Michael Jordan, a former guard for the Chicago Bulls who helped lead the organization to six NBA championships and is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, revealed earlier in the week that he is going to be a special contributor for NBA coverage on NBC. Comcast Corporation, the parent company of NBCUniversal, is reportedly paying $2.45 billion per year for a media rights package.
The parameters surrounding how Jordan will contribute to the presentations remains unknown, but the addition made waves as Upfront week commenced in New York City on Monday. John Skipper, the former president of ESPN, echoed such a sentiment in the most-recent edition of The Sporting Class podcast.
“It’s a coup to get him,” Skipper explained. “How good he’ll be? I don’t know. But if you are sitting around a room going, ‘We now have the NBA. Who do we want on the air?’ You say, ‘Michael Jordan,’ the first thing you would get around the table is, ‘We’ll never get him.’”
David Samson, who appeared on the podcast alongside host Pablo Torre, opined that he is not going to be on the airwaves for the network. Torre then sought to gain a perspective from the proverbial inside of the room, pondering how the company acquired the media rights deal for billions of dollars and now needs to staff it. Leading into the NBCUniversal Upfront event on Monday, the network had announced a variety of its on-air talent, some of which includes Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Carmelo Anthony and Reggie Miller.
“They’re not staffing it with Jordan,” Samson said. “They did a contract where he has to make several appearances. He taped something for the Upfronts – he didn’t even show up at the Upfronts – they did a tape of unveiling him…. So to me, you have to manage expectations.”
Torre conveyed that Jordan not being an in-person attendee at the Upfront from Radio City Music Hall was “a funny signal.” Subsequent reporting from John Ourand of Puck detailed that Jon Miller, president of acquisitions and partnerships for NBC Sports, had been working on the deal with Jordan for several months. The presentation also included a live performance of “Roundball Rock” from composer John Tesh and a 55-piece symphony orchestra that performed a medley of advertising jingles to commence the event.
“Look, it’s marketing,” Skipper said of the Jordan deal. “If nothing else, it will be successful marketing that they are getting associated. We used to talk about the Abu Dhabi wanting to be associated with The Walt Disney brand, they want to be associated with the Jordan brand.”
Samson asked whether his first contribution to NBC Sports will be through being interviewed by someone or through conducting an interview with someone himself. Skipper felt that it would be the former in that NBC Sports would be interviewing Jordan, along with having him say something about the upcoming game and providing 10 minutes on who he thinks will win the championship.
“He’s going to meet with advertisers,” Samson elaborated. “He’s going to be – it’s part of the Tom Brady FOX deal. Well, I would assume depending on the number. See with Brady, we got the number, and part of the number was not just being the No. 1 analyst. It was he had to do Upfronts, he had to do ambassador work. We have to see what ‘special contributor’ means. If he’s getting $7 million a year, that’s one thing. If he’s getting $30 million a year, that’s a totally different thing.”
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Washington State University Athletics and Playfly Sports have entered into a 10-year agreement that will reshape the business side of Cougar Athletics. The multimedia rights and outbound ticket sales and service deal is set to begin on July 1, 2025.
The partnership pairs the university with Playfly Sports, a revenue maximization company in the sports industry. The dual-rights structure aims to drive innovation, boost operational efficiency and foster long-term growth across Cougar Athletics.
“This transformative partnership with Playfly Sports represents the next step into a new era for Cougar Athletics,” said Anne McCoy, WSU’s director of athletics. “Playfly’s relationship-first approach aligns with our values, and their expertise and innovation make them an ideal long-term partner. Their focus on the future of college athletics, as well as their ability to leverage their resources to tell our story, will allow us to build deeper relationships with fans and sponsors while generating sustainable revenue to help support our student-athletes and programs.”
As part of the agreement, Playfly will manage WSU’s multimedia rights and outbound ticket sales through its Playfly Aspire division. This approach will cover both traditional and premium inventory, with the goal of enhancing brand partnerships, community outreach and fan experiences while supporting the Cougar Athletic Fund.
In addition to multimedia rights, Playfly will spearhead corporate sponsorship sales, both locally and nationally, and will pursue naming rights for select athletic venues. The company will also oversee the 20-station Cougar Sports Radio Network, which spans from Alaska to Oregon and across Washington and British Columbia, Canada.
“This partnership is about unlocking transformational growth for the Next Chapter of Washington State Athletics,” said Christy Hedgpeth, president of Playfly Sports Properties. “Together, we’re bringing a modern mindset to maximize untapped resources and drive sustainable revenue. From enhancing the fan journey in Pullman to engaging Coug fans across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, we’ll help WSU think like a media company and activate its national brand 365 days a year.”
On the ticketing side, Playfly Aspire will work to grow season and single-game ticket sales, strengthen group sales and improve fan retention by building deeper connections with the Cougar fan base. The Pullman-based team will also assist in philanthropic efforts, aiming to generate additional contributions to the Cougar Athletic Fund.
