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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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Copyright: © All rights reserved.

Latest Episodes:

Full Ep: NFL Draft Upcoming, NBA Playoffs Ratings, Gus Johnson, etc.! 4 26 22 Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

As we close out April on this edition of the show, host T.J. Rives is back with Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com with several topics. This includes the upcoming NFL Draft to be televised from Las Vegas on ESPN/ABC and the NFL Network. How do the Draft ratings compare to other sports around the same time.
The guys also discuss the absence of ESPN College Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit due to a medical condition. And, also this week apparently ends the run of host Kay Adams on "Good Morning Football" on the NFL Network. Where is she headed next and what are Jon's thoughts on the sports TV morning programming in general.
The subject then turns to the NBA- the elimination of Kevin Durant and the Nets and whether Turner analyst Charles Barkley is out of line with comments about Durant being a "bus rider" for playoff success and championships?
Then, some "Love it or Leave it?" covers subjects like Gus Johnson's p x p announcing, the USFL and whether their ratings/audience numbers are headed off the cliff and also some old school 1950s and 1960s TV talk, too.
It's all part of the "Sports Media Watch.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 Ep: Best of Season Four- Part One 4 25 22 Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

How can you go wrong when you have guests such as Kevin Harlan, Dave Revsine, Mike North, Hub Arkush and Dave Eanet? They make up the beats of season 4 part one and the stories they tell are priceless. From North remembering how he boldly told the owner of a Chicago radio frequency to turn it into an all sports station to Revsine trying to forget an untimely golf paring with one of the most infamous people of the 20th century, the best of part one dances with delightful memories. It also includes Dave Eanet’s walk through New Orleans with one of the most famous Chicago Bears and Hub Arkush’s unfortunate decision concerning Aaron Rodgers.
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 (viennabeef.com). 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- Part One Tease 4 24 22 Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

How can you go wrong when you have guests such as Kevin Harlan, Dave Revsine, Mike North, Hub Arkush and Dave Eanet? They make up the beats of season 4 part one and the stories they tell are priceless.
Get ready for our look back coming 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 (viennabeef.com). 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

Full Ep: NBA Playoff Ratings Rise, USFL debuts and Gymnastics?! 4 19 22 Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

It's the latest edition of the show, as host T.J. Rives and Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch.com return to go over the latest news and ratings numbers in sports media and TV.
The NBA playoffs have started up and have enjoyed tremendous ratings in their opening week/weekend. Jon has the insight on just how good and what's really driving the numbers up and up?
The guys also discuss the the re-birth of the USFL Spring football league this past weekend, which also did well in the ratings at the lower end of things. Plus, T.J. has a great 15+ year old broadcasting story with former Cowboys coach (and long ago QB) Jason Garrett, who was on the NBC sports call of some USFL action Sunday.
The guys also cover subjects like Mel Kiper Jr. off the ESPN NFL Draft coverage and Jon's interest in a niche' sport too on "Love it or Leave it."
Hear it all on the "Sports Media Watch.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 Ep: Fred Mitchell- Longtime Chicago Tribune Sportswriter 4-19 22 Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

He’s the only writer at the historic Chicago Tribune to be a beat writer for the Cubs, Bears and Bulls. Then again, Fred Mitchell has blazed a trail in many areas during an award winning career as a sports journalist and speaking of awards, there’s one named after him. The Fred Mitchell Award is given annually to the outstanding place kicker in FSC, divisions 2 and 3, the NAIA and NJCAA for excellence on and off the field and in the community. Mitchell holds the NCAA record for most points scored by a kicker and that was back in the mid 60s!
And there’s plenty more: Mitchell has penned a dozen books and is a professor of journalism at DePaul university and how about this? Did you know he invented a product that you can see during any football game you’re watching? Sadly, Mitchell did not benefit financially from the sideline kicking net but those who have read his work and learned from him, have.
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 (viennabeef.com). 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: Fred Mitchell- Longtime Chicago Tribune Sportswriter tease 4 18 22 Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

