Sports Media Weekly No. 143 — Dave Sims, Dial Global Radio/Root Sports Northwest

Back with another edition of the Sports Media Weekly podcast. Keith Thibault of Sports Media Journal and I discussed the news of the week in our first segment.

The news included the following items:

• Fox’s announcement that Tim McCarver will leave the network at the end of the current MLB season.
• CBS/Turner’s ratings for the NCAA Tournament which turned into Doug Gottlieb bashing on my part.
• The Old Big East signing a new rights deal with CBS for six years.
• Ratings for the USA-Mexico World Cup Qualifier on ESPN.
• NBC hiring Rebecca Lowe from the UK to become English Premier League host in August.
• Rick Reilly renewing ties with ESPN.
• The upcoming MLB season.

Dave Sims from Dial Global was the guest. Among the topics discussed.

• His calling play-by-play of the NCAA Tournament from the Salt Lake City sub-regional.
• The break-up of the Big East into the Old Big East and the Catholic 7 and memories of Dave calling conference basketball games.
• Calling two no-hitters last season, one on Fox and the other on Root Sports.
• Dave’s feelings about mentioning a no-hitter in progress.
• What we can expect from the Seattle Mariners this coming season.

A very good podcast. You can subscribe on iTunes by doing a search for “Sports Media Journal” or find it

Dial Global’s Announcing Assignments For NFL Conference Championship Sunday

Dial Global Radio has an NFL Conference Championship doubleheader on Sunday.

The NFC Championship Game will start things live from the Georgia Dome. That will be followed by coverage of the AFC Championship broadcast from Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

Here are the particulars of the broadcasts.

DIAL GLOBAL SPORTS PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE AUDIO COVERAGE OF NFL CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY

New York, NY – January 16, 2013 – Dial Global Sports will provide exclusive audio play-by-play coverage of both the AFC and NFC Conference Championship games this Sunday, January 20, 2013.

Broadcast coverage of NFL Championship Sunday kicks off at 2:00pm ET when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Atlanta Falcons.  Dave Sims has the play-by-play, alongside Hall of Famer James Lofton as analyst and Tony Boselli on the sidelines. Following the conclusion of the that game, the AFC Championship Game takes center stage with a matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots. Kevin Harlan calls the play-by-play, with Hall of Famer Dan Fouts as analyst and Mark Malone on the sidelines.

Scott Graham hosts the pregame/halftime/postgame shows for both broadcasts.

Dial Global Sports offers exclusive live action from all the NFL postseason games. All games can be heard on radio stations nationwide, as well as on Sirius/XM satellite radio, NFL.com/Audiopass, and the NFL Mobile App available to Verizon Wireless subscribers.

That will do it for the previews. Enjoy your Sunday.

NFL Viewing & Listening Picks For Conference Championship Sunday, 01/20/2013

All Times Eastern

Pregame & Studio Shows
First on the Field — NFL Network, 7 a.m.
SportsCenter Special: Parcells’ Conference Championship Preview — ESPN2, 8 a.m.
NFL Matchup — ESPN2, 8:30 a.m.
NFL GameDay Morning — NFL Network, 9 a.m.
Sunday NFL Countdown — ESPN, noon
NFL Championship Chase — Fox, 1 p.m.
Fox NFL Sunday — Fox, 2 p.m.
The NFL Today — CBS, 6 p.m.
Fox NFL Sunday Postgame — Fox, 6 p.m.
NFL GameDay Scoreboard — NFL Network, 6 p.m.
NFL GameDay Overtime — NFL Network, 10 p.m.
NFL GameDay Final — NFL Network, 10:30 p.m.
NFL PrimeTime — ESPN, 11 p.m.

3 p.m.

NFC Championship

FOX/Dial Global Radio
San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons — Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Erin Andrews/Pam Oliver (Fox); Dave Sims/James Lofton/Tony Boselli (Dial Global Radio)

6:30 p.m.

AFC Championship

CBS/Dial Global Radio
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots — Jim Nantz/Phil Simms/Steve Tasker/Solomon Wilcots (CBS); Kevin Harlan/Dan Fouts/Mark Malone (Dial Global Radio)

Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

NFL Radio Games For 2013 Divisional Weekend

All Times Eastern

All Games on Dial Global Radio

Saturday, January 12

4 p.m.

Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone/Scott Kaplan

7:45 p.m.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers — Kevin Harlan/Dan Fouts/Hub Arkush

Sunday, January 13

12:30 p.m.

Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Tony Boselli

4 p.m.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots — Ian Eagle/Trent Green/Lewis Johnson

Dial Global Sports Unveils Announcing Assignments For 2013 NFL Divisional Weekend

I have to catch up on the site today as a touch of the flu wiped me out on Wednesday. My apologies for not updating the site yesterday. Lots of things to post and you need to be informed.

Let’s bring you the assignments for the NFL Divisional Playoffs on Dial Global Radio. Kevin Harlan and Dan Fouts will call the Green Bay-San Francisco game from Candlestick Park on Saturday night.

Dave Sims and James Lofton will be in the Georgia Dome on Sunday for Seattle-Atlanta.

Ian Eagle and Trent Green will call Houston-New England in the late game on Sunday. And Kevin Kugler-Mark Malone will team up for the Baltimore-Denver game on Saturday.

Here’s the press release from Dial Global.

DIAL GLOBAL SPORTS PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE AUDIO COVERAGE OF NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF WEEKEND

New York, NY – January 10, 2013 – Dial Global Sports will provide exclusive audio play-by-play coverage of all four National Football League Divisional playoff games this weekend.

Divisional Playoff Weekend kicks off Saturday, January 12, when the Baltimore Ravens take on the Denver Broncos. Kevin Kugler has the play-by-play, along with analyst Mark Malone and sideline reporter Scott Kaplan. Doubleheader action continues when the Green Bay Packers meet the San Francisco 49ers. Kevin Harlan serves as play-by-play announcer, along with Hall of Famer Dan Fouts as analyst and Hub Arkush as sideline reporter.

On Sunday, January 13, Divisional Playoff Weekend continues with two more matchups. First, the Seattle Seahawks go head-to-head with the Atlanta Falcons. Dave Simshas the play-by-play, with Hall of Famer James Lofton as analyst and sideline reporter Tony Boselli.  Following the conclusion of that game, the Houston Texans face the New England Patriots. Ian Eagle has the play-by-play, along with analyst Trent Green and sideline reporter Lewis Johnson.

Scott Graham hosts the pregame, halftime and postgame shows for all four wild card broadcasts.

Dial Global Sports offers exclusive live action from all the NFL postseason games. All games can be heard on radio stations nationwide, as well as on Sirius/XM satellite radio, NFL.com/Audiopass, and the NFL Mobile App available to Verizon Wireless subscribers.

That is all.

Dial Global Radio’s Announcing Assignments For NFL Wild Card Weekend

We have the announcing assignments from Dial Global Radio for NFL Wild Card Weekend. Dial Global has the exclusive rights to the entire NFL Postseason so we won’t have any listings for the other radio partners, Compass Media or Sports USA.

So let’s list the press release from Dial Global first and then list the games and times. The press release:

DIAL GLOBAL SPORTS PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE AUDIO COVERAGE OF NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND

New York, NY – January 3, 2013 – Dial Global Sports will provide exclusive audio play-by-play coverage of all four National Football League Wild Card playoff games this weekend.

Wild Card Weekend kicks off Saturday, January 5, when the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Houston Texans. Tom McCarthy has the play-by-play, along with analyst Tony Boselli and sideline reporter Steve Tasker. Doubleheader action continues when the Minnesota Vikings meet their division rival Green Bay Packers. Kevin Harlan serves as play-by-play announcer, along with Hall of Famer Dan Fouts as analyst and Mark Malone as sideline reporter.