Currently, Playfly Sports partners with more than 65 collegiate athletic departments across the country. Washington State becomes the sixth university to integrate both multimedia rights and ticketing services under the company’s management.
We're thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between WSU Athletics and the innovative team at @PlayflySports! 📣 We're looking forward to what this means for the future of WSU Cougar Athletics as we aim to bring more opportunities and engagement to our fans and… pic.twitter.com/76RzgQ4fuq
— Washington State Cougars (@WSUCougars) May 15, 2025
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Longtime New Country 105.1 Sacramento morning co-host Tom Mailey has announced his retirement. Mailey has been part of the “Pat, Tom & Cody” since 1992.
Mailey is a member of the Country Radio Hall of Fame. He announced the news on Facebook.
Chad Rufer, Group Director of Programming for Bonneville Sacramento, told Barrett Media, “Tom Mailey has been instrumental to the success of KNCI for the past 30 years. Along with his partner Pat Still, he’s helped to raise millions of dollars to support local organizations in the Sacramento community and has shown the power of radio firsthand.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with Tom for just over 10 years now, and I will certainly miss his witty humor and his passion for this brand, but I’m very excited that he gets to transition his time to his fishing business, which I know he loves,” Rufer continued. “While his shoes will be very difficult to fill, we will be posting an opening to join the KNCI Morning Show on Monday after we get through Country in the Park this weekend.
Cody posted a tribute on social media.
Mailey will conclude his run by co-hosting the station’s Country In The Park concert at the Cal Expo.
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This past April, sports media personality and journalist Peter Schrager departed NFL Network after eight years of appearing on Good Morning Football, and he also left his position as an insider and reporter surrounding FOX Sports NFL coverage. Schrager concurrently signed a multiyear agreement with ESPN under which he has made contributions to several ESPN studio shows, radio programs, podcasts and web content among other ventures.
Alex Sherman of CNBC is now reporting that ESPN is considering placing Schrager in the afternoons to host a show, operating off the premise that he “can be more of an all-sports figure.”
The addition of Schrager occurred as the final episode of Around the Horn approaches, marking the end of the heralded sports debate show after 23 years on the airwaves. Sherman reported that the rationale for canceling the program was “largely cost driven,” citing dozens of journalists on the payroll and the licensing fee paid to executive producer Erik Rydholm.
In addition to Around the Horn, Rydholm is also involved with Pardon the Interruption, a show that Sherman reported that ESPN does not have any intention of canceling. At the same time though, he notes that ESPN “would prefer to create new programming in-house.”
As Schrager continues to assimilate into ESPN, his former NFL Network colleague Rich Eisen recently signed on to bring his weekday sports talk program, The Rich Eisen Show, to the ESPN+ and Disney+ streaming services. With Eisen joining the company in the same slot during which The Pat McAfee Show airs on linear and digital platforms, McAfee questioned whether or not ESPN was sending him a message. McAfee reportedly signed a five-year, $85 million deal for ESPN to license episodes of his program, which officially made its debut in September 2023.
Following the final episode of Around the Horn on Friday, May 23, ESPN will be airing a half-hour edition of SportsCenter in the 5 p.m. EST window throughout the summer. More updates surrounding the weekday afternoon schedule on ESPN will be announced at a later date.
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Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC have announced an expanded, multi-year partnership with iHeartMedia Seattle. The new agreement provides enhanced radio and digital streaming experiences through iHeartMedia Seattle’s platforms. This partnership not only continues iHeartMedia Seattle’s role as the flagship audio home of Sounders FC, but also formally integrates Reign FC into its broadcast family—uniting Seattle’s men’s and women’s soccer teams under one audio umbrella.
For the first time, both clubs will share an audio broadcast platform across iHeartMedia Seattle’s affiliates, including Sports Radio 93.3 KJR FM, 950 KJR AM and the iHeartRadio app.
“This expanded partnership with iHeartMedia Seattle is about building community, growing the game and capturing the spirit of this city as we prepare to take the global stage,” said Hugh Weber, President of Business Operations for Sounders FC. “With the women’s game thriving like never before, the FIFA Club World Cup arriving this summer and the FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Seattle’s soccer story is unfolding in real time. Together with iHeart, we’re making sure every fan can be part of it.”
The agreement says iHeartMedia Seattle will deliver extensive matchday coverage, featuring in-match broadcasts and supporting content. For Sounders FC, every MLS match—including playoff games—will air on 93.3 KJR FM, 950 KJR AM or the iHeartRadio app, complete with pre- and post-match shows and live play-by-play coverage.
“We couldn’t be more excited to deepen our relationship with both Sounders FC and Reign FC through this expanded partnership,” said Rich Moore, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Seattle and Portland. “This collaboration is about more than just broadcasting matches—it’s about amplifying the voices, energy and passion that make Seattle soccer so special.”