He’s the only writer at the historic Chicago Tribune to be a beat writer for the Cubs, Bears and Bulls. Then again, Fred Mitchell has blazed a trail in many areas during an award winning career as a sports journalist and speaking of awards, there’s one named after him. And...that's for being a great college football kicker?!
Hear that story and many others from one of the most versatile writers on the Chicago sports beat over the last 40+ years.
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 (viennabeef.com). 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

Full Ep: Masters Ratings, NBA Play-in games, Costas on TBS P X P, + USFL re-boot! 4 12 22 Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

It's our latest edition of the podcast, as host T.J. Rives is back with Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com to go over the topics, ratings and personalities in recent sports media.
First, the guys discuss the conclusion of "The Masters" golf tournament on CBS this past weekend. Even though Tiger Woods made another remarkable return after yet another physical setback that could have ended his career, the leaderboard didn't have "star power." How much were the ratings hurt and what are Jon's thoughts about it all? Plus, T.J. has some criticism of not showing live golf reasonably live and how it burned CBS a couple of times on Sunday.
Then, the guys go over the NBA "Play-in" games for Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of this week. What does Jon think will happen interest/viewership wise without the star power in these games, either? Is the "Play-in" a good edition or too gimmicky and should be done away with?
T.J. and Jon talk about legendary baseball voice Bob Costas being back on the air with TBS doing play by play with former Mets star pitcher turned analyst Ron Darling.
And, then it's some "Love it or Leave it?" with subjects like the ESPN2 "Kay/Rod" alternate Sunday night baseball broadcast and discussion on the latest re-boot of Spring pro football with the reviving of the USFL starting this weekend.
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 Ep: Darrin Jackson- Former White Sox Player/Now Broadcaster 4 12 22 Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

He never played in a major league playoff game yet has two World Series rings. Who could this be? Darrin Jackson, former big leaguer with the Chicago Cubs, Whitesox and several other teams and for the last 22 years, an analyst on Whitesox broadcasts.
Jackson had a solid major league career punctuated by his excellent defense in the outfield.
Jackson’s post playing career got a boost by Hall of famer Ken “Hawk” Harrelson and Ed Farmer who taught him how to be a better announcer. Now he’s working with Len Kasper who once spent 16 years in the Cubs broadcast booth.
Oh, those World Series rings? The Toronto Bluejays gave him one for 1993 even though he was traded and the White Sox honored him with one after broadcasting their 2005 championship season.
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 (viennabeef.com). 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 (Saranowcom). 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: Darrin Jackson- Former White Sox Player/Now Broadcaster tease 4 11 22 Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

He never played in a major league playoff game, yet has two World Series rings. Who could this be? Darrin Jackson, former big leaguer with the Chicago Cubs, Whitesox and several other teams and for the last 22 years, an analyst on Whitesox broadcasts.
Get ready for his stories of playing and broadcasting in the bigs and in "the Windy City."
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 (viennabeef.com). 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 (Saranowcom). 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

Full Ep: Kansas Wins It All, Fox To Promote Joe Davis and Tiger Returns at Masters 4 6 22 Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

It's a brand new edition of the show, as host T.J. Rives is back with Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch.com to discuss everything from the end of March Madness, to the start of the MLB season on TV and Tiger Woods is back at Augusta National for The Masters.
First, Jon has a breakdown of the ratings from this past weekend's Men's Final Four in New Orleans, where the Kansas Jayhawks took the title. Why comparing this year's numbers from TBS, streaming, etc. to past years isn't really valid any longer? Plus, T.J. gives Jon credit for correctly predicting that the "Coach K" factor wouldn't be able to smash Cable records for the broadcast of Duke-North Carolina.
Then, the guys discuss the recent broadcaster moves, including new deals for ESPN's "info guys" Adam Schefter and Adrian Wojnarowski to remain there. And, is Fox Sports promoting play by play man Joe Davis to their top baseball spot, including the coverage of the post-season and World Series?
Finally, it's some "Love it or Leave it," again with baseball's opening day coming this week. And, Jon and T.J. talk Tiger Woods and whether he can come back, yet again, this time from a shattered right ankle, at Golf's biggest event, "The Masters?" How will he do and how long will his return potentially last this weekend?
Hear it all on the latest "Sports Media Watch.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

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