports radio fans is the reason why I decided to enter the business and am now able to write this column. The powerful combination of Mike & the Mad Dog and the numerous larger than life personalities that have graced WFAN’s airwaves over the years may have received most of the credit. All of them deserving of their recognition. But equally as important to the brand’s ratings and revenue success has been the PD who many in the format recognize as the best to do it, Mark Chernoff.
When I heard the news that Mark would be leaving WFAN I knew this column would have to be written. The issue, I knew it’d be incredibly long. So, if you’re not a fan of reading long stories, let this serve as your cue to exit before you get sucked in and lose 20 minutes of your day.
A man with Mark Chernoff’s accomplishments and importance to the sports format deserves to be recognized properly by the site that specializes in covering the sports radio world. Columns like this aren’t usually available in other online locations, and I take pride in our ability to use our platform to celebrate people and preserve the history that so many have helped to create in our industry. It’s the same reason why I sought Mark’s blessing two years ago to introduce the Mark Chernoff Award at our annual BSM Summit.
Countless hosts, programmers, producers, executives, clients and listeners have benefitted from Mark’s wisdom as WFAN’s program director. I could go on and on about his accomplishments, his impact on the industry, and the brand he’s turning over to Spike Eskin, but I’d rather turn this piece over to those who know Mark best. They’ve had a front row seat to watch him operate and turn WFAN into one of the most important brands in all of media. So without further delay, here’s the industry’s heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the greatest program director in sports radio history – Mark Chernoff.
__________
Chris Oliviero, Audacy New York Market Manager: Mark offered me one of my first paying radio jobs back in 1998, and since that moment our relationship has evolved into one of the most rewarding, important and genuine friendships of my entire life. He might not have been the first sports radio PD, but Babe Ruth wasn’t the first baseball player either. First does not always mean best.
The Chernoff family’s love of baseball is well documented, so when you look at the back of Mark’s baseball card, you will see a dominant performance. An almost 30 year run at the same station in market #1 delivering consistent ratings and revenue success. A gifted talent whisperer to a “Who’s Who’s” of radio personalities from Stern to Imus to Francesa & Russo to Boomer & Carton. Mark’s fingerprints are everywhere on our industry from the AM to FM sports revolution, to iconic local sports brands on the dial in the biggest cities in America beyond just New York, and to being a founding father of a thriving national sports radio network. What hasn’t he done?
But what he is most proud of I am sure and probably his biggest legacy will be his coaching tree. His mentorship to an All-Star roster of sports radio PDs nationwide is his gift to us all. When Mark cares he truly cares and when he says he will help make you better, he actually means it. Our business is better because of Mark, and I know I am too.
Mike Francesa, legendary WFAN talk show host, one half of Mike & the Mad Dog, and solo host of ‘Mike’s On: Francesa on The Fan’: There are a select number of very talented people who established WFAN into one of the great success stories in the history of broadcasting, and helped it endure for over a generation alone at the top. Mark is one of them.
Chris Russo, SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Afternoon Host and former co-host of WFAN’s Mike & The Mad Dog: I was in St. Martin in the Caribbean in March of 1993 when Mark introduced himself as the new program director of WFAN. He knew what a good radio station was supposed to “sound” like, never looked for the spotlight, and understood how to play the middle man between the GM/Owner & talent. Name me a PD anywhere who can successfully deal with the egos of Howard Stern, Don Imus, & Mike & the Mad Dog?
Also, Mark always backed you up and never sold you down the river. He always protected the rights of the radio station, even to a “fault”. For instance, he’d never let another radio show broadcast in the booth from Shea Stadium. I was always impressed that he’d be in there when the morning show started at 6am, and he did a hell of a job putting together a successful show after the demise of Imus….not easy.
On a personal note, he did everything in his power to keep me at WFAN, and always kept in touch even after I departed (like remembering my birthday).
Craig Carton, WFAN Afternoon Show Co-Host of ‘Carton & Roberts’: There are very few entities and even fewer people who are undeniably synonymous with sports talk radio in this country. Mark Chernoff is one of those people. For more than 30 years he was in charge of the singular radio station responsible for the first new radio format in decades. You wouldn’t know it today with the hundreds of successful sports talk stations in every market but sports talk as a 24 hour a day format was scoffed at and not taken seriously. Under Mark’s leadership, WFAN changed that while changing radio forever. He may not have invented the format but he no doubt oversaw it and massaged it and now leaves it as arguably the most successful and powerful format on the radio today. Boomer and Carton never would have happened let alone become as successful as it became without Mark. I never would have been offered the job in the first place if Mark was not the man in charge. His prior experience with Howard Stern, Don Imus and Opie and Anthony gave him a unique view of how important an entertaining morning show was for the overall success of a station and how different that show could and should be from the rest of the sports talk programming.
Take a look around the country and tell me how many straight sports, x’s and o’s morning shows are dominating the ratings in any market. The answer is none. Chernoff is ultimately responsible for that. Mark is also a fighter for what he believes in and someone who loves radio. I have worked for PD’s who didn’t love radio and who didn’t get the art form that compelling radio is. Mark always did. He also appreciated talent. I remember dozens of arguments w had about content and the sound of on air promotion’s and ID’s, neither of us wavering but always respecting that the argument was about making things better and not about who was right. He won some, I won some, and the show and radio station benefitted from the back and forth.
I had never met a PD prior to meeting Mark who was in the building before the morning show went on the air and was still there when the afternoon drive show signed off. He lived and loved radio and would listen on his cheap Walkman while jogging on the streets of New Jersey everyday at 4:00 in the morning. Mark heard everything, missed nothing and truly cared about the voices that came through his headphones. He was not a micro-manager the way so many people are but he also never failed to give you his opinion on your performance. In doing so he kept you on your toes and made you a better broadcaster. On a personal note, I love Mark. I’m blessed to have had him as my Program Director and as my friend, and blessed that he was at WFAN when I needed someone to believe in me as a person enough to give me a second chance at returning to the airwaves last year. I will always be indebted to him for that and for the first chance all the way back in 2007 to replace Imus with me and Boomer, an unpopular move at the time, which was ridiculed and challenged as nuts, but which turned out to be one of the most successful radio decisions he ever made. Mark leaves behind a legacy of success that is unmatched by any other talk radio program director in the country. He is deserving of all of the accolades that I am sure are pouring in and he will certainly be missed.