On Sunday, January 6, Wild Card Weekend continues with two more games. First, the Indianapolis Colts go head-to-head with the Baltimore Ravens. Ian Eagle has the play-by-play, with analyst Trent Green and sideline reporter Laura Okmin. Following the conclusion of that game, the Seattle Seahawks face off with Washington. Dave Sims has the play-by-play, along with Hall of Famer James Lofton as analyst and Hub Arkush as sideline reporter.

Scott Graham hosts the pregame, halftime and postgame shows for all four wild card broadcasts.

Dial Global Sports offers exclusive live action from all the NFL postseason games. All games can be heard on radio stations nationwide, as well as on Sirius/XM satellite radio, NFL.com/Audiopass, and the NFL Mobile App available to Verizon Wireless subscribers.

And now we’ll list the dates and times for the weekend in case you’re out or want to sync your DVR to the live radio broadcasts.

Saturday, January 5

4:00 p.m.

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli/Steve Tasker

7:45 p.m.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers — Kevin Harlan/Dan Fouts/Mark Malone

Sunday, January 6

12:30 p.m.

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts — Ian Eagle/Trent Green/Laura Okmin

4:15 p.m.

Seattle Seahawks at Washington — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Hub Arkush

NFL Radio Games For Week 16

Saturday, December 22

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Atlanta at Detroit — Kevin Kugler/Trent Green/Hub Arkush

Sunday, December 23

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
New Orleans at Dallas — Kevin Burkhardt/Danny White
Oakland at Carolina — Greg Papa/Tom Flores

Dial Global Radio
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

Sports USA Radio Networks
Minnesota at Houston

3:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Cleveland at Denver — Sam Rosen/Mark Malone

3:45 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Chicago at Arizona — Chris Carrino/Brian Baldinger

4 p.m.

Sports USA Radio Networks
New York Giants at Baltimore

7:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
San Francisco at Seattle — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Scott Kaplan

NFL Radio Games For Week 15 of the 2012 Season

Sunday, December 16

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Denver at Baltimore — Chris Carrino/Brian Baldinger
New York Giants at Atlanta — Matt Smith/Curtis Conaway

Dial Global Radio
Indianapolis at Houston — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

Sports USA Radio Network
Green Bay at Chicago

3:45 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Kansas City at Oakland — Greg Papa/Tom Flores
Pittsburgh at Dallas — Kevin Burkhardt/Danny White

Dial Global Radio
Carolina at San Diego — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

Sports USA Radio Network
Detroit at Arizona

7:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
San Francisco at New England — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Steve Tasker

Monday, December 17

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
New York Jets at Tennessee — Kevin Harlan/Dan Fouts/Tony Boselli

NFL Radio Games For Week 14 of the 2012 Season

Sunday, December 9

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Baltimore at Washington — Chris Carrino/Brian Baldinger
Dallas at Cincinnati — Kevin Burkhardt/Danny White

Dial Global Radio
Chicago at Minnesota — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

Sports USA Radio Network
Tennessee at Indianapolis

3:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Miami at San Francisco — Gregg Daniels/Dale Hellestrae

3:45 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
New Orleans at New York Giants — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

4 p.m.

Sports USA Radio Network
Arizona at Seattle

7:30 p.m.

Detroit at Green Bay — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Hub Arkush

Monday, December 10

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Houston at New England — Kevin Harlan/Boomer Esiason/Mark Malone

NFL Radio Games For Week 13 of the 2012 Season

All Times Eastern

Sunday, December 2

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Indianapolis at Detroit
New England at Miami

Dial Global Radio
Seattle at Chicago — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

Sports USA Radio Network
Minnesota at Green Bay

3:45 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Cleveland at Oakland — Greg Papa/Tom Flores

Dial Global Radio
Pittsburgh at Baltimore — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

4 p.m.

Sports USA Radio Network
Cincinnati at San Diego

7:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Philadelphia at Dallas — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Scott Kaplan

Monday, December 3

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
New York Giants at Washington — Kevin Harlan/Boomer Esiason/Tony Boselli

NFL Radio Games For Week 12 of the 2012 Season

Sunday, November 25

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Oakland at Cincinnati — Greg Papa/Tom Flores

Dial Global Radio
Seattle at Miami — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

SportsUSA Radio Network
Minnesota at Chicago

3:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Baltimore at San Diego — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

3:45 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
St. Louis at Arizona

4 p.m.

SportsUSA Radio Networks
San Francisco at New Orleans

7:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Green Bay at New York Giants — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Hub Arkush

Monday, November 26

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Carolina at Philadelphia — Kevin Harlan/Boomer Esiason/Tony Boselli

NFL Radio Games For Week 11 of the 2012 Season

Sunday, November 18

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Cleveland at Dallas
Philadelphia at Washington

Dial Global Radio
Green Bay at Detroit — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

Sports USA Radio Networks
Jacksonville at Houston

3:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
New Orleans at Oakland — Greg Papa/Tom Flores

3:45 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Indianapolis at New England — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

4 p.m.

Sports USA Radio Networks
San Diego at Denver

7:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Baltimore at Pittsburgh — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Hub Arkush

Monday, November 19

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Chicago at San Francisco — Kevin Harlan/Dan Fouts/Mark Malone

NFL Radio Games For Week 10 of the 2012 Season

Sunday, November 11

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Buffalo at New England
Oakland at Baltimore — Greg Papa/Tom Flores

Dial Global Radio
New York Giants at Cincinnati — Tom McCarthy/Tom Boselli

Sports USA Radio Network
Atlanta at New Orleans

3:45 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Dallas at Philadelphia

Dial Global Sports
St. Louis at San Francisco — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

Sports USA Radio Network
New York Jets at Seattle

7:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Houston at Chicago — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Hub Arkush

Monday, November 12

Dial Global Radio
Kansas City at Pittsburgh — Kevin Harlan/Boomer Esiason/Steve Tasker

NFL Radio Games For Week 9 of 2012 NFL Season

All Times Eastern

Sunday, November 4

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Buffalo at Houston
Carolina at Washington

Dial Global Radio
Arizona at Green Bay — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

Sports USA Radio Network
Denver at Cincinnati

3:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Tampa Bay at Oakland — Greg Papa/Tom Flores

Dial Global Radio
Minnesota at Seattle — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

4 p.m.

Sports USA Radio Network
Pittsburgh at New York Giants

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Dallas at Atlanta — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Steve Tasker

Monday, November 5

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
Philadelphia at New Orleans — Kevin Harlan/Dan Fouts/Mark Malone

Hurricane Sandy Wreaking Havoc on Sports

The weather on the East Coast is wreaking havoc on flights as Hurricane Sandy continues to churn in the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, it’s caused the networks to adjust their schedules.

From ESPN, we learn that the 11 p.m. ET SportsCenter on Monday and Tuesday will be produced from Los Angeles in addition to the usual 1 a.m. ET edition that originates from the ESPN West Coast studios.

ESPN also announced that the late night show, UNITE that airs live at midnight on ESPNU will be pre-empted on Monday.

Dave Sims who called the New Orleans-Denver Sunday Night Football game for Dial Global Radio says he’s stranded in the Mile High City and can’t fly home to New York due to the weather.

I’m in Denver, and stuck for a coupla days. Can I get a #hurricane report from NYC?

— Dave Sims (@TheDaveSimsShow) October 29, 2012

As we wait for Hurricane Sandy to make landfall in Southern New Jersey and cause damage in Southern New England, we note that no matter how much we love our sports, we can’t control the weather. For those reading in the Mid-Atlantic and New England, be safe and stay under shelter. I hope to see you here when everything calms down.

NFL Radio Games For Week 8

Sunday, October 28

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Atlanta at Philadelphia
Carolina at Chicago

Dial Global
Miami at New York Jets — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

Sports USA Network
New England vs. St. Louis at London, England

3:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks/Dial Global Radio
Oakland at Kansas City — Greg Papa/Tom Flores (Compass Media) Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone (Dial Global)

3:45 p.m.

