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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: Part II Chicago Sports radio legend Mike North Tease 1 23 22 Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

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.
It's 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.
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:
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Spotify
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Full Ep: Mike North- Chicago sports radio legend Part One 1 18 22 Jan 19, 2022

Show notes

Who would have thought a high school dropout would be the Linch-pin to sports radio in Chicago? Mike North came out of obscurity to become its biggest star, part of the city’s first all sports station (WSCR, THE SCORE) on January 2nd, 1992. Paired with former Bears star and Harvard Grad Dan Jiggetts, the duo known as the monsters of the midday, captured an audience hungry for sports talk but it was North, with his bombastic style, who sparked an audience that would soon grow and grow.
North skewered some guests while quickly becoming the man of the people and befriending such notable as Walter Payton and Mike Ditka. He would eventually sign the biggest contract in sports talk history, a five year deal worth 7.5 million!
In part one of this fascinating interview, North recalls how he cajoled the owner of a radio signal to make it sports talk instead of Jazz and country. North also remembers how he rose from a city employee picking up paper and then the owner of a hotdog stand with his wife Bebe to become one of the most celebrated personalities in the 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 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

Full Ep: NFL Playoffs Blowouts affect ratings? And, NBA items too! 1 18 22 Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

On our newest edition of the podcast, host T.J. Rives and Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com are back to discuss the latest with everything happening around the start to the NFL Playoffs and more.
How did four blowout games out of six affect things with the TV numbers? What was up with CBS broadcaster Ian Eagle's winter jacket on the Pats-Blls broadcast? Why was Troy Aikman unhappy with his broadcast assignment on the Eagles-Bucs game Sunday? And, how big of failure was the initial MNF Wildcard playoff game on ESPN?
The guys also discuss the MLK holiday hoops from the NBA and Jon has thoughts on what the league should do with scheduling now that the NFL is going to put a playoff game around it?
And then, we play some "Love it or Leave it" about Olympic coverage, Bally Sports new streaming deal and some winter-time, comfort foods 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:
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Full Ep: Les Grobstein Tribute with David Schuster 1 17 22 Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

This special edition of “Tell me a story I don’t know” features Les Grobstein, a sports radio legend in Chicago who passed away Sunday. He was beloved by his legion of listeners who tuned into his popular overnight show on WSCR 670 the Score. Les was a veteran of over 50 years and clearly one of a kind.
He was opinionated, stubborn and at times combative employing a style that was unique to say the least. Long time Chicago sports radio reporter David Schuster joins me and our host/producer for this special episode, TJ Rives, as we trade some hilarious and poignant stories about" the Grobber."
Les Grobstein is survived by a son, his long time girl friend and beloved by so many who both admired and enjoyed his whacky personality
"Tell Me a Story I Don't Know" will debut it's fourth season with a two part conversation with another Chicago Sports Radio legend Mike North coming later this week. Make sure to follow/subscribe to get the latest episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
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Clip: CBS' Charles Davis on Working Wildcard NE at BUF game w/Ian Eagle, etc.! 1 14 22 Jan 14, 2022

Show notes

A special bonus for our SMW podcast listeners. Hear T.J. Rives talking with Charles Davis, booth analyst with Ian Eagle, about Saturday night's CBS Wildcard game coverage.
How neat is it to be one of only two teams doing the playoffs for CBS? And, just how quickly did Charles and his colleagues have to dive into this Patriots/Bills rematch?
It's all in this segment. Make sure for Full episodes and clips like this that you are following/subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, etc.!!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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Full Ep: CFB Playoff Title Game Ratings, NFL Playoffs Begin, etc.! 1 12 22 Jan 12, 2022

Show notes

The College Football Playoff has concluded with Georgia defeating Alabama and now, the NFL take full, center stage and we're to discuss that and more 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 final ESPN numbers for the end of the College Football season. How much was this year's title game hurt by the semis being on New Years Eve instead of New Year's Day? Also, will the CFP ever see the kind of numbers they had in year one with Heisman winners playing head to head, Ohio State upsetting Bama in Primetime right after, etc.?
Then, the guys discuss the week 18 end to the NFL season. It's the first time that they have ever gone this late in the regular season and there was certainly drama everywhere. How did it translate on the ratings, etc.?
Also, what does Jon think will happen ratings-wise and more with the primetime Saturday, Sunday and first time, Monday night, Wildcard Playoff games this weekend?
Then, there's some "Love it or Leave it?" discussion on NBC's Michelle Tafoya retiring from her sideline role....or not? And, what NBA team fascinates Jon on whether they will gain interest and ratings soon, etc.?
Hear it all on the latest 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: College Football Playoff, NFL concluding, & "A-Rod-cast?" 1 5 22 Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