Evan Roberts, WFAN Afternoon Show Co-Host of ‘Carton & Roberts’: If you are a sports fan in the New York City area there is no doubt you listened to WFAN as a kid and young adult. The radio station defined everything that was the New York sports fan and couldn’t be more perfectly put together. I know that it influenced me as a young sports fan as well as countless others. Personally, I don’t think I ever get to where I am now on WFAN without one man giving a 9 year old a shot in 1993 when I wrote a letter applying for a job. That opportunity in 1993 and and again in 2004 when I started filling in on the overnight shift came from one of the great program directors in radio history; Mark Chernoff. I will always cherish the conversations Joe Benigno, Mark and I would have in the back office. Congrats to Mark on an incredible run and changing the landscape of sports talk radio in America.
Gregg Giannotti, WFAN Morning Show Co-Host of ‘Boomer & Gio’: “I think you need to be a talk show host”.
Without those words from Mark Chernoff I wouldn’t have the career I have now. Mark, Eric Spitz, Joe Benigno, Evan Roberts and I would get together before every midday show and talk sports and laugh. It was in those conversations that Mark saw something in me, which led to hosting my first show. I will be forever grateful.
I really don’t know how he did it, dealing with all of us maniacs. Managing those type of personalities is a skill very few possess. I didn’t fully appreciate Mark until I left my producer job at WFAN for a talk show host job in Pittsburgh. I thought every PD got to work at 5am and left at 6pm.
Every day of my radio career I knew Mark Chernoff was working and doing all he could to make our radio station great. It will be very odd the first day he isn’t there. I may have to call him at 5am so we can talk some baseball before the show. He’s a great husband, father, grandfather and radio titan. All the best Mark, I’m sorry for all those impressions I’ve done of you (Not Really).
Eric Spitz, SiriusXM VP of Sports Programming: Although all of these accolades are extremely well deserved, Mark won’t like any of this as he dreads being the center of attention. Too bad, Mark.
I think Mark’s greatest strength has been his ability to forge and maintain strong relationships with talent. Whether it’s been established stars like Howard, Imus, Scott Muni, Mike Francesa and Chris Russo or shows that he created like Boomer and Carton, and more recently, Boomer and Gio and Carton and Roberts, Mark has been able to get along with and get the most out of high profile talent. He has done this by putting his ego aside. It’s never about him but what’s best for the radio station.
Among many other attributes, Mark is a tireless worker who has the same passion and energy for the job today as he has had any point in his career. I will guarantee you that he will be writing station promos and Yankee liners on June 30th and will hit send right before returning the corporate laptop.
What has always impressed me the most about Mark, however, has nothing to do with radio. It’s been his commitment to family. Despite an incredibly demanding job, he never missed a child or grandchild’s game, recital or concert. The event could take place in New Jersey, DC, Cleveland or Chicago and Mark would be there. And he insisted that others, like me, follow the same path. For that, I am extremely grateful.
Hopefully, this is only a goodbye to WFAN and not a so long to the industry. Mark still has so much to contribute to both the sports and music formats. He’s a dual threat. A sports guy who never misses a post.
Spike Eskin, Mark Chernoff’s successor as WFAN Program Director: Mark has been the most thoughtful, encouraging influence that I’ve had on me as a Program Director since I started at 94WIP. He’s not just a person you can bounce things off of (he does that too), but always goes above and beyond when you need another voice.
His influence on WFAN and sports radio in general cannot be understated, and is obvious, but his influence on other programmers is the thing that I will always remember and appreciate. He’s really the greatest.
Jim Rome, CBS Sports Radio Host of ‘The Jim Rome Show’: I’ve appreciated Mark’s presence and participation in all we’re doing. He’s been solid from the word, “go”, and has made a whole lot possible for us. For all he’s accomplishing on a day-to-day basis, he’s grinding just as hard as the rest of us and he’s been doing that for 30 years or more. To perform and achieve at his level, you have to be the real deal, and Mark is. Heck of a run! He’s one to watch for what’s next.
Dan Mason, Former CEO of CBS Radio: In good times and trying times, Mark was always prepared. He was the backbone of WFAN whose respect for the product and talent was always stellar. I loved working with him and congratulate him on a terrific run at WFAN.
Steve Cohen, SiriusXM Senior Vice President of Programming, former WFAN host, reporter and executive producer: One of Mark’s greatest attributes as a manager of people was he didn’t try to change you. He gave you the feedback and room necessary to grow. That was easier said than done with the wild bunch he inherited. Mark allowed a certain level of independence and if we delivered, then he let us roll with it. We never worked in fear under his watch and became very confident in our ability to deliver quality content. That’s what great managers do. It’s what Mark Chernoff excelled at.
Mitch Rosen, 670 The Score/1250 The Fan, Program Director: What defines the person by the name of Mark Chernoff?
Genuine – Teacher – Coach – Real – Friendly – Helpful – Original – Pioneer – Innovator – Menche, and a terrific father, grandfather, husband, and most importantly, a great friend to so many.
When people think of sports radio they should think of Mark Chernoff.
Chris Kinard, 106.7 The Fan/Team 980, Program Director: Mark Chernoff’s career speaks for itself. The ratings, the successful shows he’s launched, the tenure, the consistency, and those 4 call letters: WFAN. What doesn’t speak for itself and requires others to speak out is what Mark has done behind the scenes for countless hosts, PD’s, producers, and other professionals in our business. I’m honored to be able to share some of what Mark has done for me, and meant to me.
