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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:

Golden State Wins Title, Stanley Cup Ratings And Lindsay Czarniak! | Sports Media Watch Podcast Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

The Warriors have another NBA title, the Avalanche and the Lightning are battling for Lord Stanley's Cup and Lindsay Czarkiak of Fox Sports and CBS joins the latest edition of "The Sports Media Watch Podcast."
Host T.J. Rives is back with Jon Lewis (aka "Paulsen") of SportsMediaWatch.com to go over the latest, news, ratings and give you some insight/analysis on sports media.
First, the guys wrap up the '22 NBA Finals with the Warriors win over the Celtics. Jon has more thoughts on the "new normal" for the NBA on network TV and how it compares to other programming in the present day. Plus, more on the lack of established star power in Boston having cost the league some audience.
Then, the conversation turns to hockey and whether the Tampa Bay Lightning trying to secure a most difficult third straight title? Jon has the latest numbers for the NHL's postseason and translates what any of it amounts to in comparison to previous years. And, will the Stanley Cup Final even crack 6 million viewers for a game before it ends?
Then, Lindsay Czarniak of Fox Sports (formerly with ESPN and NBC) and the new host of the SMX car racing series on CBS TV joins our panel. Jon and T.J. inquire about her love for motor sports and also her role on the sidelines for FOX's NFL coverage.
Finally, it's some "Love it or Leave It?" The discussion is about the U.S. Open golf coverage on NBC and their seemingly endless commercials. Pus, NASCAR switches to NBC/USA starting this weekend. And, does Jon like mystery movies over the years?!
Hear it all on the latest "SportsMediaWatch.com Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
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Full Ep.: Ryan Dempster Former Cubs Pitcher/Now Broadcaster 6 21 22 Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

He pitched for two iconic franchises ( the Cubs and Red Sox) that play in iconic ballparks (Wrigley Field and Fenway Park). Now Ryan Dempster is pitching for the Marquee Sports Network which televises Chicago Cubs games and creates original programming. His natural and infectious sense of humor seem to be a perfect fit.
Then again, Chicago is a perfect fit for this 16 year veteran of 5 teams though he spent more than half his time with the Cubs. “I’m a Cub” exclaimed the seemingly happy go lucky Dempster who started 154 games but was also a closer and during the 2005 season saved 33 of 35 games and the other two were victories!
"I just had a little different view on what I wanted to do. To be able to to use my time talking about the game-the positives of the game. There are so many great things. Focus on those- the things that guys are doing well, rather than what they're doing wrong," Dempster says on the show.
"I was always goofing around. If I was more serious, I would have probably been a better player. That's who I am. That's who I've always been. And that's the lens that I always try to look through."
But life took a different turn in 2009 when his infant daughter was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, the inability to digest or swallow food. Well, so far so very good as Riley is doing just fine after that harrowing experience. Dempster discusses that, his very interesting career and how he came about doing his now well known Harry Caray impressions.
Tell me a story I don’t know is now partnering with Sports Media Watch ( sportsmediawatch.com) and please follow on Twitter @paulsen_smw. Tell me a story I don't know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hotdog since 1893! (viennabeef.com). And by Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com). Hear full episodes and make sure to follow us and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Clip: Ryan Dempster Former Cubs Pitcher/Now Broadcaster Tease 6 20 22 Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

He pitched for two iconic franchises ( the Cubs and Red Sox) that play in iconic ballparks (Wrigley Field and Fenway Park). Now Ryan Dempster is pitching for the Marquee Sports Network which televises Chicago Cubs games and creates original programming. His natural and infectious sense of humor seem to be a perfect fit. Then again, Chicago is a perfect fit for this 16 year veteran of 5 teams though he spent more than half his time with the Cubs.
“I’m a Cub” exclaimed the seemingly happy go lucky Dempster who started 154 games but was also a closer and during the 2005 season saved 33 of 35 games and the other two were victories!
Hear all about his story coming Tuesday.
Tell me a story I don’t know is now partnering with Sports Media Watch ( sportsmediawatch.com) and please follow on Twitter @paulsen_smw. Tell me a story I don't know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hotdog since 1893! (viennabeef.com). And by Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com). Hear full episodes and make sure to follow us and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

