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Last Word On Sports Media Podcast — Sports
Last Word On Sports Media Podcast

The Last Word On Sports Media Podcast is a sports media analysis and commentary show hosted by veteran broadcaster T.J. Rives. It explores the business, television production, legal affairs, personalities, and behind-the-scenes decision-making that shape the American sports media ecosystem.
Broadcasters, public relations executives, and network producers who want to keep up with industry trends, ratings, and network movements along with fans who enjoy analyzing game calls, officiating decisions, camera coverage, broadcast rights, and network programming will enjoy this podcast featuring content beyond just the scores on the field.

Coverage of major TV networks (ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC) and streaming platforms (Amazon Prime, Netflix), including broadcast booth reviews, ratings breakdowns, and production quality.

Off-Field & Media Controversies: Discussions on newsroom conflicts of interest, journalist ethics, legal injunctions, and off-field scandals affecting teams and media figures.

Officiating & Rules Analysis: Expert breakdowns of replay decisions, stadium clock discrepancies, and officiating transparency.

League & Business Affairs: Coverage of college football realignment, conference politics, player NIL/roster disputes, and financial crises like team or league bankruptcy filings.

T.J. Rives regularly brings on high-profile guests—such as former team executives, public relations strategists, sports media critics, and veteran broadcasters—who provide firsthand insider perspective. Rather than focusing purely on standard game recaps, the show evaluates how stories are reported, who is telling them, and the media dynamics at play. The podcast quickly reacts to emerging, real-time storylines—ranging from viral officiating audio leaks and network power outages to legal disputes—offering sharp analysis while news is actively unfolding.

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Latest Episodes:

NFL Gets Set For Championship Game Broadcasts, Doc Rivers Already Departs ESPN/ABC, New White Sox P X P too! | Announcer Schedules Podcast Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

This week on Episode 83 of the Announcer Schedules Podcast, Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin break down the big news of Doc Rivers leaving ESPN after just three months to coach the Milwaukee Bucks, dig into the NFL announcing crews for Championship Sunday, and discuss the new hire for the Chicago White Sox TV voice. A multitude of announcers from past and present are mentioned throughout the show with an array of topics discussed including
:*** Doc Rivers leaving ESPN
*** What's next for ESPN's NBA coverage
*** Mike Breen and Doris Burke
*** NFL Divisional Round Review
*** NFL Champ Sunday Preview
*** Kevin Harlan's Wide Right call
*** Detroit Lions local radio call
*** John Schriffen named White Sox TV voice
*** College Basketball weekend preview
*** NHL on ESPN
*** Early morning for viewers of Australian Open
*** Rest in Peace Larry Zimmer, voice of Broncos and Buffaloes
It's all part of the "Announcer Schedules Podcast" on the Last Word on Sports Media Podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Doc Rivers Already Leaves ESPN/ABC For Coaching, NFL Masive Audience And National Football Writer Jason Cole Too! | LWOS Media Podcast Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Doc Rivers has already aborted his second tenure with ESPN/ABC for their NBA coverage to go back and coach the Milwaukee Bucks. The NFL scored massively with their ratings last week, which bodes extremely well for the conference championship games this weekend. And, we have a national football writer for many years and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter in Jason Cole with us.
It's all on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" with host T.J. Rives.
T.J. goes over the Rivers situation, which makes ESPN continue to look silly for having gotten rid of top analyst Jeff Van Gundy, even with time left on his deal. Now, what will they do for his replacement and whom are the candidates?
Next, there's more on the massive TV audiene that continues for the NFL on the networks of Fox, CBS, NBC and ESPN/ABC. Specifically, how last Saturday's Green Bay at San Francisco game easily demonstrated that the NFL and streamers are costing 10's of millions of dollars in advertising each time.
Then, it's Jason Cole with his thoughts on the playoffs, how has Greg Olsen done in the Fox Sports top NFL booth and how does it work with Tom Brady coming on board next season. Jason also sheds light, as a voter on the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class nominees and some very tough debates this year.
It's all on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

NFL Divisional Round Announcing Preview; Weather Wrecking Havoc; NBA and NHL Pivots & Hall of Famer Beano Cook | Announcer Schedules Podcast Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

