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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:

Full Ep: NBC Dumps Drew Brees, NBA/Stanley Cup Playoffs Heat Up & Will Tom Brennaman Return? 5 18 22 May 18, 2022

Show notes

It's the latest edition of the show, as host T.J. Rives returns with Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com to go over the latest in sports media news, ratings and analysis.
First, the guys talk about the continuing carousel of NFL announcers and analysts, as Drew Brees and NBC announce that he's gone after just one year. Jon gives his thoughts on why it doesn't always translate from the stardom of NFL QB to the booth. Plus, will Brees resurface this fall somewhere else? And, how does his situation compare with "The Great One" Wayne Gretzky on the Turner/Stanley Cup coverage currently?
Then, Jon has thoughts on the NBA playoffs and conference finals being set. Plus, what about player Patrick Beverley torching all-star guard Chris Paul on ESPN's shows for the Phoenix Suns bowing out of the playoffs? Warranted or cheap shots by a role player?
Jon and T.J. also discuss the current controversial situation and "apology tour" that former Cincinnati Reds and Fox Sports broadcaster Thom Brennaman has undergone, since losing his jobs for making an anti-gay slur on a live mic during a Reds broadcast in 2020.
Jon gives his opinions on whether Brennaman will be back, but also makes some valid points about how it relates to Brennaman being the son of a hall of fame broadcaster to have gotten his breaks in the business in the first place.
Finally, the guys cover the great calls of some NHL broadcasters in game 7, the Preakness horse race and golf's PGA Championship with Tiger Woods back in action on "Love it or Leave it?"
Hear it all on the latest "SportsMediaWatch.com Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
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:
@ItsTJRives

Former Fox Sports Broadcaster Thom Brennaman Part I | Tell Me A Story I Don't Know May 17, 2022

Show notes

He was a premier play by play announcer with Fox Sports. He was the lead voice of the Cincinnati Reds. Then came disparaging words that would alter his life and career. It was August of 2020 when Brennaman uttered an anti-gay slur on what he thought was the near end of a commercial break during a Reds game. It happened to be an open mike! Not long after, Brennaman resigned from the Reds and soon after was fired by Fox.
Since that ill-fated day in 2020, Brennaman has tried to rehabilitate his career, one that included myriad broadcasts of big games with big name associates.his big break came in the early 90’s when he worked with the legendary Harry Caray on Chicago Cubs broadcasts. He would wind up working with another, his father Marty in the Reds broadcast booth.
In part one of this provocative, heart-wrenching and yet uplifting episode, Brennaman recalls that dark day but also revels in one of the most infamous broadcasts in Chicago Cubs history This is an episode you truly can’t miss, nor part two the following week.
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). By Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com) by Bet US , a pioneer in the sports book industry for nearly 3 decades (betus.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
Spotify
Amazon Music
Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Former Fox Sports Broadcaster Thom Brennaman Part I Tease | Tell Me A Story I Don't Know May 16, 2022