Compass Media Networks/Sports USA Network
New York at Dallas

7:30 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
New Orleans at Denver — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Scott Kaplan

Monday, October 29

8 p.m.

Dial Global Radio
San Francisco at Arizona — Kevin Harlan/Dan Fouts/Mark Malone

NFL Radio Games For Week 5

Thursday, October 4

8 p.m.

Dial Global Sports
Arizona at St. Louis — Ian Eagle/Trent Green/Laura Okmin

Sunday, October 7

12:30 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Atlanta at Washington
Baltimore at Kansas City

Dial Global Sports
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh — Tom McCarthy/Tony Boselli

3:45 p.m.

Compass Media Networks
Buffalo at San Francisco

Dial Global Sports
Denver at New England — Kevin Kugler/Mark Malone

8:30 p.m.

Dial Global Sports
San Diego at New Orleans — Dave Sims/James Lofton/Scott Kaplan

Monday, October 8

8:30 p.m.

Dial Global Sports
Houston at New York Jets — Kevin Harlan/Boomer Esiason/Mark Malone

MLB Network To Air Japan Opening Series on Tape Delay

Later this month, the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland A’s will play the 2012 regular season opening series in Japan. MLB Network will air the two games on March 28 and 29 on tape delay. The games will air at 9 a.m. ET both days and MLB Network will pick up the Root Sports Northwest feed. Dave Sims will be calling the games off a monitor in the Root Sports studios.

As a result, MLB Network’s feed will be blacked out in the Northwest, however, because Comcast SportsNet California is not airing the games in the Bay Area, MLB Network will be seen in the A’s home region. We have the press release from MLB Network for you.

MLB NETWORK TO AIR JAPAN OPENING SERIES 2012 FEATURING THE OAKLAND ATHLETICS AND SEATTLE MARINERS

Secaucus, N.J., March 22, 2012 – MLB Network will televise Japan Opening Series 2012, Major League Baseball’s season-opening series, on March 28 and 29. The two-game set will be played between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners at the Tokyo Dome.

MLB Network will televise both contests on tape delay, with the first game airing on Wednesday, March 28 at 9:00 a.m. ET/6:00 a.m. PT and the second game on Thursday, March 29 at 9:00 a.m. ET/6:00 a.m. PT. In addition, each game will re-air the same day at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. MLB Network will televise ROOT Sports’ feed of both games, which will be available on MLB Network in the Athletics’ home television territory. The games will be blacked out on MLB Network in the Mariners’ home television territory.

Japan Opening Series 2012 will mark the fourth time Major League Baseball will open its season in Tokyo, Japan and the first time since the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics played at the Tokyo Dome in 2008.

That’s all.

Sports Media Weekly Podcast No. 92 — Dave Sims of Dial Global/Westwood One Radio & Root Sports NW

Keith Thibault of Sports Media Journal and I are back a day early with our regular edition of the Sports Media Weekly podcast. Our guest this week is Dave Sims, voice of Sunday Night Football and NCAA Tournament for Dial Global/Westwood One Sports, and TV voice of the Seattle Mariners on Root Sports Northwest.

But before Keith and I talked to Dave, we did our usual news segment. We led off with a report in this week’s Sports Business Journal that the NFL has changed its mind (again) on selling off a package of Thursday Night Football games (for now) and keeping an expanded schedule of 13 games on NFL Network.

Keith and I also talked about Jeremy Lin and the media coverage of #Linsanity. Keith wonders if the story is overblown. I talk about about the story as it affects me as Asian-American.

Then we talked about NBC Sports Group signing a contract with Colonial Athletic Association and whether it could lead to more college sports on NBC Sports Network.

Dave Sims is a repeat guest. And he joined us from a New York restaurant where he was gracious to give us some of his time.

We talked about the recently completed NFL season and the playoff run where he spent most of the time mostly in the Northeast and close to his New York home. In addition, we talked about the upcoming 2012 Mariners season and how he’s preparing for some of the stories in the American League West plus having to call games off a monitor when the M’s head to Japan in March.

And we also asked Dave about him calling the NCAA Tournament for the 12th time in his career.

A fun podcast. You can find it on iTunes doing a search for “Sports Media Journal” or you can find it

Westwood One Radio Unveils Announcing Teams for 2011-12 NFL Season

This just in from Westwood One Radio, we have the announcing teams for Thursday, Sunday and Monday Night Football plus the Sunday afternoon doubleheaders. Not too many changes. We have Kevin Harlan back on Monday nights teamed with either Boomer Esiason or Dan Fouts. Dave Sims and James Lofton are the Sunday Night Football team and Ian Eagle will be joined by Trent Green on Thursdays. Howard David and Kevin Kugler will call the Sunday afternoon games.

Westwood One has been the main rightsholder dating back to when CBS Radio reobtained the NFL radio rights in 1987. We have your press release detailing the men who will call the action.

WESTWOOD ONE ANNOUNCES ALL-PRO BROADCAST LINEUP FOR THE 2011-2012 NFL SEASON

– Kevin Harlan & Boomer Esiason Return as Lead Monday Night Football Team –
– Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback Dan Fouts joins the NFL on Westwood One with James Lofton, Trent Green, Tony Boselli, Mark Malone, Dave Sims, Ian Eagle, Kevin Kugler and Howard David rounding out the lineup –

New York, NY – August 8, 2011 – Westwood One announced today its lineup of all-star broadcasters for the 2011-2012 NFL season. Kevin Harlan and Boomer Esiason will return as the lead announcers for Monday Night Football and Super Bowl XLVI. In addition, Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts joins Westwood One and will provide play-by-play and analysis for select Monday Night games and the Playoffs. Dave Sims and James Lofton return as the Sunday Night broadcast team. Ian Eagle and Trent Green will once again pair up for Westwood One’s Thursday Night broadcasts.

“The NFL season is on and Westwood One has assembled some of the best broadcasters in the business to bring America’s favorite sport to fans nationwide,” said Rod Sherwood, President of Westwood One. “The popularity of NFL football is at an all-time high and we look forward to helping our advertisers and station affiliates seize the moment and connect with more fans than ever before.”

Full broadcast teams for the NFL on Westwood One are as follows:

Sunday Night Football
Play-by-Play: Dave Sims
Color Analyst: James Lofton

Monday Night Football
Play-by-Play: Kevin Harlan
Color Analyst: Boomer Esiason (or Dan Fouts)

Thursday Night Football
Play-by-Play: Ian Eagle
Color Analyst: Trent Green

Sunday Afternoon Doubleheaders
Play-by-Play: Howard David
Color Analyst: Tony Boselli

Play-by-Play: Kevin Kugler
Color Analyst: Mark Malone

Westwood One is the exclusive network radio partner of the NFL primetime package, broadcasting the most games and the best match-ups throughout the entire NFL season. Westwood One has been an NFL network radio partner for more than four decades and the exclusive network radio partner since 1987. The Westwood One 2011-2012 NFL broadcast schedule features 57 national games, including:

Opening Kickoff game, 17 Monday Night games, including one doubleheader, 17 Sunday Night games (including Christmas Night), 7 Thursday Night games (including Thanksgiving Night), one Saturday Night game, a Thanksgiving Day doubleheader, 12 Postseason games, including the NFL Playoffs, the AFC and NFC Championship Games, the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl and Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. Westwood One also delivers specialty programs, including: The NFL Today, NFL Preview, NFL Insider, NFL Sunday, and NFL Fantasy Football Forecast.

In addition to the 57 game primetime package, Westwood One will also present a weekly doubleheader starting on Sunday, September 11, 2011 and continuing each Sunday through January 1, 2011. These games will be chosen as the season progresses to ensure the best possible matchups. All stations airing Westwood One’s NFL Football coverage can be found using the Station Finder located at www.westwoodone.com beginning Wednesday, September 9, 2011.