I was a first-time PD, about 30 years old, 2+ years into the job, and working without a contract when CBS decided to flip a bunch of its talk and music stations to sports in 2009. We had a great launch, and beat our direct competitor the first month out of the gate. Then the race got tight in the Fall, and then football season was over and things continued to be competitive. It was decided that Mark should come down to evaluate what we were up to, and help where needed. Hearing the corporate format captain is coming to town to “help” inspires DOOM in the mind of every PD. I had no relationship with Mark at that point, and honestly I was very nervous about what his visit meant for me. My apprehension quickly dissipated as Mark and I talked. He is a great listener. He knew the signal challenges of the station (he’d programmed WJFK for about a month before Mel Karmazin said “I need you in New York!), understood the talent dynamics, and calmly focused the conversation on action items that we would tackle over the next few days. Mark was very clear on one thing in particular… our jingles sucked! And he was right. I will never forget standing next to Mark in our crappy old studio in Fairfax, VA as he sang over the phone to jingle singers “No, it’s more like ‘one-oh-six-seven The FAN!” over and over and over and over again. Until they were perfect, because that’s how you have the kind of career Mark Chernoff has had. You pay attention to the details and you work at them until they’re perfect.
I’ve had the privilege of working with and knowing Mark since then, and always know I will get great advice about radio or anything else when I need it. And you know someone is the real deal when you hear the same experience from everyone else around the format. Mark truly is the real deal, as a programmer, leader, and human being. Thank you, Mark.
Al Dukes, WFAN Morning Show Producer of ‘Boomer & Gio’: I first heard the name Mark Chernoff while listening to The Howard Stern Show during the 1990’s (I think it was the 1990s). I first met him while working at the corporate offices of CBS Radio when the company was looking for replacements for Howard Stern. Mark and I had the ‘pleasure’ of working with David Lee Roth. True story, I once had to get in between DLR and Mark because I actually thought they were going to come to blows in the hallways of K-Rock. The man is certainly passionate about radio (Mark that is, not David).
For the last 14 years, I’ve worked with Mark at WFAN while producing the morning show. I’ve always appreciated his management style of letting shows do their own thing as long as the ratings are good. When the ratings start to slip, he’s always there with suggestions on how to tweak things to get back on track. And he was always ready to battle sales when they came up with a terrible sponsorship idea. It will be really weird not having him around. Thank you Mark.
John Jastremski, ‘New York, New York’ Host, The Ringer and Spotify, former WFAN host: For almost the last decade I worked for Mark Chernoff, but it’s very rare that you get a sense to hear and know about your boss before you ever start at your employer. Mark’s success in programming radio was obvious with the product that was on the air at WFAN for years with Imus and Mike and the Mad Dog. I was curious to get a sense of what made the man tick when I started at the radio station in 2011. Even as a bright eyed 23 year old, Mark believed in my talent and allowed me to be me. Sure, there were critiques and plenty of conversations, but one of his great strengths is that he allowed talent to be themselves and perform. With Mark at the helm, I never had to worry about the program director micromanaging topics, telling me what to discuss. He trusted me to do the very best sports radio show that I could do. For that, I will forever be grateful.
In the years doing the overnight shift, there was nothing quite like the Cherny pop in as he would stroll in at 515 in the morning. You never quite knew what that meant. Sure, it would be the occasional, “you hit the update a minute and a half late!”, but in many cases it would be conversations of sports, classic rock and me wondering how a human could go for a run at 315 in the morning. That’s Mark Chernoff for you. Mark has had a legendary career in radio and personally I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me.
Marc Malusis, WFAN Midday Show Co-Host of ‘Maggie & Moose’: I started out as an intern at WFAN in 1998. That led to a part-time position in 2000 as a behind the scenes producer/board-op. This means I have worked for Mark Chernoff in some capacity for 20+ years, experiencing his leadership in those early roles that I held and later as an update anchor and host. I owe a lot to Mark. He gave me my first opportunities as an anchor and host. I think what separates him as a Program Director(PD) and has made him successful at WFAN and other stations is that he has a clear understanding of what the station should be based on what the audience is looking for from the station. He knew what he wanted from his hosts, and what worked and didn’t work at the station. Mark has a keen sense of the heartbeat of WFAN which at its core, is passionate sports talk mixed in with other topics and caller interaction. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him giving me those on-air opportunities.
Being a New Yorker, I never wanted to leave this city. I’ve always wanted a chance to be a full time host on the station that I grew up listening to. I was afforded that shot by Mark in 2020 and I will forever be grateful to him. He has been open and honest with me over the course of my career and even though at times, I might not like what he’s had to say, I appreciated his honesty. New York Radio, not just WFAN, will forever feel the indelible mark that he has made on this medium. He is an excellent Program Director, and loyal to his team and the stations he has managed. I just personally want to say ‘Thank You’ and I will miss him.
Maggie Gray, WFAN Midday Show Co-Host of ‘Maggie & Moose’: Mark Chernoff helped open the door to sports talk radio for me. Working at WFAN has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I will always appreciate Mark for giving me a chance to be a host.
Bruce Gilbert, Cumulus/Westwood One, Senior VP of Sports: Jeff Smulyan had the stones to create America’s first all sports radio station in WFAN. Mark Chernoff made WFAN as much a part of New York City as the Empire State Building. Mark’s intelligence, competitiveness, foresight, understanding, and patience combined with his loyalty and consistency made WFAN a huge part of the overall DNA of New York City sports.
Mark managed the many spirited, passionate, and disparate voices employed as hosts on “The Fan” while constantly protecting the mission of being a voice for “The Fan”. Anyone that has studied the history of FAN under Mark can take away numerous worthwhile tips from his leadership, inventiveness, and creativity. Mostly, though, we can take away the fact that when your radio station truly and accurately reflects the mood and disposition of your constituents, the results are beyond dynamic.