For Reign FC, the agreement brings terrestrial radio and streaming audio coverage for the first time in club history. During the current season, six matches will air on 950 KJR AM or iHeartRadio. Beginning next season, iHeartMedia Seattle will carry 10 NWSL matches annually across its platforms.
Sports Radio KJR personalities such as Dave “Softy” Mahler, Dick Fain and Jackson Felts will be onsite at select Lumen Field matches. Additionally, all broadcasts will be available for live and on-demand listening via iHeartMedia Seattle’s digital platforms, ensuring fans never miss a moment of the action.
iHeartMedia Seattle is bolstering its soccer offerings with additional programming as Seattle prepares to host the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the FIFA World Cup next year.
“This is an exciting moment for soccer in Seattle, and iHeartMedia Seattle is thrilled to be part of the storytelling journey,” said Mark Glynn, Area Vice President for iHeartMedia Washington. “With the FIFA World Cup approaching and the world’s eye descending on Seattle, we see this partnership as a chance to go beyond the pitch by celebrating players, fans and the heartbeat of the sport.”
Returning for its ninth season in 2025, Sounders Weekly—a magazine-style show hosted by Jackson Felts—will expand to 90 minutes, now featuring a 30-minute segment dedicated to Reign FC. The show airs Wednesdays on 93.3 KJR FM. Also continuing is Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s weekly appearance on the “Softy and Dick” show every Tuesday throughout the MLS season.
The broadcast team for Sounders FC includes former Sounder Danny Jackson, who returns as lead play-by-play announcer for a third consecutive year. He is joined by analysts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans—both former players—and Emmy-winning journalist Michelle Ludtka, who returns as an analyst for home games.
Jackson Felts continues hosting pre-match, halftime and post-match coverage, joined by Pete Fewing, a respected figure in Seattle soccer, and Kelyn Rowe, a former Sounders player who debuted as a broadcaster during the club’s 2024 U.S. Open Cup run.
Rowe will also appear on Reign FC coverage in his new role as sideline reporter for FOX 13 Seattle. His coverage will integrate into Sports Radio KJR’s match broadcasts, alongside play-by-play voice Steve Schlanger and lead analyst Laura Schott. Schlanger brings national experience from NBC Sports, FOX Sports and ESPN. Schott, a former U.S. Women’s National Team player, adds extensive broadcast credentials from the NWSL, MLS, and NCAA.
NEWS | In partnership with @reignfc, we have entered a multi-year agreement with iHeart Seattle to provide premier audio coverage for soccer fans across the Pacific Northwest. 📻
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There was a time when two formats in particular had, or thought they had, a woman problem. Classic Rock and Country had hard rules about two female songs in a row or a limit on the number of female artists in an hour.
It made a little sense for Classic Rock, where there weren’t many female artists to balance an hour or across several hours. If you got beyond Heart, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin, your choices were getting scarce.
Country radio has never really had a shortage of female artists. The ‘90s had Shania Twain, Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Wynonna and more.
Fast forward to today. Lainey Wilson just won her second Entertainer of the Year Award at the ACMs. There is Carrie Underwood, Ella Langley (also a big ACM winner), Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde.
So, knowing there is no shortage of female artists similar to those in Classic Rock, are the outdated ideas on presenting female artists still relevant?
Kenny Jay, Consulting Partner at Albright & O’Mally & Brenner, said that playing two female artists in a row is no longer a thing.
“We always look for balance in music scheduling, but short answer – no,” said Jay.
Scott Roddy, Regional VP Audacy Country West Coast and 103.7 KSON San Diego Program Director, has long been a promoter of the ladies of Country music.
“When I started in radio, females reigned supreme! Tanya Tucker was back, the Judds, Highway 101, Mary Chapin Carpenter broke through…I’ve ALWAYS been a MASSIVE fan of ladies in country music.” Roddy said.
“Several years ago, I started Leading Ladies…LIVE concerts to showcase the up-and-coming lady-led acts like Dasha, Hailey Whitters, Tigirlily Gold, and Runaway June. That series now has a mini run up the west coast Audacy Country stations in “my region,” starting in San Diego, ending in Portland.”
Roddy specifically has no problem playing back-to-back females.
“I try to keep two uber pop artists from playing back-to-back, same with traditional, Coffee House Country, etc. If two songs back-to-back are compatible, I don’t care. A hit is a hit, regardless of gender.”
Jay said that when scheduling music, it is not the women currently causing issues. “Gravel-voice guys are the hardest to balance right now.”
Jay added that the density of artists and short listening occasions has led to a rethink of the overall setup of MusicMaster and GSelector.
“We do a lot of work on both systems to optimize them for efficiency. It’s no longer a badge of honor to take two hours a day scheduling a music log, even with the amount of Morgan Wallen we should be playing.”
“If set up correctly at the start, it’s easy to adjust not only the type of Country (pop, rock, twang, etc.) but the content flow of your quarter hours. Programmers shouldn’t have to choose between hit songs in a category because they already have that type of sound code there; the software can work around that.”