WESTWOOD ONE 2011-2012 NFL BROADCASTERS

Kevin Harlan makes his return to Westwood One as the play-by-play voice for Monday Night Football games. Harlan was the play-by-play voice of Monday Night Football games throughout the 2009 and 2010 NFL seasons as well as for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four on Westwood One from 2003-2007. Harlan also currently calls play-by-play for CBS Sports’ coverage of the NFL and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, as well as NBA Basketball on TNT. Harlan joined CBS Sports in 1998 as an NFL play-by-play announcer, after having served in the same capacity for Fox Sports since 1994. A veteran football and basketball broadcaster, this will be his 27th consecutive season broadcasting the NFL and this year’s NBA season marks his 24th broadcasting the NBA. Harlan spent nine seasons (1985-93) as the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs and was the voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves for nine seasons as well.

Boomer Esiason provides color commentary for Westwood One’s critically acclaimed Monday Night Football broadcast team and this marks his twelfth year broadcasting for the network. Esiason co-host’s The NFL Today for CBS Sports and also served as the Monday Night Football analyst for ABC Sports for two seasons before joining Westwood One. Boomer also spends mornings co-hosting a daily radio show on WFAN in New York, and co-hosts NFL Preview each week on Westwood One as well. Prior to embarking on a broadcasting career, Esiason was one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history. He spent 14 years in the NFL and quarterbacked the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII. In 1988, Esiason was named NFL MVP by the Pro Football Writers of America and the Associated Press and was named the NFL’s Man of the Year in 1995.

Dan Fouts will serve as analyst for select Monday Night games this season in addition to his duties as an analyst for THE NFL ON CBS. He has been an analyst for THE NFL ON CBS for the past 3 seasons, as well as from 1988-93. Fouts worked for ABC Sports from 1997-2008, most notably alongside Al Michaels and Dennis Miller for two seasons as an analyst on “Monday Night Football”. Additionally, he served as play-by-play announcer for ABC’s coverage of Pac-10 college football. An NFL Hall of Famer, Fouts retired after 15 seasons with the San Diego Chargers, where he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. Upon his retirement, he held 42 team records and eight NFL records, including most 300-yard passing games, and his 43,040 total passing yards made him the second-most-prolific passer in NFL history. Fouts earned NFL and AFC Player of the Year honors in 1982, and was named AFC Most Valuable Player in 1979 and league co-MVP in 1982.

Dave Sims returns for his sixth season as Westwood One’s play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night Football. Before switching to primetime, Sims called Westwood One Sunday afternoon games as well as the NFL Playoffs for nearly a decade. The two-time Emmy Award winner has also called play-by-play for NCAA Basketball regular season games and tournament coverage for the past eight years and in 2003, also hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four. In addition to his Westwood One duties, Sims called the Big East Football TV Game of the Week for many years, has written for the New York Daily News and is currently the TV play by play voice of the Seattle Mariners.

James Lofton returns for his third season as an analyst for Sunday Night Football on Westwood One. Lofton served as analyst and sideline reporter for the NFL on Westwood One from 1999 – 2001 and rejoined the Network after a seven-year coaching stint with the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders. He was the No. 1 draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 1978, beginning a long career as an NFL wide receiver. In 16 season playing for Green Bay, the Los Angeles Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles, Lofton caught 764 passes for 14,004 yards, which was the most in NFL history at the time of his retirement. In 13 playoff games, Lofton caught 41 passes for 759 yards and eight touchdowns, including a seven-reception game in Super Bowl XXVI. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Ian Eagle enters his fourth year as play-by-play announcer for Westwood One’s NFL Thursday night coverage. For the past four years, Eagle also called the action for Westwood One’s coverage of the SEC Basketball Championship and the Regional Semi-Finals and Finals of the NCAA Tournament. Eagle is primarily known for his work with CBS Sports, calling NFL games and NCAA Basketball games since 1998. He also has served as the play-by-play announcer for the NBA’s New Jersey Nets television broadcasts since 1995, after having called play-by-play for radio broadcasts the previous year. He was the play-by-play radio voice for the New York Jets in 1997 and hosted Jets pre- and post-game shows on WFAN from 1993 to 1996. Eagle joined WFAN Radio in New York in 1990 as a producer and debuted as host of his own show in 1992. Eagle was awarded the Bob Costas Award for Outstanding Sportscasting while attending Syracuse University.

Trent Green returns to Westwood One for his second season as the Thursday Night game analyst after serving in a similar capacity for one year on Sunday’s with FOX Television. In addition, Green also serves as a studio analyst for the NFL Network and as an analyst for preseason games on television for the Kansas City Chiefs. Green spent 15 seasons in the NFL, playing quarterback for five different franchises. He was a member of the Super Bowl XXXIV Champion Rams, but enjoyed his best seasons with Kansas City from 2001-2006. While wearing a Chiefs uniform, he became only the 4th quarterback in NFL history to have three consecutive seasons of 4,000 yards or more passing. He finished his career with 162 touchdowns and over 28,000 yards passing.

Howard David will once again serve as play-by-play announcer for Sunday Afternoon games. David returned to the network in 2009 after an eight-year hiatus. He previously spent 23 years with CBS Radio/Westwood One broadcasting College Football, College Basketball, Masters Golf, US Open Tennis, the Olympics and NFL Football including six seasons as the voice of Monday Night Football and the Super Bowl. David’s broadcast background also includes calling play-by-play for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, as well as NBA Basketball with the New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. He has also hosted talk shows at WQAM in Miami, Sporting News Radio and currently co-hosts a show for Sirius NFL Radio. David was chosen as New Jersey Sportscaster of the Year four times, the NY “Air Award” for broadcast excellence and is also a recipient of a New York Emmy Award.

Tony Boselli returns for his second season as full-time color analyst for Westwood One’s broadcasts of Sunday Afternoon NFL games. Boselli began his national broadcasting career in 2007, working as a game analyst for the NFL on FOX. In 2009, he joined Westwood One where he worked as a part-time analyst for both NFL and College Football. In addition, Boselli has also co-hosted a local daily morning radio show in Jacksonville. The first player ever drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Boselli was chosen #2 overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. After six seasons with the Jaguars, which included five Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams and two trips to AFC Championship Game, injuries forced him to retire in 2006. Selected as a member of the 1990s NFL All-Decade Team, Boselli was the first inductee into the Jaguars ring of honor, and received the prestigious Ed Block Courage Award in 2000. Boselli is a 1994 graduate of the USC where he was a 3-time All-American and winner of the 1994 Morris Trophy, given annually to the top offensive lineman in the Pac 10.

Kevin Kugler returns for his third season as play-by-play announcer for Sunday Afternoon NFL games. He also serves as the lead announcer for Westwood One’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and Final Four. Kugler has served the voice of the College World Series for the past seven years, and has done play-by-play for Westwood One’s coverage of the Masters, College Football, and the 2008 and 2010 Olympic Games. Kugler also co-hosts a daily sports talk show in Omaha, and recently won the Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year Awards for the 7th time in eight years.

Mark Malone returns for his fourth season as both a booth analyst and sideline reporter for the NFL on Westwood One, and his third season as the host of NFL Insider. Prior to joining Westwood One, he served as Sports Director for WBBM-TV in Chicago, where he garnered four Emmys for his work. Malone also spent a decade with ESPN where he hosted many NFL shows including Edge NFL Match-up, NFL Tonight, and Monday Night Countdown. Malone, an All-American quarterback at Arizona State and first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, played for 10 years in the NFL, quarterbacking the Steelers to the 1984 AFC Championship Game.