Mark IS the Godfather of sports talk radio in America. He deserves every award and honor the media industry has bestowed upon him up until now and forever more. It’s also vitally important to know that beyond his professional achievements, Mark is a genuinely caring and wonderful human that loves his family and talks constantly and lovingly about his kids and grandkids. A man that still “has a catch” with his son Mike at least once a month, even if it means flying to Cleveland, having a catch in the airport parking lot, and flying back to New York in one afternoon.
If you are among those lucky enough to have worked with, for, or alongside Mark Chernoff; you know you’re better off because of it.
Mike Thomas, Good Karma Brands Chicago (ESPN 1000), Market Manager: Mark and I have similar radio paths. Don’t take that the wrong way. Mark is the King! I’m just saying that we both were in rock radio and made the switch to sports radio and have been successful in both formats. When we launched The Sports Hub in 2009 at CBS Radio Boston, Mark was an invaluable resource to me. Not only did he support me programming sports radio for the first time, but he shared many ideas with me about working with sports radio hosts, instead of what I was used to, which was music radio “DJ’s”. He also always reinforced the fact that programming an FM sports station is not much different than a rock station…you’re talking to the same audience, he would tell me. Throughout my time in Boston, Mark was always available if I needed to bounce something off him, and always offered great advice. The thing you could always count on in every conversation, he would ask about my family. He’s an amazing programmer and more importantly one of the nicest, kindest, caring people you’ll ever meet. I wouldn’t be where I am without Mark Chernoff!
Brandon Tierney, CBS Sports Radio, Afternoon Show Co-Host of ‘Tiki & Tierney’: Cherny is truly a broadcasting legend, an undeniable industry titan. Yet, despite all of his success, he has remained incredibly humble and approachable. Throughout his distinguished career, he’s left an indelible mark on this business, one that will be incredibly hard to replicate. His instincts and feel for the medium are probably his greatest professional strengths, but his willingness to connect personally with talent, to humanize the business so to speak, was always greatly appreciated. Quite frankly, I wish I had an opportunity to work more closely with Mark earlier in my career. A tremendous person who’s day-to-day contributions and consistency will be missed greatly. Legend. Congrats, Mark!
Damon Amendolara, CBS Sports Radio, Morning Host of ‘The DA Show’: I remember sitting wide-eyed in an office for an interview with Mark Chernoff in 2005. This was THE Mark Chernoff who guided Howard Stern, Don Imus, and Mike and the Mad Dog over the course of his career. In radio terms, it was like sitting with Bill Walsh or Pat Riley. I was 26 years old, hoping to earn some fill-in work on WFAN by not stammering my way through questions about show philosophy and the art of the monologue. Anyone who has worked for him knows, earning trust from Chernoff isn’t easy, but once you have it you feel extremely confident. It’s like Coach K giving you the green light to shoot.
That conversation led to a few weekend shifts while I was on vacation from my full-time hosting job in Kansas City. Those shows led to Mark hiring me for CBS Radio’s launch in Boston three years later. That ultimately led to my spot at CBS Sports Radio in New York. It’s just one example of his strong loyalty to those who have worked hard for him. But he’s also quick to dole out sharp criticism when he feels it’s needed. Every step along the way Mark was consistent with me. He was honest if I needed direction or critique. He was trusting and hands off when I was in a groove. He allowed me to develop my style, while also having strong opinions on what was working and what wasn’t. He was an impeccable resource.
If you’ve ever been in his office, you’ve heard him listening to multiple stations at the same time, while responding to emails and fielding phone calls. His fingerprints are on scores of stations, and hundreds of careers. He’s a Hall of Famer for a reason. Mark has plenty of energy and ability left for a new challenge. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s coaching radio talent and giving them the green light to shoot again.
Shaun Morash, CBS Sports Radio/WFAN, Host/Producer: Mark has meant the world to me and other young broadcasters that have had the pleasure of interning and working at WFAN and CBS Sports Radio. His willingness to allow me to be me has allowed me to live out my lifelong dream. I am excited for the next chapter at CBS Sports Radio and WFAN but will undoubtedly miss the guidance and underrated laughs Mark has given us all. I wish him nothing but the best as he gets to spend more time being the wonderful grandfather that he is.
Terry Foxx, WFNZ, Program Director: When I think of Mark Chernoff, a few words come to mind. Passionate, smart, visionary, coach, and teacher. Mark is the “bench mark”, the one we strive to be in the sports programming world. In sports language, he’s won more Super Bowls than anyone else, and we as programmers have stolen his playbook for our own success. Most importantly, he has been the most successful sports programmer of our time.
Personally Mark has been my mentor, coach, and a huge part of my success in the business. He’s taught me to believe in myself and as one of the only African-American sports programmers in the business, he’s instilled in me to go out and find other great programmers and talent of diverse backgrounds and help them achieve as I have. Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today, without Mark Chernoff. He will be missed greatly.
Andy Roth, 92.3 The Fan, Program Director: All of us in the radio business know that there are many who have helped us along the way. I know I would not be where I am today, or have the radio knowledge I have today, without Mark. He never said no to scheduling time or spending time in person just to talk. Mark always wanted to understand you, the problems you may be having and what he could to to help, even while doing everything else in his life.
As far as WFAN goes, it’s not just a radio station to me. It’s a family. Mark made sure that the staff led by Eric Spitz and Steve Cohen would help manage, teach and grow the WFAN culture. That also included intern managing skills of Eddie Scozzare and board teaching from people like Joan Chin and Dov Kramer. This group-managing style allowed me to be more confident in what I do and I’ve brought that with me to every job since 2000. I hope I can live up to the standards Mark Chernoff and the WFAN family created.
Adam Schein, SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Host, former WFAN Host: It’s still crazy to think that Mark Chernoff is retiring! His genius and leadership has been synonymous with WFAN forever. It’s not hyperbole to call him the most important sports radio programmer in the history of sports radio.