Show notes

He was a premier play by play announcer with Fox Sports. He was the lead voice of the Cincinnati Reds. Then came disparaging words that would alter his life and career. It was August of 2020 when Brennaman uttered an anti-gay slur on what he thought was the near end of a commercial break during a Reds game. It happened to be an open mike! Not long after, Brennaman resigned from the Reds and soon after was fired by Fox.
But, Thom Brennaman has been part of some other amazing moments and broadcasts and you'll. hear part I on Tuesday.
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). By Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com) by Bet US , a pioneer in the sports book industry for nearly 3 decades (betus.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
Spotify
Amazon Music
Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Tom Brady to Fox Sports, Kentucky Derby Ratings and George Ofman! | Sports Media Watch Podcast May 11, 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 latest in news,,ratings and more.
This includes the football broadcasting bombshell that Tom Brady has a seat reserved in the Fox Sports TV booth as their #1 analyst after his playing career ends. Fox made the announcement Tuesday that he'll pair with Kevin Burkhardt at some point down the road on the #1 crew for the NFL coverage.
T.J. and Jon go over the scenarios for Fox, Jon has thoughts on the reported massive $375 million that Brady has been guaranteed and do we really know how good he'll be in the booth?
Then, the guys discuss the thrilling upset win by "Rich Strike" in the Kentucky Derby last Saturday and the coverage on NBC. Jon has the ratings info on the wild finish, as an 80-1 underdog horse won the most famous race in the world.
Next, they welcome George Ofman to the podcast, as he's now part of the SportsMediaWatch.com podcast feed of shows with his excellent story telling podcast "Tell me a story I don't know" and the debut of it's latest season with Chicago Bulls former player turned broadcaster Bill Wennington.
George also relays some of the upcoming biggest names that will be featured on his upcoming weekly episodes including the likes of former Fox Sports Broadcaster Thom Brenneman, Turner Sports NHL lead broadcaster Kenny Albert and more.
Finally, T.J. and Jon are back to play some "Love it or Leave it?" with subjects like the Formula One race in Miami, the debut of MLB on the Peacock network/app and more.
It's all part of the "Sports Media Watch.com Podcast" and a make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Former Bulls Basketball Champ/Now Broadcaster Bill Wennington | Tell Me A Story I Don't Know May 10, 2022

Show notes

He played in the Olympics, was part of three NBA championship teams and had the pleasure of calling games involving Derrick Rose and DeMar DeRozan. Bill Wennington has been part of the Chicago Bulls for nearly 30 years and has teamed with veteran play by play voice Chuck Swirsky to deliver pulsating, accurate and entertaining descriptions of Bulls games since 2008.
The native of Montreal also was part of the Canadian olympic team that lost twice to the “Dream Team” in 1984. Wennington also tried his luck at hockey but when his foot size got too big for skates at age 14, it was on to basketball.
His stories during the debut of season 5 are so vivid with accounts of his relationship with Chris Mullin to his passion for motorcycles.
Tell me a story I don’t know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hotdog since 1893! (viennabeef.com). By Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com) by Bet US , a pioneer in the sports book industry for nearly 3 decades (betus.com). Hear full episodes and make sure to follow us and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Clip: Welcome George Ofman's "Tell Me A Story I Don't Know" 5 9 22 May 10, 2022

Show notes

Sports Media Watch.com is proud to partner with "Tell Me A Story I Don't Know" and have George Ofman's fantastic sports telling podcast with a Chicago theme join our podcast feed of shows. Each week George will have a fascinating and prominent guest join him for an in depth conversation and you are guaranteed to learn things about his subject that you probably haven't heard. Hence, the name!
Whether you've already been following/subscribing already or you're just finding out about George's show now, you won't want to miss his A-list guests and their conversations.
We'll start George's 5th season off with Chicago Bulls 3 time NBA champion center/turned Bulls TV broadcaster Bill Wennington. Wennington has teamed with veteran play by play voice Chuck Swirsky to deliver pulsating, accurate and entertaining descriptions of Bulls games since 2008.
He's got plenty of stories from winning it all with MJ, to playing hoops for the Canadian national team against the Olympics "Dream Team" and his love for motorcycles, etc. to share.
It's all on the latest "Tell Me a Story I Don't Know" on the Sports Media Watch.com podcast debuting Tuesday. And, make sure you are following and subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Clip: Former Bulls Basketball Champ/Now Broadcaster Bill Wennington 5 9 22 May 09, 2022

Show notes

He played in the Olympics, was part of three NBA championship teams and had the pleasure of calling games involving Derrick Rose and DeMar DeRozan. Bill Wennington has been part of the Chicago Bulls for nearly 30 years and has teamed with veteran play by play voice Chuck Swirsky to deliver pulsating, accurate and entertaining descriptions of Bulls games since 2008.
You'll get his fascinating story and insight coming Tuesday on the debut of season five.
Tell me a story I don’t know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hotdog since 1893! (viennabeef.com). By Dynamic manufacturing, honor the legacy, pioneer the future (dynamicmanufacutinginc.com) by Bet US , a pioneer in the sports book industry for nearly 3 decades (betus.com).
Hear full episodes and make sure to follow us and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
Amazon Music
Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Full Ep: NFL Draft Recap/Ratings, NBA Continues TV increase, Sage Steele Sues ESPN, etc. 5 4 22 May 04, 2022