ESPN's Bob Wischusen Conversation | Announcer Schedules Podcast Jun 18, 2022

Show notes

Bob Wischusen of ESPN and the New York Jets joined the Announcer Schedules Podcast for an insightful conversation with Mike Gill and Phil de Montmollin.
Since joining ESPN in 2005, Wischusen has served as a primary play-by-play voice on college football and basketball. This past season, he added the NHL on ESPN, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs, to his schedule. Wischusen has also called golf major championships for ESPN, including last month’s PGA Championship. He has been the radio voice for the New York Jets since 2002 and worked for MSG Networks from 2001-08 where he handled play-by-play on TV and radio for select Knicks, Rangers and Liberty games.
Wischusen discusses how he juggles play-by-play for college football, college basketball, PGA Golf, the NHL and the New York Jets. A 1993 graduate of Boston College in the same class as fellow ESPN broadcasters Jon “Boog“ Sciambi and Joe Tessitore, Wischusen tells how he got started in the business at sports talk radio stations like WFAN in New York, WEEI in Boston and WQAM in Miami. The play-by-play veteran also dives into his preparation and travel for his many assignments, across multiple sports.
Enjoy this conversation from the "Announcer Schedules Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to the Sports Media Match Podcast feed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
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Mike Breen Returns, Stanley Cup Final Announcers & ESPN's Bob Wischusen! | Announcer Schedules Podcast Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

This week on the Announcers Schedules Podcast, we have over 70 different announcers are discussed including:
• The Return of Mike Breen
• The Stanley Cup Finals broadcast teams (tv & radio).
• Drew Brees news, Jason Garrett report, Over $1 Billion in NFL announcer salaries and some local preseason crews being named.
• USFL broadcast, things NFL might use.
• US Open Golf vs LIV Golf
• Joe Davis off and running as No. 1 PxP'er on FOX
Some local announcers news
And out conversation with ESPN's Bob Wischusen on how he juggles doing play-by-play for Jets, NCAA football, basketball, PGA and NHL. His travel, his preparation and his background as a sports-talk radio host.
Hear it all on the "Announcer Schedules Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to the Sports Media Watch Podcast Feed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
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Golden State Dynasty? Stanley Cup Finals, MLS New TV Partner & more! | Sports Media Watch Podcast Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

On our latest edition of the show, host T.J. Rives returns with Jon Lewis (aka "Paulsen") from SportsMediaWatch.com for the latest in Summer-time sports media news, ratings and more.
The guys begin with some NBA talk, including the ratings of the most recent Warriors-Celtics games. Jon has historical references on previous Finals for the NBA that might surprise you. Also, debate ensues on whether Golden State can be considered a true dynasty for their run of the last eight or so years?
Next, the Stanley Cup Finals begin Wednesday night. And, while T.J.'s Tampa Bay Lightning are going for the rare "3 Peat" of three consecutive championships, will a matchup with the Colorado Avalanche translate nationally? Jon has some interesting rebuttal with the audience trends, too.
Then, time for some "Love it or Leave it" on Major League Soccer's new broadcast deal with Apple+ and what does "exclusive" actually mean? Plus, Amazon Prime is filling out it's TV roster for Thursday night NFL and will Jon care/watch things like the U.S. Open Golf this weekend and the College World Series, too?
Hear it all on the latest "Sports Media Watch Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
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Full Ep: Dave Wills Tampa Bay Rays Broadcaster 6 14 22 | Tell Me A Story I Don't Know Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

He once shared a microphone and tape recorder with Joe Davis. Dave Wills and his friend did a baseball game from the catwalk of Wrigley Field. That was back in 1987. Wills sent the tape to Chicago Cougars minor league team and he landed the job. As for Davis well, he’s the guy who replaced the legendary Vin Scully with the Dodgers.
Wills has been the voice of the Tampa Bay Rays for 18 seasons but his road to Florida began in Chicago and included a two year stint as the pre and post game host for the White Sox. When the Rays job became available, Wills, who had just bought a new house with his wife decided to apply. He got the job and both he and his wife have never looked back. Guess the warmth of Tampa beats shoveling snow any day of the week.
“Our ownership group really likes continuity in the broadcast booth” Wills boasted. All you have to do is look at Dwayne Staats, the original TV voice who continues to ply his trade.
Tell me a story I don’t know is now partnering with Sports Media Watch ( www.sportsmediawatch.com) and please follow on Twitter @paulsen_smw. Tell me a story I don't know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hotdog since 1893! (viennabeef.com). And by Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com). Hear full episodes and make sure to follow us and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Clip: Dave Wills Tampa Bay Rays Broadcaster Tease 6 13 22 | Tell Me A Story I Don't Know Jun 13, 2022