Jim Gray joined Westwood One in 2001 as host of the network’s Monday Night Football pre-game and halftime shows and this marks his eleventh season fulfilling the same role for the network. Gray also serves as courtside reporter for Westwood One’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four and as on-course reporter for the Masters. A prominent network television reporter for over two decades, Gray currently covers boxing for Showtime, has been a contributor to the Golf Channel, and also has served as a courtside reporter for the NBA on CBS, NBC, ABC and most recently ESPN. Gray’s numerous credits include: seven Olympic Games, 22 Masters, thirteen Super Bowls, seven World Series and 15 NBA Finals. Gray has won eight Emmy Awards and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Scott Graham returns for his third season as pregame, halftime and postgame host for the network’s Sunday NFL coverage. Graham has spent over twenty years as a radio and television sportscaster including play-by-play for both the NFL and NFL Europe on FOX. He has also spent the last 15 seasons as The Comcast Network’s primary play-by-play voice of college basketball, and continues to call college hoops for ESPN. On the radio side, Graham served as the play-by-play voice of the Philadelphia Phillies for eight seasons from 1999-2006. For nearly a decade prior to that, he hosted the pregame and postgame shows for the Phillies on CBS Radio in Philadelphia. Since 2003, Graham has narrated a variety of programs, commercials, and features produced by NFL Films. His voice has most often been heard on NFL Game of the Week, in weekly game previews on NFL.com, and in various season highlight films for NFL teams.

And that does it.

Two of This Year’s Final Four Coaches Join Coach K on Sirius XM

On Wednesday (technically today), Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski will talk college hoops and the Final Four® with Butler coach Brad Stevens and Kentucky coach John Calipari who will both lead their teams to Houston and this year’s NCAA Tournament National Semifinals on Saturday. In addition, Coach K and co-host Dave Sims will interview former Georgetown coach John Thompson, Jr. We have the details of the show which premieres on Wednesday on Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Radio.

Butler’s Brad Stevens, Kentucky’s John Calipari and former Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. Join Coach K on SiriusXM’s “Basketball and Beyond”

Next edition of Mike Krzyzewski’s weekly talk show debuts Wednesday, March 30 (7pm ET/4 pm PT)

NEW YORK – March 29, 2011 – The next edition of Basketball and Beyond with Coach K, the weekly SiriusXM show hosted by Duke University and U.S. Men’s National Team coach Mike Krzyzewski, will debut Wednesday, March 30 (7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT) on Mad Dog Radio (Sirius channel 123 and XM channel 144).

On this week’s program, Coach K’s guests will include two of this year’s Final Four coaches – Butler coach Brad Stevens, whose team is seeking its second consecutive appearance in the National Championship game, and Kentucky coach John Calipari. Coach K will also be joined by Hall of Famer John Thompson, Jr., the legendary former Georgetown head coach who led the Hoyas to the 1984 National Title and three Final Fours.

After Wednesday night’s debut, Basketball and Beyond with Coach K will replay several times including:

• Wednesday, March 30 (11:00 pm ET), and Friday, April 1 (11:00 pm ET) on SiriusXM College Sports Nation (Sirius channel 122 and XM channel 143).
• Saturday, April 2 (7:00 am ET), and Sunday, April 3 (7:00 am ET), on Mad Dog Radio (Sirius channel 123 and XM channel 144).

Basketball and Beyond with Coach K airs weekly throughout the college basketball season and NCAA Tournament. The exclusive show features discussions on a wide array of topical issues, covering the state of college basketball and showcasing Krzyzewski’s personal perspective on principles for life on and off the court, plus interviews with a variety of special guests, including business leaders, entertainers, coaches and athletes. Basketball and Beyond is co-hosted by veteran broadcaster Dave Sims.

And that will do it.

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski Talks With LeBron James on Sirius XM. Why?

Sirius XM says Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski will take time out of his busy schedule to talk with the Miami Heat’s LeBron James on Wednesday. Coach Krzyzewski and his co-host Dave Sims will talk with James about life in Miami and his “decision” to leave Cleveland. Then, Dave and Coach K will hold court with past NCAA Tournament stars. I would think Coach K would want to prepare for Duke’s game on Friday, but it is against #16 seed Hampton so maybe he doesn’t need to prepare.

We have the press release.

Coach K Interviews Miami Heat Star LeBron James This Week on SiriusXM’s “Basketball and Beyond”

Next edition of Mike Krzyzewski’s weekly talk show debuts Wednesday, March 16 (7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT) and will replay several times

Program will include special NCAA Tournament segments with past tournament stars Keith Smart, Homer and Bryce Drew, and Brian Zoubek

NEW YORK – March 15, 2011 – The next edition of Basketball and Beyond with Coach K, the weekly show hosted by Duke University and USA Men’s National Team coach Mike Krzyzewski, will debut Wednesday, March 16 (7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT) and feature a special interview with Miami Heat star LeBron James, as well as conversations with past NCAA Tournament stars.

Basketball and Beyond with Coach K will debut nationwide Wednesday night on Mad Dog Radio, Sirius channel 123 and XM channel 144.

On this week’s show, Coach K and co-host Dave Sims talk with Miami Heat star LeBron James about his first season in South Florida and get James’ thoughts on this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Krzyzewski and Sims also look back at some memorable tournament moments with the players who lived them including Keith Smart, the former Indiana University guard and Most Outstanding Player of the 1987 Final Four.  Smart, now the head coach of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, joins Coach K to remember his tournament performance and his game-winning shot to beat Syracuse in the National Championship game.

Valparaiso head coach Homer Drew and his son, former Valpo star Bryce Drew, join the program to discuss their remarkable run in the 1998 NCAA Tournament.  That year the 13^th seeded Crusaders beat #4 seed Ole Miss in the opening round with Bryce Drew’s three-point shot at the buzzer, then went on to beat Florida State in overtime to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

Brian Zoubek, the former Duke center, joins his former coach to remember the Blue Devils’ run to the title in last year’s tournament.  Zoubek’s 10 rebounds in the National Championship game helped Duke defeat Butler in a game that went down to the wire.

After Wednesday night’s debut, Basketball and Beyond with Coach K will replay on:

• Thursday, March 16, 6:00 am ET on SiriusXM College Sports Nation (Sirius channel 122 and XM channel 143).
• Saturday, March 19, 7:00 am ET on Mad Dog Radio (Sirius channel 123 and XM channel 144).
• Sunday, March 20, 7:00 am ET on Mad Dog Radio.

Basketball and Beyond with Coach K airs weekly throughout the college basketball season and NCAA Tournament.  The exclusive show features discussions on a wide array of topical issues, covering the state of college basketball and showcasing Krzyzewski’s personal perspective on principles for life on and off the court, plus interviews with a variety of special guests, including business leaders, entertainers, coaches and athletes.

Coming up, more press releases. I have a lot to catch up on.

Westwood One Unveils Announcers for NFL Conference Championship Games

Last release I’ll provide tonight.

Westwood One Radio has provided the announcers for the NFC and AFC Championship Games for Sunday. Kevin Harlan calls the NFC while Dave Sims will be in Pittsburgh for the AFC. Because CBS has the NFL Today crew in New York once again, it prevents Boomer Esiason from calling a game live. CBS used to be at the AFC Championship Game site, but in recent years due to economic cutbacks, it has chosen to stay at the CBS Broadcast Center. It used to be fun seeing Boomer live on the NFL Today, then hearing him on the radio, but that hasn’t happened in the last few years.

Anyway, here’s Westwood One’s announcement.

WESTWOOD ONE PRESENTS THE EXCLUSIVE NATIONAL RADIO BROADCASTS OF NFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY

New York, NY – January 20, 2011 — Westwood One, the exclusive network radio partner of the NFL, is proud to present play-by-play coverage of Conference Championship Sunday, January 23, 2011. Westwood One will broadcast every game of NFL post-season play including Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in North Texas. In addition, Westwood One’s NFL broadcasts are streamed online at NFL.com, simulcast on Sirius/XM satellite radio, as well as NFL Mobile on Verizon wireless devices.