“Same with secondary artist separation. With top-performing Country station P1 occasions at :11, why wait 42 minutes to bring back Luke, Morgan, or Lainey when they are the 2nd or 3rd artist on a song?
Roddy said there are warnings set in his scheduler, but there is not one for gender.
“I remember when I started, a long time ago, my mentor told me to highlight women. I have warnings set in the scheduler for sound code, artist separation, energy and era. I do not have ANY warnings set for gender.”
“I don’t want SOUNDS to clump…gender doesn’t come into consideration. The way the segue sounds and an equal sample of every quarter hour is the most important thing to me.”
So, to answer the question posed at the beginning. Does Country radio have a woman problem?
Not according to Roddy, “I can’t comment on anyone else, I certainly don’t. I try to play what the audience wants based on demand, ticket sales, EVERY social media channel, streams and LOTS of research. Age, race, gender…doesn’t matter to me. Hits matter to me. What songs can build a stronger coalition and keep them on my brand(s)?”
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Why would ESPN counterprogram themselves? That’s the question I’ve been asking myself all week long as the network released news and price plans for their new direct-to-consumer product called ESPN. Simple, direct, and to the point with the name, even if it seems they were a little asleep at the wheel in the creativity department.
For sports fans, it’s another way to watch your favorite ESPN-related programming that you already pay for, with custom personalization and engaging bells and whistles. Just another app to download and enjoy the same play-by-play and programming you already watch and love, for a small fee per month if you so choose.
In my opinion, the bigger news that I felt overshadowed the rollout of ESPN (the DTC platform) was the announcement that Rich Eisen will be returning to the network, bringing his wildly popular radio show to the worldwide leader. ESPN (the network—this is confusing) came to an agreement with The Rich Eisen Show, which airs at the same time as The Pat McAfee Show every weekday, leading to my original question. Why is ESPN counterprogramming themselves?
There are few names as synonymous with ESPN as Rich Eisen. Twenty-two years after he left the company for the NFL Network, his name value is as high as any SportsCenter anchor not dubbed SVP. Olbermann, Patrick, Berman, Eisen are the Mount Rushmore of what made the worldwide leader the destination for sports fans around the globe.
This Look Familiar To Anyone Else?
The Rich Eisen Show, since 2014, has aired in the 12 p.m.–3 p.m. timeslot on various radio and television platforms. It’s grown an audience on hundreds of radio affiliates over that time and has been seen previously on NBC Sports Network, Peacock, and currently on Roku. The show is owned and operated by Eisen, meaning ESPN will be licensing the show to air on the network with no creative or editorial control over the programming.
Sound familiar?
ESPN (the network) already has a licensing deal with The Pat McAfee Show, which was signed in 2023 for a reported five years and $85 million. As part of the agreement, ESPN will also have no creative or editorial control over the programming.
What ESPN has effectively done with the signing of Rich Eisen’s radio program is counterprogrammed themselves by putting their two licensed daily talk shows—which air in the same daypart—up against one another. There is some logic to this, and then there’s speculation.
The Logic For Adding Rich Eisen
ESPN (the network) said in a release that The Rich Eisen Show will be streamed on ESPN+ and Disney+, where The Pat McAfee Show is currently being seen on ESPN. By adding Eisen on ESPN+ and Disney+, you are potentially bringing a new audience to those platforms that may never have considered purchasing them before. The goal is to expand the audience and use The Rich Eisen Show as a nice new shiny object to entice more people to buy ESPN (DTC platform) to watch the program.
Is The Rich Eisen Show enough to get people who already watch the program on Roku for free to purchase, at the bare minimum, ESPN+ or Disney+? Ask yourself: If you were getting a product already for free with Roku, would you pay more money to go see it in a different spot? Eisen controls where his product is seen and heard because he’s the one doing the deals.
McAfee is in the same situation as Eisen but pushed to keep his programming on YouTube for free in any deal with the worldwide leader. Why didn’t Eisen fight for the same or build in a model to keep the free viewing audience through a platform like YouTube?
Simply put, ESPN (the network) is using The Rich Eisen Show to drive people to sign up for the DTC platform because you will need to pay to watch Rich Eisen on ESPN. It would be wise for the DTC marketing to feature more of Eisen than any other personality on the platform, because what’s old is new, and people buy into nostalgia.
The Speculation For Adding Rich Eisen On ESPN
Is Rich Eisen the replacement for Pat McAfee on ESPN?
Now that is a really good question for ESPN (the network) to think about.
Last month, I wrote a column entitled“The ESPN Pat McAfee Question: When Is Enough, Enough?” I questioned how many more controversies involving McAfee that ESPN would be willing to defend and still carry the programming on their air. I listed over thirteen instances that McAfee has been a part of that made me question if the juice was still worth the squeeze for the worldwide leader.
Could the signing of Rich Eisen’s program be the backup plan for the next instance involving McAfee?
