"Why do I want to ruin my life and get involved in this mess because I know what comes with it, but sometimes I do feel like it's my duty. I can't turn away. I feel like I could make a change."
“I’m excited about it because this whole situation and this team and their makeup reminds me of the teams that I grew up rooting for in Indiana where it felt like it’s us against the world,” Grady said.
Over the years, Johnson was encouraged by his colleagues to do more in the industry while his bosses discouraged him from trying new things. In fact, in 2004, both a boss and a co-worker told him that he would scare white people if he started hosting, as there were no Black radio hosts that were not former athletes at that time.
“I firmly believe if anyone wants to get into the media business, you have to know how to tell stories and you have to know how to work the gear,” said O’Brien. “You learn how to do that in local news. They throw you into the deep end nine times out of 10, and I was definitely prepared for my next step in my career and beyond.”
“You need to be a good listener to be in radio,” expressed Zederman. “It’s not always about talking – a lot of radio has to do with listening; listening to what’s going on with the fans; listening to what’s going on with the talent.”
“We have an easy job,” expressed Van Gundy. “We watch the game and we try to convey what has happened, what could happen or what should happen. That’s not about preparation as much as it is [about] studying the teams over the course of the year.”
“The biggest thing I tell people is that there’s no gatekeepers. If you’re dope, people will find you. Make videos; make content; write your thoughts out and put them on Twitter."
Before this season, ABC/ESPN last had playoff hockey in 2004. Now, Sean McDonough will call the first Stanley Cup Final for the network in nearly two decades.
"Why do I want to ruin my life and get involved in this mess because I know what comes with it, but sometimes I do feel like it's my duty. I can't turn away. I feel like I could make a change."
"His voice, his spirit, and his ability to connect with listeners align perfectly with what our audience expects from us—especially in moments that call for inspiration and comfort."