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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:

Clip: Kevin Harlan CBS/Turner Broadcaster Part II tease 2 14 21 Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

He really wanted to be an airline pilot. Instead, Kevin Harlan parlayed a great voice and other desire to become on the this country’s premier play by play broadcasters. He just completed another Super bowl for Westwood one but there’s no rest for the weary what with his myriad assignments for the NBA.
In part two of this enjoyable podcast, Harlan discusses some his famous calls such a thunderous dunk by Lebron James and how he managed to get his start in the industry.
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: Super Bowl LVI Preview Olympics Ratings disaster, etc.! 2 8 22 Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

It's a Super Bowl week edition of the show and host T.J. Rives is back with Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com to go over the buildup to the big game in L.A.
Hear more about what will likely be the final game for Al Michaels on NBC's football coverage and where will go? What about Mike Tirico bouncing back and forth from Beijing to Stamford, CT, to L.A. and back to Connecticut to cover it all?
Jon also goes over some perspective on NBC's nose dive in ratings for these Winter Olympics and what does it mean moving forward for coverage, rights fees, etc.?
The guys also talk the Pro Bowl and the silly lack of effort by the players, despite having some decent TV audience. T.J. also queries Jon on why ESPN's Sportscenter Monday would ignore a story like Alvin Kamara being arrested In Las Vegas for assault after having been allowed to play in the Pro Bowl?
The guys also play some "Love it or Leave it" on Super Bowl ads, all time and recently.
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:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Full Ep: Kevin Harlan CBS/Turner Broadcaster Part I 2 8 21 Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

How many play play announcers put as much enthusiasm into describing a streaker on the field , a cat scoring a touchdown or reading promos? Kevin Harlan has become famous for it but his popularity mainly stems from his fast pace and extremely upbeat approach to calling a game, whether it’s a regular season contest in the NBA or the Super Bowl which he will broadcast for a 13th straight year for Westwood One.
Harlan’s career has had an arrow pointing straight up starting in college when he was tapped to do a pre, in game and post game show for the Kansas City Chiefs radio network. He was just 21 but from there, became the voice of the Chiefs, the first play by play guy for the Minnesota Timberwolves and one of sports busiest and most prominent broadcasters.
In part one of this delightful interview, Harlan discusses his love of planes, his now famous calls of the streaker and cat and how he became enamored of a business he’s now become so respected for.
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: Westwood One Radio/CBS Broadcaster Kevin Harlan gets ready to call Super Bowl LVI 2 7 22 Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

A special segment for our podcast audience, as coming Tuesday of Super Bowl week, you'll hear a quick segment with the national radio voice of the Super Bowl on Westwood One Radio, Kevin Harlan.
You also know Kevin for his longtime work on CBS TV and Turner Sports covering the NFL, March Madness and the NBA.
In this clip Kevin is talking about the wild win in Super Bowl 55 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady that was interrupted by a streaker hitting the field in Tampa Bay. Kevin described it all, on the air, as it happened.
Make sure to hear the conversation with Kevin Harlan beginning Tuesday on George Ofman's "Tell Me A Story I Don't Know" Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.!
And, we'll be back soon with another full "Sports Media Watch.com Podcast" as Jon Lewis joins me here!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Clip: Kevin Harlan CBS/Turner Broadcaster Part I tease 2 7 21 Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

How many play play announcers put as much enthusiasm into describing a streaker on the field , a cat scoring a touchdown or reading promos? Kevin Harlan has become famous for it but his popularity mainly stems from his fast pace and extremely upbeat approach to calling a game, whether it’s a regular season contest in the NBA or the Super Bowl which he will broadcast for a 13th straight year for Westwood One.
Hear Part I of our conversation with Kevin coming up 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: Tom Brady Retires, NFL Playoffs Score Huge Ratings, Olympics, etc.! 2 1 22 Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

It's a brand new edition of the show, as host T.J. Rives is back with Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com to go over the top media topics and TV numbers from this past week/weekend.
First, the guys cover the retirement of Bucs QB Tom Brady after 22 years of NFL amazing superiority. What about ESPN's Adam Schefter breaking the story last Saturday and then facing some backlash for a few days before it became official. Jon also gives thoughts on info guys on social media vs. journalism standards too.
Then, they discuss the massive ratings for both the Bengals-Chiefs on CBS OT Thriller and the 49ers-Rams NFC title showdown on FOX that both delivered for the NFL. How do they compare to past AFC/NFC title game weekends? Also, Jon explains more on the "out of home" ratings being built in.
Finally, the guys discuss the start of the Winter Olympics and their coverage on NBC, NASCAR starts with a new different race the "Clash at the L.A. Coliseum" and some USFL Spring Football talk, too.
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: Dave Eanet Northwestern Football Broadcaster 2 1 22 Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

When you mention the name Dave Eanet the first things you hear are…voice of the Wildcats, highly respected and great guy. And they fit like a tee for this long time veteran of the Chicago sports media. He’s been calling Northwestern football and basketball for over 30 years and was honored by having the football booth at Ryan Field named after him, an extraordinary achievement given in honor of his 25th year with the university.
But Eanet is more than just calling the exploits of the Wildcats. He’s been a prominent sportscaster on radio and TV and has been honored with the Illinois Sportscaster of the year award. He’s WGN radio’s morning sportscaster and from all appearances he’s far from ending his role with the station and Northwestern and that’s a good thing for his many listeners.
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: Dave Eanet Northwestern Football Broadcaster Tease 1 31 22 Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

When you mention the name Dave Eanet the first things you hear are…voice of the Wildcats, highly respected and great guy. And they fit like a tee for this long time veteran of the Chicago sports media. He’s been calling Northwestern football and basketball for over 30 years.
Hear our full conversation and stories 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: NFL massively rated Divisional Playoffs, Get Well Dickie V & more! 1 22 22 Jan 25, 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 topics and t.v. numbers in sports over the weekend.
Just how successful were the NFL Divisional round playoffs of for Saturday and Sunday? Four dramatic finishes keep the NFL rolling with audience, but Jon puts it in context, too. And, did Jim Nantz and Tony Romo deserve criticism for their call of the wild ending of Bills at the Chiefs Sunday night?
The guys also update the latest on ESPN College Hoops icon Dick Vitale, who will have to remain off the air for the rest of the college hoops season due to cancer treatment and his throat condition. We all look forward to hopefully having one of the great ambassador's of the game back broadcasting someday soon.
Finally, it's some "Love it or Leave it" with Jon on subjects like the NBA Tuesday night studio show on TNT, NBC not sending manny announcers to China for the Winter Olympics and more!
Hear it all on the latest "Sports Media Watch.com Podcast" and make sure to subscribe 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

Full Ep: Part II Chicago Sports radio legend Mike North 1 24 22 Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

He was never at loss for words. And he still isn’t. Mike north continues yap away on a weekly gambling show and his own podcast. He’s as opinionated as ever in a style a style befit a carnival barker. It’s worked since he bartered time on a frequency in the late 80’s he would help make famous.
In part two of our interview with a man who broke the bank in sports radio (North became the highest paid in the industry when he negotiated a deal worth a million and a half a year in the early 2000s), North reveals his close relationship with the legendary Walter Payton who announced the disease that would eventually take his life on a live broadcast he and partner Dan Jiggetts were part of. North also discuses his propensity for drinking and what stopped him cold turkey. And then there’s Bebe, his wife and long time and confidant who has played a vital role in his success.
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 money (Saranow.com). By Rahl Jewelers offering the finest in jewelry in Chicago’s northwest suburbs since 1982 (Rahl jewelers.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

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