Category Archives: CBS

CBS’ NFL Today makes wrong call with Kansas City murder story

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It isn’t always easy when the real world collides with sports. It happened over the weekend with the tragedy in Kansas City.

As a result, the tone and coverage of the Sunday NFL pregame shows had to be altered. It wasn’t a normal day for football.

For the most part, the networks got it right. Fox NFL Sunday dumped a Kurt Russell opening and instead began the show with a somber discussion of what occurred. ESPN’s Sunday Countdown also eliminated Frank Caliendo’s regular comedy bit and put its focus on the tragedy.

Then there was CBS’ NFL Today. The opening of the show made it seem as if it was just another Sunday. The analysts talked about the playoff races.

Richard Deitsch of SI.com wrote in a harsh critique:

Had CBS headed straight into thoughtful analysis and reporting of the story  after its opener, it would have saved itself from these kind of critiques. Instead, CBS compounded the shill job  by opting not to talk about the murder-suicide for the next five minutes.

Think about that kind of editorial judgment. What did The NFL Today  talk about? It talked about clothing. After analyst Bill Cowher mentioned what  kind of ties he and Shannon Sharpe were wearing, viewers were treated to a  chuckle-hut segment on the AFC playoff race. Then came a discussion on the NFC  postseason picture. Finally, after an excruciating five minutes that should be  shown in journalism schools across the country as an example of what not to do  on a big story, Brown made the most awkward-of-awkward turns by saying, “All  right, fellas, a little switch here.”‘

Michael Hiestand of USA Today had the response from CBS:

When asked Sunday if CBS should have done things differently, executive vice-president/production Harold Bryant told USA TODAY Sports: “I don’t know. It was about trying to find the right balance. We covered it very well.”

The balance, he says, was about giving CBS’ NFL studio analysts more time to talk about the Belcher news — they got two segments — but also “still cover what’s going on today.”

The backlash has been pretty intense. There was only one top story going into Sunday’s games, and it wasn’t the playoff races with five weeks left in the season.

I’m pretty sure CBS realizes it made the wrong call.

 

 

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Lundquist: Yes, there is a SEC fatigue

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Give credit to Verne Lundquist. Nobody ever will accuse him of spouting the company line.

“Yes, absolutely there’s a SEC fatigue,” Lundquist said.

Now keep in mind Lundquist makes a living calling SEC games for CBS. Outside of the SEC region, most of the rest of the country is tired of seeing Alabama, LSU, Florida, Auburn, and more Alabama dominate college football. As an Illinois alum, whose school just went 0-8 in the Big Ten, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Illini dominate anyone, even at the Division III level.

After Alabama’s loss to Texas A&M, it looked for a minute that we might be saved from seeing a SEC team go for a seventh straight national title in the BCS title game. But then Kansas State and Oregon lost within a few minutes of each other.

Voila, the winner of Saturday’s SEC title game between Alabama and Georgia earns a spot in the national championship game. And either team will be favorite over Notre Dame.

Lundquist and Gary Danielson will be at their posts for Saturday’s game. During a conference call this week, the subject of SEC fatigue came up. Lundquist showed his head isn’t buried in the SEC sand.

“The level of excellence displayed by the SEC is to be admired,” Lundquist said. “But I’m not so much of a participant in the telecasts of the SEC as to not understand the desire for many people to have a little variety, to have something different. I do understand the feelings from many parts of the country. Let’s have some raspberry after all of the vanilla.”

At least the country will be spared from watching an all-SEC finale, as was the case last year between Alabama and LSU. The presence of Notre Dame will give the game a much different feel.

“The Notre Dame story is the best thing that can happen for college football,” Danielson said. “It’s great for our sport.”

The championship game, though, could present another dilemma for Notre Dame haters. Rooting against the Irish means rooting for the SEC to win another title.

As for the SEC, Danielson also is objective. He questions how strong the league is from top to bottom.

“There’s a large disparity in the conference,” Danielson said. “The top teams are 30-0 against the bottom teams. That raises some questions about the validity of the SEC and just how powerful they are.

“However, I think the ACC will want to vote for them after last weekend. Until somebody beats them, everyone should shut up.”

Check back later for Danielson’s thoughts on the Heisman race and a frank assessment of SEC coaching vacancies.

 

Tiki Barber, Dana Jacobson get fresh starts as part of new morning team for CBS Sports Radio

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Time for fresh starts for Tiki Barber and Dana Jacobson.

Barber and Jacobson, along with Brandon Tierney, will be the morning drive team (6-9 a.m. ET) for the new CBS Sports Radio network, beginning Jan. 2.