When McAfee addressed the news that Rich Eisen was returning to ESPN, you could tell below the celebratory tone of his discussion, there was some confusion.
“I learned Rich Eisen is coming back to ESPN,” said McAfee on Tuesday. “That feels very interesting, but I love Rich Eisen. I am cool with whatever. That’s a fascinating thing.”
McAfee chuckled when reading off Eisen’s timeslot while calling the new DTC product “Flagship,” which is not the proper name, and then joked even more about the timeslot.
“Noon to three is fascinating for sure. Is there a message being sent? I don’t know,” said McAfee. “Cool, whatever.”
You would think with an announcement like Eisen coming back to ESPN, the network would have shared the news ahead of time with McAfee. He’s in the same timeslot, he’s on air as the news was breaking, and he’s also one of the faces of the network—despite not being an employee.
The confusion lies in why McAfee wasn’t aware of the announcements made by the company. A simple email or text or phone call could have looped in McAfee and his team on the news. When asked by one of his producers if The Pat McAfee Show would be airing on the new DTC product, McAfee stated, “I think so, they said we were. I don’t know. That will be a conversation for a different day, but I think we’re going to be on there.”
That comment was followed by McAfee’s laughter and then saying, “Counterprogram us. It’s all good. We like it, that’s how we like it. You know motherf***ers might learn, but we do like it. We have responses as well.”
Is that the response that ESPN wanted to a massive day of news regarding their network? A lost talent who’s a loose cannon on air not knowing that you’re counterprogramming him, and reacting in real time?
Why is ESPN counterprogramming themselves? Because they have to.
Is Rich Eisen A Message To Pat McAfee From ESPN?
Rich Eisen fits the model of what made ESPN the respected platform it is for sports news and entertainment. He has delivered quality programming on his radio program for over a decade and is considered one of the best interviewers in the format. He brings respect, not controversy. He’s plugged in with the NFL without the drama. He’s an alum of the network with a dedicated audience that listens, watches, and follows. His range can touch everything from the NBA to the WWE.
He’s a safe bet for a network that needs more attention for all the right reasons, instead of attention for all the mistakes of McAfee.
Make no mistake about it: I highly respect the product that McAfee has built from the ground up. His hustle, drive, and loyalty to his staff is something to hold in high regard. But his product isn’t for everybody, and that’s not personal—it’s just business.
McAfee asked if there was a message being sent, but he already knows the answer to that question.
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Tony Reali was across the country when he saw the initial report revealing that Around the Horn was going to be reaching its conclusion after a 23-year run on ESPN. In fact, he was at a Junior Olympics water polo match in Palo Alto, Calif. watching his daughter compete in the event. The news took his breath away and caused him to wonder what had caused such an outcome, remarking that the sports debate show had strong ratings.
Nonetheless, Reali knew he was not going to be hosting the program forever and spoke with executive producer Erik Rydholm while driving across the Golden Gate Bridge about what had transpired. From there, he talked with Pardon the Interruption hosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser about the development, and they implored him to come back to the show where he gained his footing on television as “Stat Boy.”
Reali did not detect any signs of potential cancellation and remarks that he always internalized feedback from the viewers. Rather than actively focusing on the business, he trusted his friends in those meetings and instead focused on sports. Over the last several months, Reali has been studying different aspects of the industry and speaking with people outside of sports to gauge insights and expertise. While he is excited to explore a range of possibilities in the media business, the emotions of the moment are genuine.
“It’s ending because everything has to end,” Reali said. “….I think there’s more to this show, I think there’s more to gamed debate. There’s places for everything that any network would want to do with hosts and analysts who go performative and who even get into something that is really embracing debate.”
Prior to ESPN announcing that the final episode of the show would occur on Friday, May 23, Reali was hopeful that the decision would be reversed because of stellar ratings and the quality of work. Once the news was public, Reali received a flood of commentary from audience members sharing their gratitude and appreciation for the product. Over the years, he had always received messages encouraging him to continue hosting, never taking any viewers for granted.
“Everyone wants to be called a unicorn, I was being called a unicorn’s unicorn, so those were great notes,” Reali said. “I know what my strengths are, but I was discerning, and I wasn’t necessarily doing anything outside of Around the Horn and PTI on purpose, but I have to admit that has certain pros and cons.”
Despite being offered other opportunities in the past, Reali did not partake in any other ventures and realizes that he may have been siloed away. Outside of a four-year endeavor with Good Morning America as a correspondent on the show, he channeled his full efforts and energy into recording episodes of Around the Horn. Through his collaboration and zeal for the show, he helped facilitate the inclusion of more perspectives, resonating with the audience and conveying reality through the principle of feeling.
“I would still say PTI is the most underrated show on TV,” Reali articulated. “Around the Horn was the most underrated show on TV. Again, this took me years to be able to say this. That show has introduced viewers to two-dozen new voices in the industry that maybe would have never broken [in at] other places. It solidified other voices in the industry. It was an incredible value for a network to be able to say, ‘We’re talking about things on this show that we weren’t talking about,’ or we had journalists on the show that were not full-time ESPN employees.”