On a personal note, I loved working for him. He listens to everything firsthand. I love that. I remember when I did my first ever overnight show on WFAN on March 11, 2001. Mark called me immediately after the show in the control room to tell me how much he enjoyed it and that he’d be in touch for more shows. I’ll never forget that call and the words of wisdom and confidence. I’ll also never forget the calls to offer me my childhood dream job of hosting afternoon drive. It meant the world.
Mark’s radio background was in music, and he used to stress to me all the time to “play the hits” while hosting. Baseball talk drove a show on WFAN, especially when I hosted for him from 2001-2006. He wanted you to come out of breaks with what people wanted to hear, and understand the cadence and flow of a show, how to use calls and pound the phones, etc.. He also had an innate ability of knowing when to communicate with his hosts and when it was best to let them roll. WFAN is the greatest local sports radio station in the country today, and that’s because of Mark. What an incredible run!
Amy Lawrence, CBS Sports Radio Overnight Host: As Mark Chernoff moves onto the next phase of his storied career, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the last nine plus years with him at CBS Sports Radio Network. I can say unequivocally he is the best boss I’ve ever had. He not only offered me an incredible opportunity to join a brand new radio venture in 2013, but he believed in me enough to invest in me as a host and personality.
Mark is an unwavering ally; as a female in sports radio, I don’t take that lightly. He never asked me to be anyone other than AMY. He never wanted me to be “one of the guys” or more like my male counterparts. His confidence in me has been invaluable. He taught me to trust my instincts and take risks, and he gave me the freedom to be creative and unique. I am proud to call him a friend and thankful for the professional and personal lessons I’ve learned from him.
Thank you, Mark! Just as you’ve supported me, I will support you as you move forward.
Photo: CBS New York
Zach Gelb, CBS Sports Radio Host: I’m not usually a Mount Rushmore guy, but it’s so obvious to say that Mark Chernoff is on WFAN’s Mount Rushmore. He is an absolute legend and has been the backbone of WFAN for decades. He is a tremendous leader, program director and most importantly, a friend. I’ve known Mark literally since I was born, and he’s been critiquing my radio tapes since I was in high school. Even with his busy schedule, he’s always been willing to help a young talk show host. I’m forever grateful that he hired me to host a daily national sports radio show at CBS Sports Radio. I will always cherish our time working together and wish him nothing but the best moving forward. Hopefully he can sleep in late now and not rush to wake up at 3:45 AM to immediately run, deal with headaches from talent and listen to the radio! Congrats Mark and thank you!
Jody McDonald, longtime WFAN host: The best thing about working for Mark Chernoff, ego was never a problem, yours or his! I was schooled by my dad at an early age, “there should never be a reason to be an A.K. (That’s A** Kisser). Stand on your own hard work and talent“. A tenant I’ve worked by my whole life. That worked great for me working under Mark. Even though he has been tasked with handling some BIG stars with BIG egos, he never needed to hear how great he was at his job. No ego stroking necessary, even though it was probably deserved. He judged everyone by how good they were behind the mic and not much else. As fair and as straight a shooter as I’ve ever had the pleasure working for!
Gavin Spittle, 105.3 The Fan, Program Director: In 1995, I received a typed email from Mark letting me know what I needed to work on. I was a kid out of college and I still have that letter. He didn’t need to do that. I now try my best to carry that torch and help others. Mark has always been a tremendous resource and friend. He’s always there for you. What an amazing career and more importantly Mark, you are an amazing person.
Jimmy Powers, 97.1 The Ticket, Program Director: Mark Chernoff has been a pioneer in the sports talk format and a true inspiration to so many Program Directors across the country over the years. He’s had an amazing career in the industry – building one of the most iconic brands in the country, WFAN, while doing so in the #1 market in the country! Congratulations Mark, well deserved! Cheers to you!
Adam Klug, 97.3 The Fan, Program Director: In a world where almost nothing can be unanimously agreed upon, I believe anyone you ask within the sports talk radio industry would agree that Mark Chernoff played a major role in shaping the landscape of our format that exists today. From running the first ever and most influential sports talk radio station in the country’s biggest market, to helping launch CBS Sports Radio, as well as positively affecting the careers of so many, Mark Chernoff is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in sports talk radio history.
Mark was always generous with his time and knowledge when we worked together, and recommended me for the position that I’m in today with 97.3 The Fan in San Diego. He has been an important mentor to me as I’ve grown into a role that I had never held before. Mark is never too busy to answer my phone calls or respond to emails and listen to what I’m going through and offer advice based on his own experiences. I wish him nothing but the best as he begins the next chapter of his career.
More than once, the thought crossed my mind to leave my radio sales position and start my own advertising consultant business. I could start taking the 15% agency discount and call my own shots.
Courtesy: LillaBlu Strategies
I made the right call by not doing that. I wasn’t cut out for it. I wish now I would have included a paragraph in my letter to new sales reps about why going out on your own isn’t for everybody. So, if you are getting caught up in The Great Resignation and are thinking about quitting your sales job to start your own advertising business, consider the following:
WHO ARE YOU?
The best salespeople I have known like to sell and not do anything else pretty much. Writing copy, inputting orders, coordinating promotions or traffic is a money loser. Collections, handling billing, and such are a pain in the ass. Do you want to start being responsible for all those things on your own? Do you want to pay somebody else to do it? You better run the numbers.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW?
For the most part, all you know is radio. The research you’re exposed to is slanted towards making radio the only or best answer for clients’ advertising needs. You know how to work with other media and sell against other media, but do you know how to make it work for a client? Are you a digital advertising consultant? You will have to outsource to experts. Money and control go with it to some degree.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE?
Once you leave the radio station, you will have to pay for Nielsen data, office space, coffee, paper, pens, IT assistance, billing software, envelopes, and on and on.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE BENEFITS!