This week on Episode 82 of the Announcer Schedules Podcast, Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin review the NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend and look ahead to the Divisional Rounds. The recent impact of weather on announcers is discussed along with a look at the latest from the NBA, NHL and MLB. Finally, recent award winners and a Hall of Fame induction for Beano Cook are highlighted. A multitude of announcers from past and present are mentioned throughout the show with an array of topics discussed including:
*** NFL Super Wild Card Weekend Review
*** NFL Divisional Round Preview
*** Frigid night for sideline reporters in KC
*** Adjustments due to weather in Buffalo
*** Friday's NBA slate on ESPN adjusted
*** College Basketball weather concerns
*** John Fanta and Bill Raftery earn rave reviews
*** Fanta's busy schedule including PBA bowling
*** Shuffle in Buffalo for TNT and NBC Sports Chicago
*** Adam Wainwright joins FOX Sports as full-time analyst
*** Australian Open Tennis and Chris Fowler's travel
*** NSMA state award winners revealed
*** Beano Cook to enter CSC Hall of Fame
It's all part of the lastest "Announcer Schedules Podcast" on the Last Word on Sports Media Podcast feed. Make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

NFL Playoffs Ratings Soar + ESPN Controvesies And Shannon Spake of Fox Sports Convo | LWOS Media Podcast Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

We're back with another editon of the insightful and informative look at the world of Sports Media, as part of the "Last Word on Sports Media' podcast feed.
Host T.J. Rives returns with thoughts on the NFL "Super Wild Card Weekend" results and the humungous TV numbers for the games, even with NBC using the Peacock app to stream the Chiefs and the Dolphins. Still, even though they and the NFL are touting the 23 million who watched, it was still dwarfed by the over the air Networks on Sunday and Monday Night, too.
T.J. also gives his thoughts on a series of ESPN controversies from fake Sports Emmy Awards, to Pat McAfee apparently having no one to really answer to, if he wants to sound off, blast away and even criticize one of his top bosses. Which, by the way, Mcafee did last week.
Plus, what's up the NFL potentially buying part of ESPN and potentially letting them take over "NFL Media' including their Network, their website and the Red Zone, etc.?? T.J. has thoughts on the eroding of journalism and truth seeking and the blurring of the lines through acquisition and merger of media companies and entites, now being more and more the same.
Then, hear from Fox Sports' Shannon Spake, who's part of the network's weekly NFL coverage, as a sideline reporter and also their host of the show "The Race Hub" weekdays on FS1 Cable on NASCAR. How did Shannon become such a big fan of the sport and what are some are favorite parts of the roles she has, etc. It's a very fun and engaging conversation.
And, it's all part of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

TV Futures For Saban, Belichick, Carroll; NFL Super Wild Card Preview, CFB Champ Game Redux And More | Announcer Schedules Podcast Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

This week on Episode 81 of the Announcer Schedules Podcast, Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin discuss whether broadcasting is in the future for Nick Saban, Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll, while previewing the upcoming NFL Super Wild Card Weekend from an announcers' perspective. The storylines of the 2023 NFL regular season are discussed, including further analysis of the Al Michaels/NBC story. NBA, College Basketball, NHL and the MLB are all highlighted as well. A multitude of announcers from past and present are mentioned throughout the show with an array of topics discussed including:
*** Football Coaching Bombshells
*** Nick Saban and College Gameday
*** TV futures for Bill Belechick and Pete Carroll
*** NFL Super Wild Card Weekend Preview
*** Ian Eagle and Noah Eagle on same game
*** Kevin Harlan to work again with daughter Olivia Dekker
*** Peacock subscription required for Dolphins-Chiefs
*** Two games in two days for Mike Tirico
*** Double duty for Ross Tucker on Westwood One
*** Storylines for 2023 NFL regular season
*** New crews in 2023 including Matt Ryan debut
*** Announcers calling same team multiple times
*** More analysis of Al Michaels/NBC story
*** College Football National Championship Review
*** NBA regular season debut for John Fanta
*** NBA schedule for MLK Day
*** College Basketball happenings
*** Mike Monaco's rising star on NHL
*** Sean McDonough and ABC NHL season debut
*** MLB Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN and ESPN Radio
*** NSMA National Awards
*** Broadcasters entering College Football Hall of Fame
It's all part of the newest "Announcer Schedules Podcast" as part of the Last Word on Sports Media Podcast Feed. Make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Fox Sports Radio's Overnight Star Ben Maller And More! | LWOS Media Podcast Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

He's one of the premier national sports radio hosts still cranking out great shows year after year after year and he's a big part of this newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast."
Host T.J. Rives welcomes Ben Maller, overnight host Sunday through Thursday for the last 20 years on Fox Sports Radio and Iheart radio stations, etc.
Ben does a fantastic job with his humor and insight at bringing highly entertaining radio to the airwaves and the internet audience every night. T.J. probes Ben for how he got his start in the broadast business, how he came to become such an overnight radio star and more. This includes, the story of how T.J. and Ben finally met in person in 2021 after doing over a decade of radio on the same network and at times shows together remotely without having actually been in the same place at the same time.
Get all of the insight and the humor of how/why Ben Maller has the success he's had and more.
It's all on our latest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

NFL Week 18, College Football Champ Game, NBA, College Hoops and NHL | Announcers Schedules Podcast Jan 05, 2024

