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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:

Ken Fang Awful Announcing And Jay Betsill DFW Sports Online On Media Round Table | LWOS Media Podcast Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

The World Series is here, the NFL is king, still and we've got a LWOS media roundtable on the newest edition of the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives returns and welcomes guests Ken Fang of AwfulAnnouncing.com and Jay Betsill of DFW Sports Online and WBAP radio to discuss it all.
What abou the "Wildcard World Series" coming with the Texas Rangers hosting the fellow upstart Arizona Diamondbacks.
Jay is in the DFW metro and has more as they ready for the first two games in the best of seven. This includes, the Dallas Cowboys playing the L.A. Rams Sunday in a noon local time game, as well.
Ken has thoughts on the team of Kevin Burkhardt of Fox teaming with Greg Olsen, as the lead team on that network, but has strong criticism of the Thursday night Amazon Prime NFL play by play team, as well.
The guys have more on the NBA starting up and the debut of the 7 foot phenom Victor Wembanyama this week against Dallas and more. This includes the ESPN/ABC debuting their new lead announce team of Mike Breen, Doc Rivers and Doris Burke that will work their biggest games coming up this season and the NBA Finals, eventually next June.
Hear all of the discussion on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" 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

Legendary Chicao Sportswriter Sam Smith Part II | Tell me a story I don't know Podcast Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Sam Smith was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 yet he’s still writing about the Chicago Bulls and the NBA. He’s 75 and recoils when you mention the word retirement. But Smith’s career hasn’t all been about basketball. He was a news reporter in his earlier days regaling about his very first day with a wire service in Washington, D.C.. he was assigned to interview Henry Kissinger! He also covered Watergate and the then momentous Camp David Accords, the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt!
Smith eventually wound up at the Chicago Tribune and after 8 years of being a news reporter and business columnist, he turned to sports and eventually began covering the Chicago Bulls, something he’s done for the last 35 years with both the Tribune and the team’s website .
In part two of this podcast Smith also discusses his upbringing in New York City, his passion with the Knicks, a directionally challenged encounter with Larry Bird and his rather biting sense of humor.
“Tell me a story I don’t know”is presented by Mr. Duct (mrductcleaning.com) and the book, “Tell me a story I don’t know: Conversations with Chicago sports legends is now available for pre order on Amazon books.
Make sure to follow/subscribe to the Last Word on Sports Media podcast feed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Google, etc.
And stay engaged with the conten at www.lastwordonsports.com/podcasts
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Legendary Chicao Sportswriter Sam Smith Part II Tease | Tell me a story I don't know Podcast Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Sam Smith was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 yet he’s still writing about the Chicago Bulls and the NBA. He’s 75 and recoils when you mention the word retirement. But Smith’s career hasn’t all been about basketball. He was a news reporter in his earlier days regaling about his very first day with a wire service in Washington, D.C.. he was assigned to interview Henry Kissinger! He also covered Watergate and the then momentous Camp David Accords, the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt!
Smith eventually wound up at the Chicago Tribune and after 8 years of being a news reporter and business columnist, he turned to sports and eventually began covering the Chicago Bulls, something he’s done for the last 35 years with both the Tribune and the team’s website .
In part two of this podcast Smith also discusses his upbringing in New York City, his passion with the Knicks, a directionally challenged encounter with Larry Bird and his rather biting sense of humor.
“Tell me a story I don’t know”is presented by Mr. Duct (mrductcleaning.com) and the book, “Tell me a story I don’t know: Conversations with Chicago sports legends is now available for pre order on Amazon books.
And, catch all the episodes as part of the Last Word on Sports Media Podcat Feed on Apple Podcasts Spotify, Google, etc.!!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
Amazon Music
Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

John Fanta Conversation, NFL Week 7 Preview, Boeheim to Booth + MLB, And NBA too! | Announcer Schedules Podcast Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