After retiring from the Giants in 2006, Barber joined the Today Show as a contributor. His contract wasn’t renewed in 2010. Last year, he even considered a comeback to the NFL.

Jacobson, meanwhile, spent nearly a decade in various roles at ESPN before departing last year.

Now they will be together for the next stage of their broadcast careers.

Here’s the rundown on Tierney from CBS:

Brooklyn native Brandon Tierney makes a return to his hometown in joining CBS Sports Radio.  He currently hosts The Drive with Tierney and Bucher, broadcast weekdays in San Francisco on 95.7 The Game.  Prior to moving west, Tierney was a popular staple at 1050 ESPN Radio in New York City for nearly nine years.

In addition to his hosting duties at ESPN Radio, Tierney also anchored New York Knicks pre-game, half-time and post-game shows for three seasons and occasionally served as play-by-play announcer for the station’s Knicks broadcasts. His game experience also includes serving as lead analyst for St. John’s basketball for six seasons.

His broadcast career also includes experience in radio and television including the syndicated Sports Fan Radio Network, Sports Radio 1130 The Fan in Detroit, SportsNet New York’s (SNY) The WheelHouse, and Red Storm Report with St. John’s head coaches Steve Lavin and Norm Roberts. In addition, he was a frequent contributor to ESPN’s Outside the Lines.

 Tierney is a New York Emmy award-winner and was named to the first annual Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk by the editors of Talkers Magazine.  He was graduated from Marist College with a degree in journalism while also lettering in baseball.

And here’s the weekday lineup for CBS Sports Radio:

6:00-9:00AM: Tiki Barber, Brandon Tierney and Dana Jacobson

9:00AM-12:00Noon: John Feinstein

12:00Noon-3:00PM: Jim Rome

3:00-6:00PM: Doug Gottlieb

 

 

Feinstein moving to CBS Sports Radio Network; will host morning show

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This could be bad news for me. I love listening to John Feinstein on Mad Dog Radio via SiriusXM.

Will I be able hear him in Chicago on the new CBS Sports Radio Network? I don’t see Chicago listed among the affliliates. Hopefully soon.

Feinstein is a good catch for CBS, as he joins a lineup that includes Jim Rome, Doug Gottlieb and Scott Ferrall.

From CBS:

CBS Sports Radio today announced it has named John Feinstein as one of the hosts of the network’s weekday programming.  Broadcast live from 9:00AM-12:00PM, ET, “The John Feinstein Show” will feature commentary on the world of sports from the man who has covered most of the major–and many of the not-so-major–events in the world of sports during his more than 30 years as a sportswriter.  The show will be heard on over 50 stations nation-wide, including many in major markets.  In addition to his role as host, Feinstein will continue to contribute his personalized musings on the world of sports to the hourly “CBS Sports Minute” feature heard on CBS Sports Radio stations.

CBS Sports Radio will make its 24/7 debut on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.  It was previously announced that The Jim Rome Show will be broadcast weekdays from 12:00Noon-3:00PM ET, Doug Gottlieb will serve as host of afternoons 3:00-6:00PM, while Scott Ferrall will lead the evening’s “Ferrall on the Bench” from 10:00PM-2:00AM on CBS Sports Radio.

“John is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of and passion for all aspects of sports,” said Eric Spitz, Director of Programming, CBS Sports Radio.  “As a best-selling sports author and journalist, he has relationships with, and an open line to, some of the most fascinating names in sports.  John has a way with words, a trademark sense of humor and is never is shy to offer an opinion, which will engage listeners and translate on the radio.”

It’s official: Jim Rome to host show on new CBS Sports Radio Network

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The new venture added a big hitter to its lineup. Doug Gottlieb already is in place for the late afternoon slot.

Also, you have to figure this was part of the deal for Rome when he jumped from ESPN to CBS.

Here are the details:

CBS Sports Radio today announced the newest member of its line-up for when the nation’s largest 24/7 major-market radio network launches next year. Jim Rome will serve as host of The Jim Rome Show, broadcast live weekdays from 12:00Noon-3:00PM, ET beginning on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

Also at the start of the new year, Rome will provide his unique take on the day’s sports headlines via theCBS Sports Minute, sixty-second commentaries that can be heard hourly on CBS Sports Radio affiliate stations.  Rome recently signed a multi-year agreement with CBS contributing across a variety of platforms.  In addition to his weekday ROME show on CBS Sports Network, he provides commentary for CBS Sports and CBSSports.com.  Further, Rome will also be hosting a talk series for Showtime, which will air later this Fall on the premium network.