Show notes

Who would have thought two Major League Baseball announcers actually hatched their careers on a catwalk at Wrigley Field! Dave Wills and Joe Davis shared a microphone and tape recorded and called a Cubs/Cardinals game? Wills would eventually land a job with the minor league Chicago Cougars and then wind up as the radio voice of the Tampa Bay Rays. Davis would wind up replacing the iconic Vin Scully as the Dodgers announcer.
You never know.
Wills is in his 18th season with the Tampa Bay Rays and has had the same partner in Andy Freed.
“Our ownership group really likes continuity in the broadcast booth” Wills boasted. All you have to do is look at Dwayne Staats, the original TV voice who continues to ply his trade.
Wills spent two years as the pre and post game host and occasional play by play guy for his home town team, the Chicago White Sox but when the Rays job became available, Wills and his wife and kids packed their bags, left the shovels behind and never looked back.
Hear Dave's story on Tuesday's "latest edition of Tell Me A Story I Don't Know"
Tell me a story I don’t know is now partnering with Sports Media Watch ( sportsmedia watch.com) and please follow on Twitter @paulsen_smw. Tell me a story I don't know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hotdog since 1893! (viennabeef.com). And by Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com). Hear full episodes and make sure to follow us and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
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NBA Playoffs, LIV Golf Series Broadcasters + John Forslund Seattle Kracken/Stanley Cup Playoffs Radio | Announcer Schedules Podcast Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

This week MIke and Phil are back to discuss:
NBA Finals, Mike Breen/Jeff Van Gundy absence; Mark Jones/Finals continue on, tv and radio
NFL - Brent Musburger steps away from Raiders/Greg Papa & 49ers re-up
NFL - John Lynch story/Amazon
LIV - Arlo White to call LIV Golf
NHL - TNT Season complete, all ESPN from here on out
MLB - Jon Sterling news
Plus NCAA Softball coverage and NCAA Baseball coverage from ESPN and their platforms/announcers.
The Premier Lacrosse League on ESPN
Some "Calls that we Liked"....this week there is a theme...June 7.
And Congrats to former coach/NBA analyst Mike Fratello on the "Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award"
Plus a conversation with John Forslund from the Seattle Kraken TV Broadcast on ROOT Sports and plus, the Sports USA radio play-by-play voice of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals. John discusses his journey from Springfield, MA to the NHL expansion Kraken and everywhere in between.
Hear it all on "Announcer Schedules, the Podcast" and make sure that you are following/subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc. !!!
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NBA Finals, SI.com's Bob Harig On MIckelson Interview & more | Sports Media Watch Podcast Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

On the latest edition of the show, host T.J. Rives is back with Jon Lewis (aka "Paulsen") of SportsMediaWatch.com to go over the news, ratings and topics in sports media for this week. And, they've got a special guest this week.
First, the guys discuss the latest with the NBA Finals matching Golden State and Boston. Jon has the ratings comparisons through 2 games of previous years for ESPN/ABC. What about Steph Curry's popularity vs. Lebron and Jordan carrying the NBA?
Then, the guys talk with Bob Harig of SI.com, who scored the exclusive interview with champion golfer Phil Mickelson on Monday. Bob relays how he got the interview and hilariously, where he talked to Phil to get his story done? Bob also has 25+ years of insight on what the new LIV Golf Series backed by Saudi Arabian money means against the massively popular and powerful PGA Tour?
Then, T.J. and Jon play some "Love it or Leave it?" on the Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage on Turner Sports and ESPN. Also, what about the College Softball and Baseball tournaments and World Series? And, find out what, if any, seafood Jon "loves," too.
It's all part of the latest "Sports Media Watch Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
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Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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