Westwood One’s broadcast schedule for NFL Conference Championship Sunday is as follows:

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears - 2:00 p.m. ET, Kevin Harlan/Randy Cross/Mark Malone

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers - *6:15 p.m. ET, Dave Sims/James Lofton/Hub Arkush

*broadcast of game two begins when broadcast of game one ends

To find out where to hear Westwood One’s NFL broadcasts in your area please use the Station Finder on westwoodonesports.com

That’s going to do it. I’m shutting down for the night.

Sports Media Weekly Podcast No. 24

It’s time for yet another edition of the Sports Media Weekly Podcast. Today, Keith Thibault of Sports Media Journal and I discuss the Olympics, the ratings, NBC’s continued tape delays, some of their best on-air talent and some of the worst. We also talk about Al Michaels’ failing as a studio host for NBC.

We also talk about the suspension of Tony Kornheiser by ESPN for his comments on Hannah Storm’s attire and why both Keith and I feel the actions by the Alleged Worldwide Leader were unwarranted.

And we broach the subject of Tiger Woods and his apology. Keith feels Tiger didn’t need to apologize and was in a no-win situation. I argue that Tiger was wooden and insincere and did the apology for his sponsors only.

Our guest this week is the great Dave Sims, NFL and college basketball announcer for Westwood One and one of the play-by-play men for the Seattle Mariners on FSN Northwest. We talk about Dave’s career dating back to the old WNBC-AM, the launch of WFAN and how he’s managed to remain as a play-by-play man for over 20 years. And we also brought up Dave’s consultant business, Athletisense, which teaches athletes how to deal with the media.

It’s another excellent podcast if I do say so myself.

Doing the Sunday Links

While I’m working on an engineering specification from home, I’ll provide the links this Sunday morning.

Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples says ESPN/ABC forced him to go to Justin.tv to watch last night’s Oregon-Arizona game.

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams who flipped the double bird during last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills, has taken out a full page ad in the Buffalo News wishing the Bills luck today.

Michael David Smith writing in Pro Football Talk notes that NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci ripped the firing of Dick Jauron this morning.

Michael quotes ESPN’s Chris Mortensen in saying that the Patriots security chief will be reprimanded for knocking an NBC cameraman to the ground after the team’s game against the Colts.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes that the lowly Knicks and Nets are leading to low TV ratings for MSG Network and YES respectively. Thanks to the Sports Media Watch for the link.

Phil Mushick of the New York Post makes it clear that he hates Personal Seat Licenses. Calm down, Phil. Nothing is that bad.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News praises Cablevision boss James Dolan for not going after Allen Iverson for his hapless Knicks team.

Nancy Dillon of the Daily News says Erin Andrews’ alleged stalker was apparently following a second woman.

Barbara De Lollis of USA Today’s Hotel Check-In blog also looks at this revelation.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union provides the college football TV schedule for this week.

Neil Rudel of the Williamsport (PA) Sun-Gazette says Penn State QB Daryll Clark overlooked ESPN’s Todd McShay’s dis and played well against Michigan State yesterday.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with Friend of Fang’s Bites Dave Sims about calling Sunday Night Football on radio and the UFL on Versus.

Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville (FL) Sun says College Gameday will be on-site of the Florida State-Florida game on Saturday.

Tania Ganguli of the Orlando Sentinel goes behind the scenes with ESPN’s NASCAR production crew.

Ken Suguira of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the Hawks are happy to be playing the Magic on TNT this Thanksgiving night.

John McMullen of the Sports Network gives his two cents on Fox Sports Net’s suspension of Clippers announcers Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith.

The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth also weighs in on the suspension of Clippers announcers Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith.

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times writes that the Las Vegas sports books are feeling the effects of the sluggish economy.

The Arizona Daily Star looks at some of the more creative signs during ESPN College Gameday’s visit to Tucson yesterday.

Jeff Smith of The Oregonian says ESPN’s Chris Fowler looks forward to calling Thursday’s Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State which will be for the Pac 10′s slot in the Rose Bowl.

Chris Hamilton of The Maui (HI) News says the upcoming Maui Invitational, aired on the ESPN family of networks, has a huge impact on the local economy.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that ESPN Deportes will be all over the Dominican Baseball League this winter.

Mike says ESPN is riding increased ratings momentum for MLS into tonight’s MLS Cup.

And Mike writes that the mtn. is adding 6 TCU women’s college basketball games to its schedule.

Sports Media Watch has news on various sports media personalities.

SMW also has its weekend ratings predictions.

SMW says TNT’s Marv Albert is denying the Los Angeles Times story by Diane Pucin that he got into an altercation with 50 Cent’s entourage backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media disagrees with me that Bill Simmons’ Twitter suspension is a non-story.

Joe Favorito says two members of the Harlem Globetrotters (Flight Time and Big Easy) are using The Amazing Race to help expand their team’s brand.

We’re done with the links for now. Coming up later, the quotage from the NFL pregame shows.

My Take on The Top 25 Football Announcers

Lists by publications are made to stir debate and also give them a bit of publicity. The list that was published today by The Sporting News and sister publication Sports Business Daily/Sports Business Journal certainly does that. Already, I’m a bit perturbed that college and NFL announcers are mixed together as are play-by-play callers and analysts.

If it were up to me, I would separate the play-by-play men from the analysts. But that’s me. Just for kicks, here’s the list in full.

1. Gary Danielson, CBS
2. Cris Collinsworth, NBC
3. Al Michaels, NBC
4. Phil Simms, CBS
5. Kirk Herbstreit, ABC/ESPN
6. Troy Aikman, FOX
7. Ron Franklin, ABC/ESPN
8. Verne Lundquist, CBS
9. Joe Buck, FOX
10. Jim Nantz, CBS
11. Mike Tirico, ESPN
12. Brad Nessler, ESPN
13. Brent Musburger, ABC/ESPN
14. Jon Gruden, ESPN
15. Daryl Johnston, FOX
16. Ron Jaworski, ESPN
17. Greg Gumbel, CBS
18. Sean McDonough, ABC/ESPN
19. Todd Blackledge, ESPN
20. Dan Fouts, CBS
21. Bob Papa, NFL Network
22. Mike Patrick, ABC/ESPN
23. Chris Fowler, ESPN
24. Gus Johnson, CBS

25. Dick Enberg, CBS

I’m not enamored with this list. I’ll separate play-by-play and analysts and go from there.

Play-by-play and this includes college football and NFL.

1. Al Michaels – NBC’s Sunday Night Football
Probably the best all-around play-by-play voice ever. He’s called so many big games and rises to the occasion whenever there’s a big moment. Al does a tremendous job in doing football and yes, he does the wink-wink with the point spread, but there’s no one better at setting the scene, giving perspective and breaking down complicated moments than Al. Tops at play-by-play hands down.

2. Ron Franklin – ESPN College Football
Being forced out by ESPN after the college basketball season. Very classy. After Keith Jackson, one of the best ever to call college football. He’s a great fit at games. Why ESPN took him off the primetime package of games is beyond me. Ron is a very comfortable fit in the booth whether he’s calling the Big 12, SEC or other big conferences. ESPN is mistreating Ron this season.

3. Verne Lundquist – SEC on CBS
Calls a very good game. One of the announcer who just exudes college football. He wasn’t happy when CBS took him off the NFL after the 1998 season, but then he started on a tremendous run calling the SEC and he’s become quite comfortable calling the games. Whenever there’s a big game in the SEC, Verne is there and he’s very smooth. Love him and Gary Danielson.

4. Sean McDonough – ESPN/ABC College Football
One of my favorite announcers, his best sport is baseball, but he’s very good at college football and is unfortunately partnered with one of the worst analysts, Matt Millen. Sean is not afraid to call out bad plays and he’s also very good in spotting trends. Works extremely well with his partners to draw out the best analysis. Unfortunately, Millen’s credibility is shot.

