The Wormcast: How Sports Media Happens

Rob Stone - Messi Comes to America

NorMal Communications — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:41:25 +0000

This week on #TheWormcast, FOX Sports studio host Rob Stone who's covered MLS since day one in 1996, joins me to discuss MLS' landmark signing of Lionel Messi for Inter Miami. How Messi is the catalyst for MLS 3.0 and how the league needs to capitalize on the world's most popular athlete to propel its status around the globe. Enjoy!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Steve Wasick - AI in Sports Content

NorMal Communications — Tue, 30 May 2023 20:41:47 +0000

This week on #TheWormcast the intersection of AI into sports writing and content production has been transformative and disruptive. How did we get here and what is the future. To help unwind some these questions is my guest, Steve Wasick, the founder of infoSetience. His company uses AI to provide millions of automated articles for CBS Sports and other clients. This is a fascinating topic on so many levels and you'll appreciate Steve's knowledge of Generative AI. Enjoy!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jon Paul Morosi

NorMal Communications — Tue, 02 May 2023 21:55:16 +0000

This week MLB Network reporter Jon Paul Morosi joins me for episode 73 of The Wormcast. Jon Paul has great passion for baseball and we discuss positive effects of the new rules on the game and suprise teams. Jon Paul also refects on how his time at Harvard provided the tools to be a better sports reporter. Plus he shares his travel stories to Europe and his passion for Italian soccer. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:30 The positive effects of baseball rules changes: pitch clock, bigger bases, elimination of the shift. 16:00 Pirates and Orioles surprising starts. 21:00 Why the Tampa Bay Rays are successful 26:40 The A's are a mess 35:00 The Harvard experience and how that helped Jon Paul develop into a good reporter. 51:20 Changes in reporting landscape 55:00 Sorare ambassador 58:00 Attending a Chelsea match at Stamford Bridge and how newspaper sports coverage in Europe is different than U.S. 1:05:00 Italian soccer - it's always interesting 1:15:00 German soccer game experience

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Joey Zanaboni

NorMal Communications — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:08:07 +0000

This week, I'm back with #TheWormcast with Joey Zanaboni, radio play-by-play voice for MLS expansion franchise St. Louis City. The St. Louis native is one of the up and coming voices with a unique story and style of broadcasting which combines his love of literature and pop culture. Joey not only calls games he's a middle school literature teacher as well and we discuss how his passion for reading has made him a better broadcaster. You'll enjoy this conversation.

Topics discussed: 1:30 StL City's brilliant start 12:45 Joey's journey from JUCO and minor league baseball 17:45 Joey's unique style calling baseball 23:30 Joey's broadcasting influences 32:05 How literature andteaching it helps his broadcasting 36:00 adjusting from calling baseball to soccer 41:00 Getting the job with STL City 52:00 Future goals

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jamie Little - FOX NASCAR Pit Reporter & Play-By-Play host

NorMal Communications — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:02:13 +0000

This week on the Wormcast we get you ready for the 'Great American Race' the 63rd running of the Daytona 500 with FOX Sports NASCAR pit reporter Jamie Little. Jamie has spend over 20 years with distinction covering motorsports on national televison. She is the first female pit reporter to cover both the Indianpolis 500 and Daytona 500. Jamie is the first female to be the play-by-play host of a nationally televised motor sports series calling the ARCA Menards Series and will be rotating in the same role for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season. Jamie and I discuss her career path, the chaos of reporting on 12-15 cars each NASCAR race pit and top storylines heading into the 75th anniversary NASCAR season. Enjoy episode 71!

Topics discussed: 2:00 Career path 7:30 Building trust and credentials with Indy Car and NASCAR drivers, crew chiefs and owners 14:40 How do you keep up covering 12 to 15 cars in a NASCAR race? 17:45 The incredible access the media receives in NASCAR 21:25 Kevin Harvick moving to the television booth and a legendary fight from 2014 24:50 Favorites for the Daytona 500 25:50 Bubba Wallace/Michael Jordan influence in the sport 28:05 NASCAR at 75 30:15 "Drive to Survive's" affect on NASCAR 32:05 Jamie from pit reporter to play-by-play announcer 35:30 tips for young professionals

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Pat Crakes: 2023 The Business behind the Sports Media Deals