On the latest edition of the show, host T.J. Rives and Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com are back in the new year with plenty of football to discuss.
They cover the ultimate "snoozer" College Football Playoff semi-finals with Alabama and Georgia rolling and slated to play each other in Monday's title game. Is the SEC dominance destined to doom ratings for ESPN that night? Also, what about announcers Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit doing a Saturday NFL broadcast just two days before?
Is that another indication that they may become the full time Monday Night Football NFL announcers for ESPN soon?
The guys also talk up the ratings successes continuing for the NFL and the playoff implication matchups that will certainly provide drama Saturday and Sunday on the final weekend of games.
Finally, some "Love it or Leave it??" subjects for Jon include a possible A Rod baseball replica of the "Manning-cast", whether Bowl games matter and also was Jon "binging" any t.v. series over the Holidays?
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:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
@ItsTJRives

Full Ep: Passing of NFL TV Personality John Madden 12 29 21 Dec 29, 2021

Show notes

On the latest edition of the podcast, we are back post-Christmas and before New Year's Day with a special show on the passing this week and legacy of iconic former NFL coach and broadcaster, John Madden
Host T.J. Rives and Jon Lewis of SportsMediaWatch.com are back to cover Madden's amazing run as the lead analyst on the NFL first with partner Pat Summerall on CBS and FOX and then with Al Michaels on Monday night and finally, then Sunday night football on ABC/ESPN and NBC.
The guys go over his impact, the level of affection from fans for decades and of course, the legacy continuing with the "Madden" video game series.
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:
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Come talk with TJ on X:
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Full Ep: "Best of 2021" Year End Episode 12 22 21 Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

How do you compile the best of a year? Try almost impossible but we managed to cull ten vignettes from 36 compelling interviews. While we left out such wonderful segments from the likes of Greeny (Mike Greenberg), Bob Costas, Ron Coomer, Laura Okmin and Len Kasper just to mention a few, we stitched together ones from ten alluring episodes.
For example: Mark Giangreco and Dan McNeil, two towering figures in Chicago media who were fired many believe, because of today’s political correctness. And then there was Sarah Kustok and Eddie Olczyk who overcame adversity to remain atop their professions. Keith Olbermann and Dave Wannstedt relay hilarious stories, one about coming to Chicago and other who nearly did.
We were very fortunate to have 36 worthwhile contributors be so accommodating and willing to share so much of their lives with us. We can’t thank them enough for lifting “Tell me a story I don’t know” to a standard we are most proud of.
And we’re ready to go with year 2 on January 18th, a two part episode with one of the most recognizable figures in Chicago’s sports media landscape.
Thank you TJ Rives, Will Hatczel, Tatiana Shinkan and Nick Tocci for all of your great support behind the scenes. We could not have achieved this without you.
\“Tell me a story I don’t know” is proudly sponsored by Rahl Jewelers on Barrington road in Hoffman Estates where you come in as customer and leave as a friend. (Rahljewelers.com), And by Dynamic Manufacturing where there’s nothing they can’t do! (dynamicmanufacturinginc.com). “Tell me a story I don’t know” is also sponsored by the Paulina Market, top purveyors of the finest meats and so much more. (Paulinamarket.com). And by the Vienna Beef Company, makers of the Chicago hotdog since 1893.(viennabeef.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 2021" episodes tease 12 20 21 Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

How do you compile the best of a year? Try almost impossible but we managed to cull ten vignettes from 36 compelling interviews. While we left out such wonderful segments from the likes of Greeny (Mike Greenberg), Bob Costas, Ron Coomer, Laura Okmin and Len Kasper just to mention a few, we stitched together ones from ten alluring episodes.
Get ready to hear briefly from so many of them from our 2021's episodes of "Tell me a story I don't know" coming on Wednesday just in time for Christmas.
Tell me a story I don’t know” is proudly sponsored by Rahl Jewelers on Barrington road in Hoffman Estates where you come in as customer and leave as a friend. (Rahljewelers.com), And by Dynamic Manufacturing where there’s nothing they can’t do! (dynamicmanufacturinginc.com).
“Tell me a story I don’t know” is also sponsored by the Paulina Market, top purveyors of the finest meats and so much more. (Paulinamarket.com). And by the Vienna Beef Company, makers of the Chicago hotdog since 1893.(viennabeef.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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