5. Jim Nantz – NFL on CBS
He doesn’t scream. Jim gives the nuts and bolts of a game quite well. Has grown into a very good play-by-play man. He works well with Phil Simms. Jim won’t raise the decibel level on your TV. He’ll just provide you with the facts which is what you want.

6. Ian Eagle – NFL on CBS
He’s not on the list, but he should be. And he’s becoming a very good all-around announcer, calling the NFL, the NBA, college basketball and tennis. CBS would do everyone a favor in promoting him to the 3rd or 4th announcing team next season.

7. Dick Enberg – NFL on CBS
Dick has slipped over the past few seasons. One of the announcing elite, but he has made mistakes and miscalls. Still is better than many younger announcers.

8. Tom Hammond – Notre Dame Football on NBC
I think NFL Network should have hired Tom to replace Bryant Gumbel last season. He calls Notre Dame football quite well on NBC and only calls one NFL game a year, the Wild Card playoff game for the Peacocks. I’m glad he got to call 8 Notre Dames this season. He should have a full slate of games.

9. Sam Rosen – NFL on Fox
Sam is a very good nuts and bolts guy. He’s also a very good NHL announcer calling the New York Rangers on MSG Network. He’s always there with down and distance, who made the tackle and sets the scene very nicely. Sam should get more recognition for his work.

10. Gus Johnson – NFL on CBS
Yes, Gus yells. Yes, Gus screams. But yes, Gus can give you a signature call that gives the fan the exclamation point and proper perspective. The best case in point was during the Denver-Cincinnati game in Week 1. Tremendous stuff.

11. Mike Patrick – ESPN/ABC College Football
ESPN took Mike off the NFL when it lost the Sunday Night package and gained Monday Night Football. I thought Mike, Paul Maguire and Joe Theismann were perfect on SNF and should have remained the team for MNF, but what do I know? Mike is quite solid on college football. There are times when I wonder what hair color Mike is going to be from week to week, but that’s minor. He does get a tad too excited, but he’s very good.

12. Brad Nessler – ESPN/ABC College Football
There was a time I didn’t like Brad, but he’s grown on me. I can see Brad becoming a main guy for college football once Brent Musburger decides to retire from announcing. I like his style. He’s not forceful. His style is perfect for college football. I do hope to see him on some bigger games down the road.

13. Kenny Albert – NFL on Fox
A second generation announcer, Kenny has risen to the “B” team for Fox Sports. He’s been with Fox since the network got the NFL package in 1994 and he’s been a very good fit at the network. Another hockey guy who can call the NFL very well. I would take Kenny over Joe Buck any day.

14. Bob Papa – NFL Network
Bob does a great job calling the New York Giants on radio and does a very good job doing the games for NFL Network. Sometimes, the Thursday Night games are stinkers, but no fault to Bob as he doesn’t schedule the games. Bob is another guy who does multiple sports, NFL, boxing, basketball and does all of them well. He lets the action come to him and does a very good job in spotting trends. I’m hoping to see him get more games down the road.

15. Greg Gumbel – NFL on CBS
Greg was the #1 guy on the NFL on CBS and I liked he and Phil Simms. For some reason, CBS took him off, put him on the NFL Today for two seasons, then placed him on the #2 team with Dan Dierdorf. Greg is another guy who won’t go over the top. A very good nuts and bolts announcer and will give you the straight facts. Very good announcer.

16. Dave Sims – Westwood One Radio
Dave is one of the best announcers on radio, bar none. There was a time when he was so busy, you would see him doing Big East football on ESPN Regional TV, hear him doing the NFL on Westwood One Radio, basketball on ESPN and then perhaps a radio talk show guest spot. He calls Sunday Night Football on Westwood One and is a great listen. Calls the game well, spots the players, gives down and distance and is our eyes when we have to hear the radio call. Very good play-by-play man.

You may notice I’ve omitted Joe Buck who I think is horrible on the NFL. I’ve also left off Brent Musburger who I don’t think is a top notch college football announcer. He was a better host and is a better at doing college basketball, but I don’t think he belongs in the upper echelon of that sport either. Again, you can debate away.

Now to the analysts.

1. Phil Simms – NFL on CBS
I enjoy listening to Phil. He’s not afraid to admit he’s wrong. He studies tape every week and can spot things in the booth that other analysts cannot. I enjoy listening to his analysis whenever he calls a game.

2. Gary Danielson – SEC on CBS
I’ll agree that he’s the best college football analyst in the game today. He’s become an ardent apologist for the SEC which I find strange, but overall, Gary is an analyst who can spot a play before it happens. Very enjoyable listen. He and Verne Lundquist have become one of the best announcing teams on TV today.

3. Todd Blackledge – ESPN/ABC College Football
Todd and Gary traded positions a few seasons back. Remember Todd was teamed with Verne in the early aughts? He then left CBS to return to ESPN and then CBS hired Gary away from ESPN. Anyway, Todd has become a premier analyst in college football. Working with Brad Nessler, he’s an analyst who does a very good job in the booth. And his features finding great eating establishments in each town he visits have become must see TV.

4. Cris Collinsworth – NBC’s Sunday Night Football
There are times when Cris makes me scratch my head, but overall, he’s a quite good. When he did Thursday Night Football on NFL Network, he had to carry Bryant Gumbel for two seasons and that wasn’t easy. Cris is so good that he could be a studio analyst or a game analyst and for three seasons was both! It’s not easy to replace John Madden, but after 10 weeks of the NFL season, Cris has made the transition quite nicely.

5. Pat Haden – Notre Dame Football on NBC
It’s too bad that Notre Dame has fallen off the nation’s radar because Pat Haden would be considered one of the elite analysts. Pat used to be the top college football analyst for CBS and also did Sunday Night Football games on CBS Radio. Did them both well. Pat is also not afraid to scold bad quarterback play when he sees it.

6. Troy Aikman – NFL on Fox
I never thought I would see Troy in the booth when he was a player. I didn’t think he had TV in him, but he’s become quite good. At first, he was brought along by Daryl Johnston and Cris Collinsworth as he rose up the ladder on Fox. Now, he can stand alone and I wish he weren’t teamed with Joe Buck so we can really hear some good analysis. Troy is one of the best analysts in the NFL and I enjoy his work.

7. Bob Griese – ESPN/ABC College Football
Ok, taco comment aside, Bob is one of the better analysts in college football. He was teamed with Keith Jackson for a very long time and they formed one of the better announcing teams from the late 1980′s through the 1990′s. Bob may have slipped a bit, but he’s still good at spotting trends, noting passing routes and good on the telestrator.

8. Dan Dierdorf – NFL on CBS
I like Dan’s work from his days on Monday Night Football through now. Still keeps up with the game and gives a good perspective having been in the trenches on the offensive line.

9. Dan Fouts – NFL on CBS
Dan can analyze the NFL or college football with the best. He’s worked with some of the best play-by-play men, Al Michaels, Keith Jackson, Verne Lundquist and his current partner, Dick Enberg. Dan also had to deal with the failed Monday Night Football experiment with Dennis Miller. But through it all, Dan has persevered. His analysis is quite good. He’s had broadcasting in his background thanks to his dad who worked for CBS in the 1960′s. It would be nice if Dan had the opportunity to call a playoff game or two for CBS.

10. Jon Gruden – ESPN’s Monday Night Football
In less than one season, Gruden has shown that he can be one of the better analysts if he chooses to remain on TV. The thing is that no one believes he’s going to stay in the broadcast booth for long, despite signing a multi-year deal with ESPN this week. There were times earlier this season when I could not tell him or fellow analyst Ron Jaworski apart, but now I can. Jon has shown some humor and he’s not afraid to do so at his own expense. He’s very good and if he decides to stay in TV he can be one of the best analysts ever.