You know things like medical insurance, 401k, medical savings accounts, and child care savings accounts are out the window, and you are on your own. This is enough of a determent for many of us, especially if we don’t have a spouse who has access to benefits.
DO YOU LIKE PAPERWORK?
You better! If you go out on your own, you will be reviewing all the invoices for the other media companies. I would rather watch the paint dry.
HOW TAX LITERATE ARE YOU?
If you are not a disciplined person with your finances, this could be a real problem. No withholding means no money to pay your taxes.
ARE YOU A GOOD LISTENER?
You better be because you will be the person everybody in the market comes to pitch their proposal. And the moment you are rude or turn down the wrong person, your client will ask you about it. Oh, you didn’t know that was your client’s cousin or best friend from high school?
WHAT ABOUT THE PERKS?
Station events, restaurant trades, free tickets, and promotional items are all out the window.
DO YOU LIKE TO READ?
The good news is you won’t have corporate breathing down your neck to learn the latest research or media development. The bad news is you won’t even know it is going on if you don’t stay plugged in.
Courtesy: anthropologie
I could go on and on. We all enjoy tremendous support at our radio stations compared to being on our own. I realize that the oversight and direction that comes with working for someone else isn’t for everyone. It definitely is what worked best.
The long road to programming has finally paid off for Terry Ford. After spending the past few years pursuing opportunities to become a PD, ESPN Radio 1300AM/92.5FM in Lexington, Kentucky has tabbed the Baltimore sports radio veteran to lead them into the future. Ford has been named the station’s new brand manager. The proud member of the BSM Members Directory will also add hosting duties for the station. He officially started his new job this past Wednesday.
Ford arrives in the bluegrass state after an eight year stint with 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore. During his time with the Baltimore sports station, Terry hosted night shows, filled in on daytime programs, and contributed to the station’s Baltimore Ravens Sunday coverage.
After learning about his new opportunity, BSM reached out for comment. Ford responded by email adding, “This is a fantastic opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited to be given the chance to lead the only local sports radio brand in Lexington. It is also an honor to go to work for LM Communications, a company that truly embraces doing local radio that connects with the community.”
Prior to his time at 105.7 The Fan, Ford worked for local stations 1570 WNST in Baltimore, Sports 630 KIDO in Boise, and the now defunct 790 The Zone in Atlanta. He has also hosted nationally for both Sporting News Radio and Yahoo Sports Radio. Though his main focus has been hosting, Ford has also served as an APD and Director of Content.
To connect with Terry and extend a congratulations, follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
He does NBA games with a “BANG”! Mike Breen features his signature call as the lead voice of the NBA on ABC/ESPN. Working in the league since 1992, Breen brings a professionalism and wit to his broadcasts. He’s seen many great moments in the NBA covering the playoffs and NBA Finals since 2006. Because of his tremendous work in the field, he was just inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as the winner of the Curt Gowdy Media Award.
Breen took over as the number one NBA guy at ABC/ESPN, February 8, 2006 when Al Michaels left the network for NBC. Breen was also with NBC for a time when that network had the NBA contract. It hasn’t always been basketball for him, he’s also called New York Giants preseason football. He has also called regular season NFL games for both Fox and NBC. But now it’s all about hoops.
Courtesy: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
He grew up loving the Knicks. Mike Breen says his guys were Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Dave DeBusschere. He listened to Marty Glickman and Marv Albert growing up in Yonkers, New York. The local kid got the chance to call many a Knicks game and even got to work with Frazier.
PATH TO ESPN/ABC MAIN VOICE
The 2020-21 season marked Breen’s 29th season as an NBA broadcaster, and he’s spent many of those years with the New York Knicks.
He began his professional radio career as a sportscaster on WNBC radio in the early 1980s, and frequently substituted as host of “SportsNight” on the station. From 1988 to 2000, Breen did the sports segment on the WFAN and nationally syndicated “Imus in the Morning” radio show. According to his Wikipedia page, Breen became noted for his delivery of false sports news, such as in the mid-1990s reporting that in the previous night’s New York Mets game, “Felix Millan went 4-for-4 with 3 runs scored.”
His play-by-play career started when he called games for the Marist College Red Foxes basketball team in 1985. He then started as the Knicks’ radio announcer for WFAN in 1992 and moved to television during Marv Albert’s first leave of absence. In 2004, Breen became the Knicks’ full-time television play-by-play announcer when the team parted ways with Albert.
Breen has announced in five Olympic Games during his career, one Winter Olympics and four Summer Olympics. At the 1996 Summer games in Atlanta, the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and the 2004 Summer games in Athens, Breen called basketball, handling the play-by-play for both men and women. At the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Breen called ski jumping. Breen served as a play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports coverage of men’s and women’s Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
WHY IS HE SO GOOD?
He must be good, because this July will be his record setting 16th NBA Finals broadcast. That’s more than both Marv Albert and Dick Stockton who did 9 NBA Finals apiece for NBC and CBS respectively.
Breen’s style is just that he sounds like a guy you’d want to hang out with. The way he interacts with his partners, usually Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, is made to sound like three guys chatting watching a basketball game. The skill in which Breen navigates the broadcast with two very opinionated colleagues is evident. Somehow the “traffic cop” is able to still call a game among the “congestion” of the airwaves. It’s not easy to do.
The three have a genuine appreciation for each other and its evident in the broadcast. Mike Breen has a way of stirring the pot and then backing off to see the result. He’ll bring up an old story that puts Van Gundy on the defensive, Jackson will pile on and then Breen will succinctly call the action. Usually, Breen can get under Van Gundy’s skin with mention of an official that maybe JVG from a game or something like that. Again, Breen is professional enough to know when to go to this form of entertainment and when to let the game do the entertaining.
Courtesy: Scott Evans/ESPN Images
The other thing that separates Breen from others is his prep. You can tell that he’s a student of the game and knows the players he’s covering. He’s also a guy that will talk to everyone on a game day. According to an article at the Ringer in 2016, Breen speaks with players, the local broadcasters, coaches, assistant coaches and even officials. The latter of course sparked a comment from Van Gundy.