“Jim would be at the top of any list highlighting sports radio’s most authoritative and opinionated hosts which is exactly why we’re thrilled to welcome him to CBS Sports Radio,” said Dan Mason, President and CEO, CBS RADIO.  “We are building a network that showcases the incredible assets of CBS RADIO and CBS Sports, and creating a strategic opportunity for growth in this untapped marketplace.  Jim’s presence in this marquee timeperiod adds strength to our lineup and exceptional value to our advertisers.”

“I am excited for the continued opportunity to extend my personal contributions to the various platforms that this incredible company has to offer,” said Rome. “I am proud to be a part of the CBS family and look forward to the successful launch of CBS Sports Radio.”

Perhaps the most respected voice in the world of sports broadcasting, Rome is one of the leading opinion-makers of his generation.  Best known for his aggressive, informed, rapid-fire dialogue, Rome has established himself as the top choice of athletes and fans when it’s time to know what is going on beyond the scoreboard.

For more than 15 years, Rome has hosted a nationally syndicated radio program,The Jim Rome Show, a.k.a. The Jungle, reaching millions of listeners nationwide.  His show on ESPN,Rome Is Burning, signed off in January 2012 after airing for six years.

Rome previously served as host of the popular programThe Last Word with Jim Rome, broadcast nightly on Fox Sports Net, for five years.  Prior to that, he spent a two-year stint hosting ESPN2’sTalk2, a nightly one-hour interview show.  Rome began his radio career at KTMS, Santa Barbara as the “5 dollar-an-hour” traffic reporter and covered UC Santa Barbara’s sports. He left KTMS for San Diego’s all-sports station, XTRA Sports 690 where he created The Jim Rome Show. The show was first syndicated in 1996.

In addition to his extensive sports broadcasting career, Rome has made cameo appearances alongside Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey inTwo For The Money, with Adam Sandler in The Longest Yard and opposite Michael Jordan inSpace Jam; appeared in blink-182’s music video; appeared on HBO’s “Arliss;” and released a CD,Welcome to the Jungle, which features memorable sound bites from frequent callers and the hip music regularly used on his radio show.

CBS Sports Radio will offer around-the-clock national sports coverage and programming, harnessing the power and resources of CBS RADIO and the award-winning CBS Sports.  High-profile figures from CBS Sports, CBS Sports Network and CBSSports.com will play a prominent role onCBS Sports Radio which will reach more than 10 million listeners at launch.  Original programs across multiple weekday and weekend time periods will feature expert sports commentary and interviews with major sports figures along with listener calls and fan interaction.  It was previously announced that Doug Gottlieb will serve as host of afternoons (weekdays, 3:00-6:00 PM, ET) onCBS Sports Radio.

 

Gottlieb lands new late-night show on CBS Sports Network

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Doug Gottlieb now has a TV show to add to his radio duties at CBS. The package is a big reason why he left ESPN.

From CBS Sports Network:

CBS Sports Network is speeding up the daily sports conversation with a new weekday late night show, LEAD OFF. Hosted by Doug Gottlieb, LEAD OFF will provide perspective on the sports news of the day, advancing the storylines fans will be discussing in the morning. The one-hour show will air live weekdays (12:00 Midnight-1:00 AM, ET) and debuts Monday, Oct. 22.

Instead of waiting until the morning, LEAD OFF will serve as the first opportunity for sports fans to discuss and debate, ‘What’s next?’. The show will feature a mix of live guests, highlights, energetic debate and commentary from Gottlieb and others, reacting tothe biggest stories and events of the day, with a targeted focus on the hot topics and tomorrow’s headlines.

“We are aggressively expanding our programming and launching LEAD OFF is another important step in the evolution of CBS Sports Network. Together with ROME, we’re bracketing prime time by providing fans with informative, topical and entertaining programming,” said David Berson, Executive Vice President, CBS Sports and President, CBS Sports Network. “LEAD OFF will be a high energy and unique show. Instead of dissecting what just happened as most late night shows do, it will be forward looking, spinning the sports conversation ahead. Doug is perfectly suited for this role.”

LEAD OFF marks Gottlieb’s CBS Sports Network debut. It was announced in July that Gottlieb will join CBS and be featured across various CBS Sports properties, including hosting a daily radio show on the newly-created CBS Sports Radio, launching January 2013. He also will serve as a studio and game analyst for CBS Sports’ college basketball coverage and contribute to CBSSports.com.

What’s new for NFL 2012: CBS has surgeon on call; LaCanfora new league reporter; Super Bowl year

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It’s a sign of the times.

Injuries are such a big part of dictating an NFL season. And the post-career damage for former players continues to be a huge storyline for football.