11. Daryl Johnston – NFL on Fox
Daryl has done TV for so long, it’s hard to remember that he got his start with CBS in 1998. He’s very smooth and yes, he has to endure Tony Siragusa who interrupts him quite often, but Daryl is such a team player that he seems to have fun with it. Moose’s analysis is solid and while he won’t be on the “A” team on Fox, he does get to call one playoff game a season and does it well teaming up nicely with Kenny Albert and Goose.

12. Craig James – ESPN/ABC College Football
Whenever Craig is in the booth, I enjoy his work. When he was in the studio, especially for ABC with Doug Flutie, I didn’t. I can’t explain it. But Craig is a good listen.

13. Ron Jaworski – ESPN’s Monday Night Football
Ron has a tendency to overhype things, but coming into the booth to replace Joe Theismann two seasons ago was a good thing. To be honest, he didn’t wow me last season when he started with Mike Tirico and Tony Kornheiser, but with Jon Gruden, has formed a good analysis team.

14. Boomer Esiason – Monday Night Football, Westwood One Radio
He’s good in the studio on the NFL Today, but when he’s on radio with either Marv Albert or Dave Sims on Monday Night Football, Boomer really shines. I like listening to his analysis and he’s not afraid to speak out when he has to. He and Marv are a good team, but I did enjoy when Boomer worked with Howard David.

15. James Lofton – Sunday Night Football, Westwood One Radio
James and Dave Sims are a very formidable radio team. James can spot trends as well and can give perspective on routes from his wide receiver days. Plus, being a Hall of Famer gives him a lot of credibility.

So you have my list of top football broadcasters.

Here’s Your UFL on Versus Announcing Crew

Today, the fledgling United Football League announced the crew that will call its games on Versus starting next month. Of course, DirecTV subscribers won’t be able to see the games as the satellite provider continues its dispute with the channel. But I digress.

Nice to see good friend Dave Sims get the play-by-play call, but interesting hire is that Baltimore sports radio host and former women’s professional football quarterback and Playboy model Anita Marks will be on the sidelines. Check out the release.

UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ANNOUNCES TV ANNOUNCERS

FOR VERSUS UFL TELECASTS

Dave Sims, Doug Flutie, Kordell Stewart

& Anita Marks to Lead Broadcast team

RUTHERFORD, NJ (September 22, 2009) – The United Football League announced today that four highly talented broadcasters will lead the television coverage of the UFL on VERSUS. Veteran play-play announcer Dave Sims joins the broadcast booth with color analyst and former NFL standout Doug Flutie. Former Steelers Quarterback Kordell Stewart and radio and television host Anita Marks will serve as sideline and features reporters.

“We have assembled a top-notch team to lead our inaugural telecasts on VERSUS,” said Frank Vuono, COO of the UFL. “The combined football experience and knowledge of Dave, Doug, Kordell and Anita will help us provide unprecedented access to professional football while allowing the home viewer prime viewing position that will truly make them feel like they are part of the action.”

A two-time Emmy Award winning sportscaster, Dave Sims is best known as the television play-by-play voice for the Seattle Mariners and the radio play-by-play announcer for Westwood One’s NFL Sunday Night Football. In addition, Sims continues to be a mainstay on the college sports scene where he has been calling basketball games for ESPN since 1991. A veteran of the local New York sports scene, Sims worked at WCBS-TV as a reporter/anchor, has hosted talk shows at Madison Square Garden Network and WFAN-AM Radio and spent seven years as a sportswriter for the New York Daily News. In addition to his Emmy Awards, Sims accolades include the 2005 Big East Conference Media Award and the American Football Foundation’s 2003 Lindsey Nelson Outstanding Sportscaster Award.

A phenomenal college football player who rose to prominence during his playing days at Boston College, Doug Flutie is probably best remembered for his 1984 “Hail Mary” touchdown pass. A Heisman Trophy and Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award winner, Flutie has had experience playing at all levels of professional football including the USFL, the NFL and the CFL. Flutie led the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts to back-to-back Grey Cup victories and was named CFL’s Most Outstanding Player a record six times and MVP in all of his three Grey Cup victories. As a member of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, he earned Pro Bowl and NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. In 2006, Flutie was the top ranked CFL Player. In 2007, Flutie was named to the College Football Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the first American born player to be inducted. In combining his CFL, NFL and USFL statistics, Flutie ranks sixth among the all-time pro football passing leaders in attempts, completions and touchdowns.

Kordell Stewart joins the UFL broadcast team as sideline reporter. As quarterback at the University of Colorado, Stewart is also heralded for his “Miracle at Michigan” pass which led the Buffaloes past the University of Michigan 27-26 in 1994. He became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in school history, setting several records including most completed passes, most passing yards and most touchdown passes. In Kordell’s first season as a starting quarterback in the NFL, in 1997, he led the Steelers to an 11–5 record and the AFC Championship Game. In 2001, Stewart led the Steelers to a 13-3 regular-season record and the top seed in the AFC playoffs. He had the best professional season of his career throwing for over 3,000 yards, completing 60 percent of his passes and attaining a passer rating of 81.7. Stewart threw for 14 touchdowns and ran for five more. Stewart’s year culminated with his being elected to the Pro Bowl and being named Steelers MVP. Among NFL quarterbacks, Stewarts’ 38 rushing touchdowns ranks second all-time behind Steve Young’s. Stewart was given the nickname “Slash” early in his career due to his abilities as utility player playing running back/wide receiver/punter. Most recently, Stewart served as studio host on ESPNews for its college broadcasts.

Anita Marks learned about football by playing the sport competitively. She fine-tuned her football skills and dominated the Collegiate Flag Football Circuit for four years while attending the University of South Florida (USF) where she graduated with a Communications degree. Upon graduation from USF, Marks transferred her passion for sports into a career as a sports producer for the local CBS affiliate in Miami. The opportunity to return to the gridiron and play professional football occurred in 1999 when Marks served as quarterback for the Miami Fury, a women’s professional football team, for four years and the Florida Stingrays for one year. Known for her incredible arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, Marks developed a reputation for being one of the best QB’s to ever play women’s professional football. Upon conclusion of her playing days, Marks transitioned back to the media and currently hosts her own afternoon sports talk show on Baltimore‘s ESPN Radio 1300, which is also simulcast on television’s Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). Marks also hosts the Ravens pre- and post-game shows and has her own television show on MASN called Fantasy Blitz.

The United Football League is a new professional football league that will kick-off its “Premiere” season this October. Featuring high-quality traditional football played by world-class athletes and led by former NFL coaches, the UFL’s “Premiere” season teams include the California Redwoods, Florida Tuskers, Las Vegas Locomotives and New York Sentinels. The UFL’s goal is to provide fans with affordable, innovative and entertaining game-day experiences.

The UFL previously announced that VERSUS, one of the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country, will air eight of the League’s “Premiere” season games. VERSUS’ first game will air on October 8^th at 9:00 PM EST. Each live telecast will be approximately three hours and all games will be produced and available in HD. The complete schedule for UFL games on VERSUS follows:

Oct. 8	California Redwoods at Las Vegas Locos	9:00 PM (EST)
Oct. 14	Florida Tuskers at Las Vegas Locos	9:00 PM (EST)
Oct. 22	California Redwoods at Florida Sentinels	7:00 PM (EST)
Oct. 29	California Redwoods at New York Sentinels	7:00 PM (EST)
Nov. 4	Las Vegas Locos at New York Sentinels	7:00 PM (EST)
Nov. 12	Florida Tuskers at New York Sentinels	7:00 PM (EST)
Nov. 19	Florida Tuskers at California Redwoods	9:00 PM (EST)
Nov. 27	Championship Game in Las Vegas	3:00 PM (EST)

Primetime and Late Night Viewing Picks coming up.