Show notes

This week on Episode 80 of the Announcer Schedules Podcast, Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin ring in the new year with a preview of the final week of the NFL regular season. A look back at the exciting CFP semifinals and a look-ahead at the Michigan-Washington champ game. NBA, College Hoops and NHL action is previewed as well. The show closes with a special "In Memoriam" looking back at the announcers who passed away in 2023.
A multitude of announcers from past and present are mentioned throughout the show with an array of topics discussed including:
*** NFL Week 18 Preview
*** Jason Benetti on NFL
*** CFP Semifinals on ESPN
*** CFP Semifinals Radio Calls
*** Champ Game Preview
*** ESPN's College Football MegaCast
*** FBS Championship Game coverage
*** Upcoming NBA action
*** NHL Winter Classic review
*** NHL on linear ESPN
*** Caitlin Clark buzzer beater
*** College hoops on national radio
*** In Memoriam 2023
Hear it all on the newest "Announcer Schedules Podcast" as part of the Last Word on Sports Media podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Ken Fang Of Awful Announcing talks CFB Playoff Broadcasts, NFL Final Weekend, etc. | LWOS Media Podcast Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

The new year is underway and we're back to talk a ton of football being broadcast on TV and more on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives returns with an extended conversation with Ken Fang of Awful Announcing to go over it all.
First, the guys discuss the two massive and dramatic playoff games in the Rose Bowl with Michigan and Alabama and the Sugar Bowl with Washington and Texas. Specifically, how good were the broadcast teams of Chris Fowler/Kirk Herbstreit and the team of Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy? Ken gives his insight and ratings and what about the title game Monday night in Houston.
Then, the guys tackle the wild, upcoming final weekend of the NFL, the playoff matchups and the announce crews doing the game. What's the line for NBC with two games Saturday and where will the top CBS and FOX crews be working in these matchups?
Finally, Ken goes over two of his biggest sports media stories for 2023 and ooks ahead to what might be a huge sports media story in 2024?
It's all on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

ESPN's Steve Levy Sixers' Kate Scott And CBS/Turner's Kevin Harlan Year Ender | Announcer Schedules Podcast Dec 29, 2023

Show notes

On a special "best of" type edition of the Announcer Schedules Podcast to close out the 2023 year, Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin has some very compelling sports p x p personalities join them. And, we're ready to hear from three of them in review!
Hear parts of the conversations that the guys had with ESPN Sportscenter, Football and NHL play by play man, Steve Levy. Levy talks the challenges of sudio work vs. calling games. His love for the NHL, which has returned to ESPN after over a 15 year hiatius and what was it like to call Monday Night Football for two years?
They also spoke with Kate Scott of Fox Sports and the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Kate details chasing her dream of calling p x p on a big time level and gives insight into how she's gotten to where she is at this point in her careers broadcasting different sports, including the Women's World Cup this past Summer.
And, last but not least, one of the iconic voices in the play by play, Kevin Harlan of CBS, Turner Sports and Westwood One Radio spoke with the guys. Kevin discussed his crazy schedule that sometimes has him working mulptile nights in a row for the NBA, College Hoops and the NFL all at the same time.
Enjoy it all, as part of this end of 2023 special of the Announcer Schedules Podcast on the Last Word on Sports Media Podcast feed. And, make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

NFL, LIV Golf-PGA Tour Truce Dissolved? Deion Sanders, Pat McAfee On Our End Of 2023 Roundtable | LWOS Media Podcast Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

We've come to the end of 2023 and on newest edition of the show, we're ready to go over the top sports media stories of the year on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast."
Host T.J. is back, once more, and his panel includes Tyler Jones of Chat Sports, Jason Powers of the "Powers on Sports Podcast" and Jay Betsill of DFWSportsOnline.com
The guys discuss as top topics:
The NFL's massive appeal still booming in 2023 and whether streaming services might start hurting it?
Did Florida State cost itself a college football berth by criticizing the ACC TV deal and thereby, ESPN, who controls most of the big parts of the sport?
What to make of "Coach Prime" Deion Sanders, who started so fast a Colorado's coach, only to have a disastrous last two months where his program finished 1-8??
How and why is the NBA's top TV analyst, Jeff Van Gundy, no longer on ESPN/ABC after 17 massively successful years? It's seems there's more to it than just his broadcasting.
With the final days of 2023 elapsing, it appears that the hugely controversial PGA Tour attempt to merge with LIV Golf on a new agreement and some joing events is NOT happening. What's the newest plan and options. And, will LIV Golf now raid more golfers and grow and more and more?
Those subjects and a couple of quick other ones on sports media are addressed on the "year ender' for the "Last World on Sports Media Podcast." And make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

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