Facilitating Success for His Colleagues
As Reali prepares to tape Around the Horn from the South Street Seaport Studios at Pier 17, he listens to the music selected by the first cast member to arrive. In addition, he talks with the four panelists as they prepare to deliver compelling, entertaining and illuminating television filled with sports opinions. Reali has 44 different buttons at his disposal that trigger special effects, physical movement and, of course, the infamous mute. Drawing inspiration from innovation on Sport Science to the video capabilities at Cosm venues, he is directing part of the show and always aspiring to leverage technology.
“I don’t want to stop the conversation and take points away and distract the viewer from what they’re saying, but if Bill Plaschke is bringing up LA again, I want to hit a button that puts [in] a doorbell,” Reali said. “I have a button for the banned phrases because I became someone who’s like, ‘There’s too many clichés in our business. We’re lacking the reality here. Remember what you’re saying here, don’t just say a cliché.'”
Today @CourtneyRCronin dedicated her FaceTime to the writers that made this show.
With longtime panelists Woody Paige, Jackie MacMullan, Tim Cowlishaw and Bob Ryan regularly taking part in the show, Reali was cognizant of the importance of having a national presence. Concurrently though, he was aware of accusations of coastal bias, and the program sought to represent regions from all around the country in a variety of cities. On top of that, the wave of younger panelists, which has consisted of Mina Kimes, Jen Lada, Pablo Torre and Courtney Cronin, has brought contemporary viewpoints to the air and flourished across the ESPN portfolio.
“I wanted to be able to have every conversation, and in order to do that, you need everybody,” Reali divulged, “and this is when I didn’t go up to anybody and say, ‘We need to expand the show,’ I was certainly conscious and know when we welcome in another amazing panelist and writer whom you’ve bunted elbows with, that means a fewer shows for you in the week, and the producers navigated that as they saw fit.”
Working like a basketball point guard, Reali has modeled himself like Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who revolutionized the position with his sublime three-point shooting. Working with various personalities is something Reali regards as a differentiator, and he views himself as a connector who assists his colleagues in achieving strong results.
“‘They will forget what you say, they will forget what you do, but they’ll remember how you make them feel,’” Reali remarked. “….Once I unlocked that, and I had my own growth in whatever and navigating my own life’s worth of feelings, that’s toothpaste out of a tube. I can’t see doing TV in a different way, and then I apply it to all the different other types of TV that I like watching.”
The scoring system lives in the annals of the show history. Caroline Willett, the producer of research for the show, has helped take it to another level, tracking metrics such as clutch points, which Reali awards during the “Showdown” and “After the Horn” segments. Although he claims the show has never been fixed, he puts an asterisk next to such and admits that it held true unless he heard someone had a strong “Face Time” about someone in their family or a charity.
“I could say the scoring system was arbitrary,” Reali said. “This is the secret, completely out. I was scoring the show like life scores life. Some days, you get points for doing things you always did, and they were great, and some days, the scoring system is rewarding things that you don’t do, and you have to deal with that. How do you respond? You don’t have control over things in life. You control as much as you can how you respond to those things, and these are lessons I’ve learned in life.”
Beginnings Behind the Camera
Reali can harken back to the beginning of hosting Around the Horn when he was called during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show asking him to fill in for host Max Kellerman on the show. As the days continued, he kept showing up but ultimately expected Stuart Scott to arrive in Washington, D.C. to host the show. Despite that expectation, the temporary job turned into his full-time occupation, and he continued balancing the enterprise with Pardon the Interruption.
“I didn’t take vacation for 11 years,” Reali said. “I never wanted anyone sitting in my chair. That was an imposter syndrome thing, but [it] genuinely didn’t feel like work doing the show, and we have off. Do it again is the name of the industry, right?”
Reali regards producer Bob Ahrens as a mentor while at Fordham University. Ahrens discerned Reali’s incessant energy and distinctive personality as things that would cut through, a premise that turned out to be correct. Reali still speaks with Ahrens today and tries to continue being himself during Around the Horn including, on numerous occasions, bringing in guests from off the street to the second-floor studio to watch a live taping of the show, and he has surmised having fans as panelists as well.
“Is that something maybe ESPN, the network, wants to do?,” Reali said. “I never got that feeling, but it is something I would want to do – be among the people and hosting a fans’ Around the Horn in a community forum. I’m talking to people about how to put myself out there in a space where I can do that and other things.”
This was 30 seconds before we were supposed to start rolling. But you show me someone outside with a sign for me and I’m dropping everything.
I wish I could give you all a moment like this.
On my next show and the show after and the show after I will give you all moments… https://t.co/5FjI4oT1BO
With the impending expiration of his contract, Reali is taking meetings as a free agent and has compiled a list of ideas about the next phase of his career. One thing he will not be doing, however, is only working on one show. Although he looks forward to conversations with ESPN about remaining with the network, he recognizes how seldom hosts with his level of experience become available. Reali has made it known in his meetings that he is willing to experiment and also affirms that he is not trying to take anyone’s job, but rather is staying creative as he looks to become a multiplatform personality creating and producing content.