“He loves officials,” said Van Gundy to the Ringer. “He’s like the one American who is absolutely in love with officiating, and the nuances of officiating, who is not a referee.”
Breen is known to spend hours in his hotel room just studying for his next game. He’ll look over articles done on some of the teams or players he’s calling a game between. Breen will scour box scores of previous games and will create a “fact sheet” about each team involved in the game. The other thing he’ll do, taken from his days of calling the Olympics, is make sure he’s good on pronunciations. This is so important for credibility, it’s not surprising he spends a lot of time making sure he’s got them right.
“BANG!”
As mentioned, Mike Breen is known for screaming “Bang!” when a shot is made at a critical moment. Breen is also known to use “It’s good!” and “Puts it in!” to describe some clutch shots. He continues to use the catch word or phrases, even if the game evolves into a blowout.
“Bang!” is the word Breen has used for pretty much his entire career. He started using it as a student at Fordham. When he wasn’t calling games there, he’d watch from the stands and yell “Bang!” every time a Fordham player hit a shot. Then he took it to air.
“I tried it on air as a student couple of times. I said, ‘This doesn’t work. I don’t really like it.’ he told the NY Post last year. “Then I went back to it when I started doing TV and felt it was a nice, concise way in a big moment. You say a one-syllable word and the crowd rises and you don’t have to scream over it. One easy word. I’m from the Vin Scully, Pat Summerall school of conciseness. It worked with a big, loud crowd.”
There have been those to criticize the usage. He decided to stick with it even after some said it was stupid. In an interview with CBS Radio last year, Breen explained why the call continued despite the pushback.
“Even when I first started using it on TV, a TV-radio writer took a shot, saying, ‘That’s such a lame call. Why does he use that?’ It turned out to be something that became popular. But I started using it and I had a few people say to me, ‘Hey, I like the way that sounds. It’s a good way to do it.’ So, I tried it more and then more people said they liked it, so I stuck with it.” Breen explained.
In fact, Breen has doubled down on the word in some cases. Oh yes, once in a while you hear, wait for it, a DOUBLE BANG! It has only happened three times. That means it’s saved for special moments, big moments and the most exciting moments.
The first was Steph Curry’s nearly 40-foot three-point shot against Oklahoma City. This one came in a regular season game in February of 2016. The Warriors entered that game 53-4 and Curry seemed to be in a zone all season long. Hitting shots from ridiculous spots on the floor. The game winning three, was the record-tying 12th of the night for Curry. Breen clearly was caught up in the emotion of it all, seeing where it came from on the floor, the roll the Warriors had been on and who hit the shot.
Where did it come from? He had no idea. “Don’t ask me why or how it came out,” Mike Breen was quoted of saying after the call. “It was like an out-of-body experience.” Thus the “double-bang” was born.
In 2019 Eric Gordon hit a game-tying three for Houston against the Lakers that earned the DB call. It wasn’t a playoff game or even a very memorable game overall. Perhaps Breen got caught up in the moment? It happens when you are really invested in a game and its call.
The third, double-bang of all-time came in last year’s playoffs in Orlando. That’s where Luka Doncic beat the Clippers with a step back three-pointer. It drew a double-bang very quickly. This one meant a ton to the Mavericks and to Doncic who was playing in his first playoff series. If a game-winner ever deserved a double-bang, this was it. Considering Doncic finished the game with 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists, I contend it should have been the first triple-bang in history.
CONCLUSION
I just love listening/viewing a game that Breen does. He has that voice that lends itself to a national broadcast. If it makes sense, he has an ability to make that game broadcast on ABC/ESPN sound like it’s a local game. Viewers really appreciate that ability, where the national guy is dialed in to what we already know about our team.
Courtesy: ESPN Images/Ben Solomon
Mike Breen was recently honored with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame He was named the winner of the 2020 Curt Gowdy Media Award, an honor being bestowed upon both Breen and ESPN’s Michael Wilbon. The ceremony took place May 14 in Connecticut.
This month’s subject of five goals is Rob Perez, better known to NBA Twitter as World Wide Wob. The content creator and producer for FanDuel shared with me five things he wants to accomplish or see happen.
1. I want to make FanDuel, my licensing partner in content creation, as happy as possible.
My goal is to drive people to their web site or app, and spread the reach of the brand. I’m sure there’s a more formal word for that, but I want to organically integrate FanDuel into everything I do.
I don’t want to just be a commercial — hey 20% off, or here’s a free bet — because people are drowning in those across various forms of communication. All the content I do is naturally involved, and if someone’s asking about who’s favored it’s a very seamless type of content integration in which I can include them and drive them to FanDuel if they’d like to put their money where their mouth is.
I would certainly love the opportunity to continue working with them — not just because they pay me to do so, but I do find value in working with a sportsbook of that size that is turning into a content company. Of course, they’re always gonna be a sportsbook. It makes them the most money. But, giving you additional reasons to engage with that brand, if you have an itch to bet on something, is what my job is.
I want to continue to be the face of the NBA for them, having a very casual conversation about the game itself — whether that’s off the court stuff, or all the coaching departures earlier this week. Integrating the FanDuel logo into all this feels much more real than a 30-second commercial between timeouts. I want you to enjoy the experience of the show, and gamble if you so choose.
2. NBA Red Zone.
I’ve always had aspirations, hopefully with FanDuel in collaboration with another network, to apply NFL Red Zone to the NBA. It would work best on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and sometimes Sunday, when there are 8-9 concurrent games.
That’s why I’m where I am today. I’m watching every single dribble of every single game. But, I would never expect any other normal human with responsibilities outside of NBA content creation to ever keep up with what’s going on between the Kings and Pistons while there’s seven other games on, one of which is nationally televised.