CBS has responded by adding a doctor for its NFL coverage. Neal ElAttrache, the orthropedic surgeon who operated on Tom Brady in 2008, will serve as the network’s medical consultant.

“Injuries and recovery time and medical storylines often become an important part of our coverage,” said CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus. “So rather than speculate on a certain injury or recovery time, we decided to bring on someone who’s generally considered one of the renowned orthopedic surgeons in America.

“So the hope is he can give some insight both on a current injury, what that athlete might be looking forward to in terms of when he can be back on the field? What the injury means? What athletes have had similar injuries and what kind of recovery time there might be?”

Given the injury rate in the NFL, the doctor should get plenty of air time.

*******

Jason La Canfora moves over from NFL Network to be CBS’ new information guy. He replaces Charlie Casserly.

McManus likes La Canfora’s versality. He’s a prolific tweeter and writes for CBSSports.com.

“We were looking for someone who could contribute to all of our platforms and Jason has the energy, exuberance and the 24-hour commitment,” McManus said. “I talked to coaches and owners around the league, and I watched what he was doing. I saw how many stories he was on top of, and he looked to me the ideal candidate. He literally lives and breathes the NFL 24 hours a day.”

********

It is CBS’ turn for the Super Bowl. Any year with a Super Bowl means it is a big year for the network.

 

 

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CBS Sports Network gearing up; Adds NFL show featuring Simms, Gannon, Beuerlein

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The CBS Sports Network continues to add programming in a bid to make itself relevant. The latest entry is a new NFL show on Monday night.

It’ll be interesting to see if CBS Sports Network can pull any viewers away from ESPN’s massive Monday night pregame show. Expect to see plenty of promotion for the show during CBS’ Sunday NFL telecasts.

From the release:

With the first of what will be a number of NFL programming initiatives, CBS Sports Network launches a first-of-its-kind show,NFL MONDAY QB.  The announcement was made today by Sean McManus, Chairman, CBS Sports and David Berson, Executive Vice President, CBS Sports and President, CBS Sports Network.

Led by THE NFL ON CBS lead analyst and Super Bowl XXI MVP, Phil Simms; Super Bowl XXXVII quarterback and 2002 NFL MVP, Rich Gannon; and 17-year veteran and 1999 NFL All Pro quarterback, Steve Beuerlein, NFL MONDAY QB brings together an elite roster of quarterbacks providing their unique and compelling opinions, and break-down of the week’s games – purely from a quarterback perspective – focusing on how quarterback play impacted the games, key plays, clutch drives, crucial decisions, star performances, winning and losing efforts and much more.

Additional contributors during selected weeks will include other quarterbacks from THE NFL ON CBS roster such as Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino and Dan Fouts, and Super Bowl XXIII quarterback and 1988 NFL MVP, Boomer Esiason.  Adam Schein hosts from the CBS Sports Network studio at Chelsea Piers in New York, and the quarterbacks weigh in from various parts of the country.

NFL MONDAY QB continues the aggressive expansion of CBS Sports Network programming around CBS Sports’ marquee properties.  The one-hour show debuts Monday, September 10 on a special season-opening time (5:00-6:00 PM, ET) due to the opening Monday night doubleheader.  After Week 1, NFL MONDAY QB airs weekly through Super Bowl XLVII (6:30-7:30 PM, ET).

“I’ve been wanting to do a show like this for years,” said Simms.  “Now we have the opportunity to do a totally different show than anyone has ever seen.  The fans are going to find out, even though it’s going to be all quarterbacks, we all see it differently.  I’m really looking forward to hearing everyone’s opinions and getting a few things off my chest right after the games on Mondays.  It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

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Agree? CBS’ McManus and Barrow not concerned about slow play in golf

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Slow play has been a big issue in golf this year.

Listeners to my Saturday morning golf talk radio show on WSCR-AM 670 in Chicago know I hate slow play worse than taking four shots out of a bunker. Believe me, that’s not an unusual occurrence during one of my rounds.

The biggest slow-play culprits are the pros, some of whom have turned the game into a molasses fest.

The gridlock pace could get really bad at this week’s PGA Championship. If Pete Dye’s Kiawah course plays extremely difficult as forecast, the potential is there for marathon rounds.

During a conference call, I asked CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus and golf producer Lance Barrow if they were concerned about slow play this week, and golf in general. To my surprise, they weren’t.

McManus:

 I’m not terribly concerned about it. Having watched a lot of golf this year, I know (slow play) has been a topic of discussion. But I haven’t seen it affect too many of the broadcasts. If they play slow because of the course conditions being tough at Kiawah, it adds to the drama.

Barrow:

 I know about what happened with Kevin Na (struggling to pull the trigger at the Players Championship). But I haven’t seen tournaments where slow play has been an issue.