John Fanta Conversation, NFL Week 7 Preview, Wild Finish for Brando and Tillman, Boeheim to the Booth, MLB, NBA and More
This week on Episode 70 of the Announcer Schedules Podcast, Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin welcome John Fanta of FOX Sports for a compelling conversation with the fast-rising announcer who has developed a niche as an authority of BIG EAST Basketball Also, deep dives into the NFL announcing crews this week plus MLB Postseason, College Football, NBA and NHL. Jim Boeheim's arrival into broadcasting is also discussed along with a poor decision to relegate the Cowboys' Spanish announcers to the working press box at SoFi Stadium.
A multitude of announcers from past and present are mentioned throughout the show with an array of topics discussed including:
*** John Fanta's origin story
*** What it's like to work with Bill Raftery
*** Creating a niche with BIG EAST basketball
*** NFL announcing pairings for Week 7
*** Upcoming college football pairings
*** Tim Brando's call of Houston-West Virginia
*** Cowboys Spanish announcers compromised to working press box
*** MLB alternate presentations
*** NBA Opening Night around corner
*** Latest in NHL announcing
*** WNBA Finals in the books
*** Jim Boeheim heading to the booth
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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Joshua Jackson's Hail Mary Moment, Kurt Badenhausen on Sports Business + Boxing/Showtime Gone With Dan Rafael | LWOS Media Podcast Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

It's a jammed packed edition of newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" as we cover everything from a thrilling "Hail Mary" college football call to the ongoing collapse of Bally's Sports and the demise of iconic Showtime Championship Boxing.
Host T.J. Rives returns with three different guests:
Hear first from Joshua Jackson, the radio of voice of Edward Waters University of Jacksonville out the HCBU ranks. Joshua called the thrilling, final play, deflected TD by the Tigers to upset heavily favored Tuskegee Saturday afternoon 41-38. You'll hear his call on radio and everything that went into it and also, what the challegnes are for a small HCBU school trying to get the maximum pub out of somehting like this?
Next, it's sports business and media with Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico.com Kurt discusses with T.J. the ongoing bakruptcy of Bally's Sports nationally and all of the NHL and NBA broadcasts that they are responsible for in this '23-'24 season for both. Kurt sorts it out and looks at the future for the rights for all of the affected teams. He also gives T.J. thoughts on the possible sale of Euro soccer Golaith Manchestrer United that is a total roller coaster right now. Will the Glazer family actually sell and why or why not?
Finally, there's in depth analysis and coverage of the demise of Showtime Network sports and therefore, their award winning and popular boxing coverage. It's been announced that it's over as of the end of this year and longtime boxing insider Dan Rafael is on with T.J. to go over the end after 37 years of televising the sport at the highest level. What's behind Paramount's decision and what does it mean for the Showtime employees?
It's all on the newest "Last Word on Sports Media" podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!
And, stay connected at www.lastwordonsports.com/podcasts for more great content.
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Legendary Chicao Sportswriter Sam Smith Part I | Tell me a story I don't know Podcast Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

Sam Smith has witnessed just about every Chicago Bulls game since 1987. As a beat reporter for the Chicago Tribune and now covering the team for its website, Smith has chronicled the exploits of Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose and some of their big names in the game. He’s also written 5 books including three on Jordan.
As for having remarkably close contact for the magical 90s Bulls? “On every flight I either sat with Phil Jackson, Johnny Bach and Tex Winter.” This trio of coaches helped lead the Bulls to six titles in 8 seasons but it was Jordan who got the headlines. Smith wrote three books on him including the New York Times best seller, “The Jordan Rules.” “I remember when the Jordan Rules came out it was kind of controversial but I had a good relationship with Jordan.”
Smith is one of the sport’s most respected journalists witness how some players and coaches have come to him to write stories, including the late Kobe Bryant during the time when he admitted to having an affair.
Smith says he’s just the conduit to his readers and that’s exactly what he is. But he’s managed to gain unbridled respect from not only those who have read his stories but to those he was writing about.
In part one of this fascinating podcast, Smith also delves into his relationship with both Jordan and Rose, the disliked but misunderstood Jerry Krause who helped build the 6 time championship teams and a very amusing recollection of a golf game he had with Jordan.
Tell me a story I don’t know, conversations with Chicago sports legends is now available for pre order on Amazon books and will be released in Mid November. And, you can find new episodes 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:
Apple
Spotify
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Legendary Chicao Sportswriter Sam Smith Part I Tease | Tell me a story I don't know Podcast Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

Sam Smith has witnessed just about every Chicago Bulls game since 1987. As a beat reporter for the Chicago Tribune and now covering the team for its website, Smith has chronicled the exploits of Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose and some of their big names in the game. He’s also written 5 books including three on Jordan. One of them, “The Jordan Rules” made the New York Times best seller list.
Smith is one of the sport’s most respected journalists witness how some players and coaches have come to him to write stories including the late Kobe Bryant during the time when he admitted to having an affair.
Smith says he’s just the conduit to his readers and that’s exactly what he is. But he’s managed to gain unbridled respect from not only those who have read his stories but to those he was writing about.
In part one of this fascinating podcast, Smith also delves into his relationship with both Jordan and Rose, the disliked but misunderstood Jerry Krause who helped build the 6 time championship teams and a very amusing recollection of a golf game he had with Jordan.
"Tell me a story I don’t know- conversations with Chicago sports legends" is now available for pre order on Amazon books and will be released in Mid November.
And make sure to follow/subsribe to the Last Word on Sports Media podcast feed to get more of Geroge's great contient on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