So, if the NBA ever decides to have a true commitment to their version of the Red Zone — they’ve tried versions of it on NBATV, but I’ve never seen one hopping between games every 15-20 seconds, hot switching any time there’s a play stoppage — I’d love to do it.
You’d have a Scott Hanson type host who is as integrated with the league as it gets. I hope maybe one day I have the opportunity where what I do on my own personal timeline merges with true rights partnership from the NBA. Just based on the feedback I get on my Twitter page, there would be demand for it.
3. Do another NBA variety show.
In the past, I had a show called Buckets that I did with Cycle and ESPN. It had sketches, pre-produced talk segments, and interviews. Think of it like Jimmy Kimmel or Jimmy Fallon’s shows, but applied to the NBA.
Inside the NBA is obviously the gold standard for an NBA talk show. But, those guys are going to retire at some point. What I do on Twitter Spaces, Twitch, and Periscope — I want the ability to blow that out with some more production resources.
Photo Credit: TNT
Right now, I’m doing everything myself, from playing DJ to directing to taking calls to actually running the show and talking basketball and researching stats — I’m doing it all on the fly. While I’m certainly happy to do that, I know what we could create with a team around me because we’ve done it in the past. I would love to do a weekly variety show based around the NBA.
4. Some more work life balance.
My entire day for 11 months out of the year revolves around the NBA. It’s my job and I’m happy to. I love following it. At some point, I feel like I’m gonna get burned out, and I don’t want to ever get to the point where doing this feels like work.
It felt a little bit like work this year, and that might be because I’m on Year 8 doing this. [RG note: at this point, I mentioned how last offseason was so condensed after the bubble, and how the energy felt partially zapped out of sports with a lack of fans]. I’m gonna watch regardless because I’m a crazy person, but I think a lot of people would agree with you that the return to normalcy is helping with the engagement on a mainstream scale.
This offseason will be condensed again. We have the Olympics, which of course I’m going to watch because stars will be playing. Summer League is in August. There’s free agency and the draft. There’s barely going to be one month — September — where there probably won’t be a whole lot of NBA news or events.
But then we’re going back to the normal schedule from before the pandemic, which means Media Week will be the first week of October. There’s one month off before it all starts again, and I’m hoping I don’t get burned out by it.
Being on the East Coast, it’s impossible to follow the NBA 24/7. I don’t know how people with kids and families do it. Getting back to the West Coast is a personal goal of mine, which will happen this summer when I move back to Los Angeles. These hours will allow me to get back to a more normal life.
5. I want the Knicks to win a championship in my lifetime.
Just being a die hard Knicks fan and not seeing a title in my lifetime, that’s a personal goal. I’ve put so much work into watching every effing game since I was eight years old with Patrick Ewing and John Starks in the NBA playoffs.
I was young, but I was old enough to know that I wanted to stay up for those games. I was emotionally invested. I would even get to the point where I was putting towels underneath the door so my parents couldn’t see that the TV was on. They thought I was sleeping.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of course I want my team to win a championship, and I don’t want to die without seeing that mountaintop. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be a Red Sox or Cubs fan and going all those years without seeing them win, then having it happen. I want to experience it once.
Whatever it takes to get there. I have too many gray hairs on my head, and every single one of them I can attribute to a single Knicks game from the past decade. Being a fan while trying to create objective NBA content will always be a challenge, but being a Knicks fan will always take precedent over a career because it means that much to me.
Back in August of last year, the pandemic was still front and center, acting as a roadblock for business. Retailers were in business and at the stores, but what about the advertising buyers? Where were they?
Well, the ad-buying community, corporate employees, and most white-collar workers were still at home. So were most of us in radio sales. So, when it came to prospecting for new accounts, some of us gave up, most sent emails, and a few brave souls hit the phone. Earlier this year, I wrote about the sales trainer John Barrows and how he got to the top by cold calling 400 prospects a week! That’s not cold emailing. That’s cold CALLING. And to be exact, if Barrows was working a 10 hour day on the phones Monday through Friday, he would dial at least eight prospects an hour.
Does that send a chill down your spine? Or does it make you want to run to your keyboard to avoid rejection and send some more cold emails? Back in August, when most of our ad buyers were at home, not near a business phone, Jeb Blount and Anthony Iannarino were recording a podcast about why you should hit the phone, not the email. Both sales consultants and authors thought we could improve our connect rate immensely by working the phones over email.
Both authors agreed that we need to have conversations with people about our stations, personalities, shows, and the sports world! We can hire an automated CRM service to send emails!
Now I am all for some well-crafted custom emails sent to targets that do not answer phones or listen to voice mails but not as the first activity in a sales sequence. Don’t confuse marketing with sales. We are not human advertisements or, even worse, spam. Our job isn’t to create awareness for buying sports radio packages; it is to make the sale!
We are consultants offering custom solutions to the unique challenges your clients have. And consider that if you pick up the phone and connect with the advertising buyer and get the appointment, you won’t need an email!
Both consultants agree that you don’t need email to warm up a client when using the phone to get the appointment! I recently tested this theory myself and decided that with the pandemic subsiding in most metropolitan areas and more buyers going back to the office, I could start hitting the phones more.
It worked. I got more appointments faster and wasted less time. I even got help. I had a business owner who I reached out to via email with a custom approach. I offered a few excellent ideas on how I could help him. Crickets. I let 2.5 weeks go by before I picked up the phone to dial the business and ask for him. They told me he was out on vacation and asked me if I had personal interaction with him. I explained no I was looking to connect with him on an advertising idea. The receptionist said you need to talk to Jane, the ad buyer. I was connected immediately.
Courtesy: Goodsell Museum
I left a voice mail. The next day I received a return call indicating interest in my idea, and we set the appointment. Now, why didn’t I try that in the first place!
If you want a custom phone pitch that I wrote out for myself, send me an email at jeffcaves54@gmail.com. Now it’s time to smile and dial!
:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45897268/usa-today-8394804.0.jpg)