Show notes

It's the latest edition of the show, as host T.J. Rives and Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com are back to go over the latest in the ratings, news and personalities in broadcast, etc.
First, the guys recap the three day coverage of the NFL Draft by ESPN/ABC and the NFL Network. Why did the ratings suffer this year? Jon has some theories and the numbers to back it up. Also, how much did the NBA Playoffs interest and resurgence play a role?
Speaking of Pro Hoops, how big of a factor is it that Golden State is back to being their playoff selves and in high profile games?
Then, T.J. and Jon talk about long time ESPN personality Sage Steele suing her employer ESPN for discrimination and retaliation, while still working at the network. What's really behind all of the "back and forth" over politics being mixed with sports news and coverage? Jon gives great insight.
Finally, some "Love it or Leave it?" with the topics of: the Kentucky Derby, Boxing and Baseball's scattered broadcasts all over the place.
Hear it all on the "SportsMediaWatch.com Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
Amazon Music
Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Full: Best of Season Four Episode II 5 1 22 May 03, 2022

Show notes

Legendary figures in Chicago media make up most of the best of season 4 part two. There’s hall of fame Chicago Blackhawks announcer Pat Foley (retired), longtime radio news anchor Pat Cassidy (retired), Dan Roan, 38 year anchor and reporter at WGN-TV who will soon retire and Fred Mitchell, the trailblazing writer for the Chicago Tribune who left the paper in 2015. Those four gentleman along with Darrin Jackson, the radio analyst for the Chicago White Sox and Jeremy Roenick, 20 year star of the NHL, enrich this best of with some incredible story. Hard to beat Cassidy’s mispronunciation of a country and Mitchell’s invention he never reaped a dime from. And then there’s Roenick’s feelings on being fired by NBC sports in 2020 and what’s happened to him since.
Tell me a story I don’t know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hot dog and an institution since 1893 (viennabeefcom). By Dynamic Manufacturing, Honor the legacy, pioneer the future. (Dynamicmanufacturinginc.com). Also by Saranow law group, top notch real estate people aimed at saving you lots of money (Saranow.com). By Bet US, a pioneer in the sports book industry for nearly 3 decades. They’re at betus.com. And by the Paulina market, purveyors of the finest meats and much more in Chicago since 1949. (paulinamarket.com)
Hear full episodes and make sure to follow us and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google and wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
Amazon Music
Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Clip: Best of Season Four Episode II Tease 5 1 22 May 02, 2022

Show notes

Legendary figures in Chicago media make up most of the best of season 4 part two. There’s hall of fame Chicago Blackhawks announcer Pat Foley (retired), longtime radio news anchor Pat Cassidy (retired), Dan Roan, 38 year anchor and reporter at WGN-TV who will soon retire and Fred Mitchell, the trailblazing writer for the Chicago Tribune who left the paper in 2015.
The second part "best of" episode is out on Tuesday!
Tell me a story I don’t know is proudly sponsored by Vienna Beef, makers of Chicago’s hot dog and an institution since 1893 (viennabeefcom). By Dynamic Manufacturing, Honor the legacy, pioneer the future. (Dynamicmanufacturinginc.com). Also by Saranow law group, top notch real estate people aimed at saving you lots of money (Saranow.com). By Bet US, a pioneer in the sports book industry for nearly 3 decades. They’re at betus.com. And by the Paulina market, purveyors of the finest meats and much more in Chicago since 1949. (paulinamarket.com)
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
Apple
Spotify
Amazon Music
Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

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