NFL Week 6 Preview, Durham & Hasselbeck call of Miami debacle, MLB Playoffs, Barry Melrose news and more! | Announcer Schedules Podcast Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

This week on Episode 69 of the Announcer Schedules Podcast, Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin discuss preview week six of the NFL season, while diving deep into college football including the Miami debacle as called by Wes Durham and Tim Hasselbeck on the ACC Network
Also, a look into the MLB Postseason coverage thus far, including a wild night in Atlanta as well as the NHL, NBA and WNBA news.A multitude of announcers from past and present are mentioned throughout the show with an array of topics discussed including:
*** NFL Week Six Preview
*** Why Nantz and Romo are in Vegas
*** NFL announcers in London
*** Shifting of NFL crews on FOX due to MLB
*** Top Rated College Football games from week 6
*** The Miami debacle on ACC Network
*** Look ahead to Week 7 in CFB
*** Final call of Braves-Phillies Game 2
*** Barry Melrose Retiring from ESPN
*** NHL Regular Season Underway
*** NBA Opening Night Look ahead
*** WNBA Finals on ESPN/ABC
Hear it all as part of the "Announcer Schedules Podcast" as part of the Last Word on Sports Media podcast feed. And make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, Google, etc.!!
And stay engaged with all the great content at www.lastwordonsports.com/podcasts
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

ACC Network/Atlanta Falcons P x P Wes Durham + Too Much Football Hyperbole? | Last Word On Sports Media Podcast Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

It was one of the craziest finishes in college football in a long, long time, as Miami inexplicably botched the end of their apparent win agains Georgia Tech. And, the man who was on the TV play by play call is our guest on the "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast."
Host T.J. Rives welcomes Wes Durham to discuss the unreal actions of the Miami head coach Mario Cristobal not choosing to have his offense kneel on the ball to kill the clock with :40 left and win the game with the Yellow Jackets. Of course, the exact opposite happened, as the 'Canes ran the ball, fumbled and Georgia Tech beat them three plays later with a TD to remarkably win the game.
Wes discuses how he and his broadcast partner, former college and NFL QB Tim Hasselback, had to process and disect the crazy finish in Miami. Then, Wes relays that his "Sunday job" as Atlanta Falcons radio play by play broadcaster then saw a dramatic finish as their kicker beat the Houston Texans in the final seconds with a booming field goal. Two incredible finishes, one on TV and the other on radio, with the same guy calling both.
It's a fascinating look into the craft of play by play from Wes.
Then, T.J. wraps up with some "Love it or Leave it?" on subjects of College/NFL ratings vs. everything else, hyperbole in sports broadcasting and hockey starts up with a new NHL seaon, too.
It's all part of the "Last Word on Sports Media" podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.
And, stay engaged to all of the content at www.lastwordonsports.com/podcasts
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Boston Bruins Radio P x P Judd Sirott | Tell Me A Story I Don't Know Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

How many of us wind up doing what we want in life. Judd sirott is. The Chicago native is about to begin his 8th season as the radio voice of the Boston Bruins and while his goal was to do the same for his hometown Blackhawks, doing by play of hockey is something Sirott wanted to do as a youngster. He called 12 seasons of the Chicago Wolves of the AHL and was also the pre and post game host for the Blackhawks while also holding a similar role with the Cubs where he also did some play by play.
Sirott took a more philosophical view of last seasons monumental collapse of the Bruins who fashioned the NHL’s best ever regular season record only to lose in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Florida Panthers after holding a 3-1 series lead.
“I think you have to be prepared for those moments. A lot of times, the team that wins the Presidents Trophy (best record during regular season) often fails to complete that runm” Sirott tells the show.
Sirott appears to have completed the mission of landing an NHL job and with an original 6 team, no less. His audition for the job came against the Blackhawks so it makes sense the Bruins will open their season October 11th against, the Blackhawks!
It's all on the newest "Tell me a story I don't know' as part of the Last Word on Sports Media Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
And, for all the great content stay on www.lastwordonsports.com/podcasts
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

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