“I know I can do an Around the Horn 2.0-type show that has a different name or has a different bent,” Reali said. “It’s just with streamers – I wouldn’t mind coming in and just kicking it around with people for a little while [as] I’m also pursuing the biggest jobs in sports TV, and then even stuff that’s outside that.”
Reali is in the process of launching his own website, a public domain that will provide the audience with an outlet and a chance to assist aspiring sportscasters in their career endeavors. Furthermore, he has also thought about creating parenting content, hosting a gameshow and children’s television program, and also creating videos for his own YouTube channel. Reali aspires to cover seminal sporting moments while flexing his abilities as a content creator, and he also remains bullish about the future of interactive gaming. At the same time, he envisions himself standing at the edge of a cliff with an expansive ocean ahead amid a world of possibilities.
“There’s different worlds and then there’s sports and there’s podcasting,” Reali said. “Whether those are shorts and 10-minute hits on the daily, or whether those are longform podcast digitals, that’s something in six months now I’d love to be doing and living in a podcast, digital space on my own.”
Reali is comfortable existing as his own entity and is also willing to move away from New York if necessary. As decisions about his future draw closer, he is continuing to place his family first and discover the best means to proceed. Once Around the Horn officially signs off, a half-hour version of SportsCenter will air in the 5 p.m. EST timeslot with more updates about the future afternoon television schedule to be announced later.
Although Reali would have Pardon the Interruption expand to an hour since he claims it is the best show on the network, he believes the program works best in its current structure. Despite affirming that Around the Horn could have existed as an hourlong show because of the panelists and his tireless energy, Reali contends that the new offering must meet the level at which the two simultaneous programs have operated for the last two decades.
“There needs to be a creative show in that space, something that is just creative and different,” Reali said. “…I hope they create a show that is a different show. I hope to be the one that could be involved maybe in it.”
As Reali prepares to bid farewell to a show he has hosted for the last 21 years, he is going to miss the daily routine associated with his job. In addition, he will miss regularly catching up with his colleagues and has vivid memories of experiencing life milestones within the group.
In fact, Reali estimates that he and Woody Paige have only been in the same room together five or six times but remembers him visiting and singing a Lionel Ritchie song as he played the piano. Music is a recurring part of Reali’s life, and while he plans to record a drum introduction for his new YouTube channel, he will never forget the rhythm that rendered Around the Horn as one of the longest-tenured sports shows in television history.
“Bill Plaschke loves ABBA, and the little dance he does in his chair when he hears it, and everybody’s feeling their music and we’re all looking at them, but they’re already lost, and it works,” Reali said. “You forget you’re about to be on TV, and then that first answer, as in depth as it might be, is going to have notes of humanity in it, and that’s what’s going to make that show work that day.”
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Imposter Syndrome is real for many people. An unspoken fact is that many in the news/talk radio industry feel it. We asked national hosts like Buck Sexton, Guy Benson, and Chris Plante how long it took them to feel comfortable on air, and if they had any tips for others entering the genre.
Buck Sexton started his news media career working for The Blaze, the outlet founded by Glenn Beck. After starting as a writer, he then shifted to a digital video host before he said he wanted to start focusing on radio. He called that a fortuitous opportunity for a variety of reasons.
“It was a very fortunate thing to be in a place where you had one of the biggest radio show hosts in the country, and his team and his ecosystem able to incubate somebody from day one as a radio host,” Sexton said. “And to just have that expertise, that access, that coaching early on. I mean, I got fantastic coaching from Glenn, from his top producers … At that time, I was able to see in real time the audience grow, and I could see what was resonating, what was working, because of the digital stream and podcast format that I was initially in.”
Buck Sexton said that his confidence was boosted the first time he filled in for Glenn Beck, who called during the middle of the show to say he was proud of the first-time fill-in host.
The confidence only continued to grow when he was asked to fill in for Sean Hannity, which led to an opportunity to step in for a vacationing Rush Limbaugh.
“That was a big moment,” Sexton said of stepping in for Limbaugh. “When I kind of knew this was taking off and working was the first time I got a phone call to guest host for Rush. I don’t know if it’s me or Sean Hannity, but one of us was the youngest person ever to do it, at that time. I don’t know which one of us it was. I’ll say I’m younger, Sean won’t care. But it was a big deal for me. That was really meaningful. And the response from Rush’s audience was honestly enormously encouraging.”
Guy Benson has been on the air since he was 14 years old. That later led to appearances on The Hugh Hewitt Show alongside whom he called “my best friend,” Mary Katharine Ham.