It’s amazing when we have to finish at 6 or 7 (ET) how close they come to hitting that time. A lot of things come into play why players play slowly or quickly. I think a lot has to do with the weather. The wind will be a factor here, but I don’t worry about slow play.

You know when you go in, Keegan Bradley and Jim Furyk (part of the final pairing last Sunday) are not quick players. But you know their mannerisms. You can go to another hole and get another player.

Now, I respect both men and have been a long-time fan of Barrow. But I disagree with them here.

It routinely takes threesomes five hours or more complete a round during a tournament. Is that exciting to watch?

I remember they used to figure 3:50 for the final pairing way back when. Not anymore. It’s in the 4:20-4:30 range for a twosome that’s in contention during the weekend.

Does that make for good television? It’s like watching a movie. A good film at two hours will feel like it is dragging at 2:45.

Let’s hear from somebody other than me.

Earlier in the year, Annika Sorenstam said,  “You watch golf on TV, and it’s very slow.  It’s not moving.”

NBC’s Dottie Pepper was more blunt in her assessment.

“I think the PGA Tour is burying their head in the sand,” Pepper told USA  TODAY Sports. “The PGA Tour has more potential to change the pace of  play because they have more eyeballs on them day in, day out than any of  the other organizations, and they are the ones that can take the lead  on this.”

Pepper then said: “Nobody wins when play is slow.”

I think that’s my new slogan for golf.

For more on how slow play is ruining golf, check out GeoffShackelford.com. He’s got an entire file on the issue.

 

 

 

 

Doug Gottlieb jumps to CBS; Will anchor afternoon show for new radio network

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Doug Gottlieb now will be one of the key players for the new CBS Radio Network.

CBS has lured Gottlieb away from ESPN with a package that includes his own 3-6 p.m. (ET) radio show. The network debuts on Jan. 2.

From Gottlieb’s perspective, he got other terrific goodies, such as working college basketball and the NCAA tournament as a game and studio analyst for CBS. He’s also going to be a show on the CBS Sports Network.

However, the radio component is the big one for CBS. A statement from Dan Mason, president and CEO of CBS Radio, was listed first in the release. He said:

“This is the first of many prominent personalities we will be adding to the CBS Sports Radio lineup,” said Mason.  “Doug is well-versed in today’s sports landscape and for years has entertained audiences with his unique blend of wit, honesty and outspokenness – traits essential for creating great radio programming.  We are thrilled to provide this exciting show to our new and soon-to-be announced affiliates across the country.”

Indeed, CBS wanted a recognizable name and someone who knows how to play the radio game. Gottlieb is hosting an afternoon show for ESPN Radio.

Gottlieb obviously had a good deal at ESPN, but I’m sure the chance to work the NCAA tournament pushed him over the top in making this move.

Here’s the release:

Among the platforms that Gottlieb will be featured on are:

  • CBS SPORTS RADIO – Gottlieb will host afternoons (3:00-6:00 PM, ET) on CBS Sports Radio, the newly created 24-hour, seven-day-a-week network featuring national programming from premier entities CBS RADIO and CBS Sports.  He will debut onJan. 2, 2013, the same day CBS Sports Radio launches.
  • CBS SPORTS –Gottlieb will serve as studio and game analyst for CBS Sports’ coverage of regular-season college basketball and the Network’s joint coverage with Turner Sports of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.
  • CBS SPORTS NETWORK –Gottlieb will host a new show airing weekdays on CBS Sports Network beginning this fall and will be an analyst for regular-season college basketball.
  • CBSSPORTS.COM –Gottlieb will be an exclusive contributor to CBSSports.com, including columns, podcasts and College Basketball 360.

“With his ability to host both radio and television shows plus his studio and courtside analysis on college basketball, Doug is a triple threat, and the perfect fit across CBS Sports’ many platforms,” said McManus.  “Doug brings a wide fan base and a fresh take on sports, and we are excited to develop a unique show with him on CBS Sports Network.”

“CBS has among its portfolio the most powerful assets in all of sports and is home to arguably the greatest championship event – the NCAA Tournament,” said Gottlieb.  “Thinking about the reach of CBS Sports Radio and the continued growth of CBS Sports Network, coupled with quality online reporting and the overall distinguished reputation of CBS Sports, this was an easy choice to make, and an opportunity I couldn’t resist.”

“Listeners of my radio show will enjoy a fast, highly opinionated program that will challenge and engage sports fans nationwide.  And I’m looking forward to developing a new television program, following in the steps of my former colleague and friend Jim Rome,” added Gottlieb.