“Pretty shortly thereafter, when he was going on vacation, he asked if I’d be willing to guest-host his show,” Benson said of Hewitt. “I was 23 and this was a national show. I remember certainly over-preparing and being really nervous for it. But over the course of some ensuing years, I was sort of the go-to guest host for Hugh for a while, and kind of got the rhythm of national radio and understood sort of how it all worked. He was very kind and generous to let me use my own voice and sort of do the show the way I would want to do it when I was filling in for him. That allowed me to kind of really curate in my own mind, ‘Ok, this is how I like to do something like this.’
“And when Fox came to me and they had an opening in the Fox talk radio lineup, and they were sort of gauging some interest, I felt like I had some confidence and an ability to do it on day one because of all of those reps over many years. I’m very grateful for those opportunities.”
Chris Plante gave credit to his family — he grew up as the step-son of legendary CBS News correspondent Bill Plante — for preparing him for a life in media. He said that finding his voice when he joined WMAL was second nature to him.
“I think the truth is I found it right away. I had never done talk radio before I started doing talk radio on WMAL in Washington D.C., which is a pretty darn good place to start,” said Plante. “I’ve always been a very verbal person and I come from a very verbal family. And I’ve got to say as soon as I started doing radio, I kind of said ‘Wow, this is great. I get to use the English language and I get to describe and explain the world around us in this unique format.’
“I don’t think there’s another format that comes close to talk radio, which is long form so you can use 15 minutes, 20 minutes describing a scene. And as long as you’re engaging and interesting enough in describing it, then it’s enjoyable and informative for the audience. But I’ve gotta say I think I recognized right away, ‘Wow, this is for me. This is perfect for me.”
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“Amanda “ICE” Habrowski is 93.1 The Mountain, KYMT Las Vegas Midday Host and Assistant Content Director. The Detroit native has been in Las Vegas for three years now after spending eight years in Portland radio and 20 years overall in the industry.
ICE got her nickname from Flavor Flav on VH1’s Flavor of Love 3. She’s an award-winning talent (Radio’s Got Talent 2023, Worldwide Radio Summit 2020), and can be heard in national spots, Hot Wheels characters, and major brand campaigns. When she’s not on the mic, she’s chasing her dream of becoming a cartoon voice and dancing to Detroit Techno… “Probably with cheese in hand,” she adds.
Oddly, moving to Vegas from Portland was her way of finding balance. “I was ready to slow things down a little — mentally, at least,” she admits. “This gig in Vegas was my first time working a Classic Rock format (with a sprinkle of 90s), and honestly? It’s been a vibe.”
“Voice acting is my north star. I’ve got a dream of becoming the voice of a cartoon character. Vegas allows me to work on that. Right now, I’m working with Hot Wheels for their YouTube live-action series (millions of views!), auditioning for VO and TV roles, and producing a nostalgic reality show project that gives ‘where are they now’ energy — think Teen Mom OG vibes, but better.”
Despite wanting to slow down a little, realistically, it’s hard to do that in a city like Las Vegas. “It’s a beast!” says Ice. “There’s always something louder, flashier, or more extra happening. But I don’t compete with that. I show up as myself and let that energy carry. I handle this market the same way I’ve handled any other: with heart, grit, and connection. Plus, it’s pretty rad throwing down in the same city where we host the iHeartRadio Music Festival.”
“FYI, Vegas tip: Hydrate! Always! Especially if you’re pulling a double—one shift on-air and one dancing at Little Darlings (kidding… mostly).”
“Balance for me comes with boundaries. I’m not 25 anymore, grinding 24/7 and losing sleep over engagement. I protect my peace, live outside the apps, and share real things — but not everything. What I do share is intentional and always comes from the heart.”
Las Vegas is a unique community, and while locals don’t frequent the Strip or Fremont Street, no one else is allowed to talk “smack” about their city. Including Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day (Known for insulting the city after finding out his precious A’s were moving to Vegas).
That’s why Ice’s on-air priority is making a connection with locals. “I take that seriously in a city built on big lights and fast energy,” she insists. “I meet people where they are, literally — on the Strip (if they work there or for special occasions), at remotes, in line at Starbucks. We’re real with each other. And I’m always trying to be a bridge between the music, the artists, and the everyday Vegas locals who just want to feel heard.”
As for the business of radio, Ice says the new 3-minute PPM rule change has made her a better personality on air. “It’s made me sharper — less fluff, more punch,” she says. “Classic Rock listeners know what they like, and they want it delivered without the extra noise. I respect that. It’s made my breaks tighter, and honestly, more impactful.”
When it comes to what’s missing in the industry right now, Ice says, “Authenticity and room to breathe. Not everything needs to be a viral moment. Let talent be real. Stop obsessing over metrics and trust the ones behind the mic again.”
As for what’s ahead for Ice, “More community and connection, more storytelling, more voice work,” she adds. “I’m building something beyond the industry — voice-over, reality production, and hopefully becoming a cartoon voice icon. That’s the legacy I’m chasing.”
Follow Ice @dudeitsice on all Socials.
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