NorMal Communications — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:59:47 +0000

The Wormcast is back with sports media conusltant Pat Crakes. We discuss the business behind the media deals we'll see in 2023. First a review of Amazon's first season as the broadcaster for Thursday Night Football. Why Google spent $2 billion on NFL Sunday Ticket? Major League Baseball's strategy around the Bally's Sports regional networks. Also LIV makes a deal with The CW, NBA, NASCAR, the College Football Playoff and more. Pat brings clarity to the economics in the space, you'll be more knowledgable after this show. Enjoy!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Remembering Grant Wahl

NorMal Communications — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 22:34:22 +0000

This week on The Wormcast we remember soccer journalist and my former colleague Grant Wahl who passed away on Dec 9th while covering the Argentina v Netherlands World Cup match in Qatar. This is a rebroadcast of my podcast with Grant from Thanksgiving week 2020, as he was debuting his new podcast series titled American Prodigy: The Freddy Adu Story. In 2003 Adu was a 13-year-old soccer prodigy and was considered America's best hope for their first global superstar, but it didn't work out that way. We also discussed Grant's work on another prodigy at the time LeBron James, and a long look at his career in sports journalism. I hope you'll enjoy listening to Grant's passion for his craft. RIP to a very talented journalist and one of the nicest people you'll run into whether it's the first time or 100th.

Topics discussed: The Freddy Adu Story Covering two prodigies Adu and LeBron James The 1991 US Women's National Team, the first Women's World Cup Winner The freedom of the podcast episodic format. Grant's process on writing and voicing podcasts. Grant's unique journalism beginnings at Princeton covering Bob Bradley and Pete Carill. Internship at the Miami Herald, a newspaper with a legendary sports staff. The greatest piece of advice given to Grant Grant's early days at Sports Illustrated Grant's most memorable stories at Sports Illustrated MLS questions coming out of COVID The exciting young US men's soccer players emerging on the international stage What's going on with 2022 World Cup Qualifying? The most talented member of his household, his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder part of the President-elect Biden's COVID-19 Advisory Board.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

World Cup Preview with John Strong and Alexi Lalas of FOX Sports

NorMal Communications — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 14:25:39 +0000

This week, it's episode 68 of The Wormcast. I'm joined by FOX Sports' lead play-by-play voice John Strong and lead studio analyst Alexi Lalas as we discuss the epic MLS Cup match last Saturday and preview the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Their preparation, what we should expect from the coverage and a deep dive into the selection of the US roster. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 3:00 MLS Cup and the future of MLS coverage on television now the broadcast deal is over. 15:00 Preparation for covering 32 teams and some of the new voices we'll see in the FOX Studio 24:30 US team selections and what is a successful World Cup for the team 40:45 Brazil, Ronaldo and Messi's last World Cup and predictions

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Kenny Albert - Sports Broadcasting's Swiss Army Knife

NorMal Communications — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:50:57 +0000

This week, on The Wormcast, it's episode 67. Kenny Albert is my guest, the only current national brodcaster who calls games all four major professional sports leagues. Kenny is the lead play-by-play voice for Turner's NHL coverage and we dicuss a host of NHL topics including fun Stanley Cup stories as the season opens this week. What's a NFL television production meeting like with Bill Belichick? Calling Knicks games with Walt "Clyde" Frazier along and Kenny let's us in on a new venture. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:00 NHL schedule finally back to normal 5:30 Stanley Cup hijinks with the winning players and coaches 12:10 Turner's first season of NHL coverage 19:30 Future of the NHL players in the Olympics and World Cup of Hockey 20:30 Can the Avalanche repeat? 23:00 Panthers/Flames huge trade 25:00 Will the Maple Leafs finally win a playoff series? 27:30 Connor McDavid 29:15 Brian Daboll football coach, hockey fan 31:00 Matt Rhule fired as Panthers coach 33:40 Kenny's 29th season calling the NFL on FOX 36:20 Television production meeting with Bill Belichick? Bill likes to tell stories. 45:10 Calling MLB and working Knicks games with Walt "Clyde" Frazier 48:10 The differences calling four different sports. 49:30 Kenny has an announcment on a new venture

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Paul Burmeister - NBC Sports & Voice of Notre Dame Football

NorMal Communications — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 17:55:02 +0000

This week on episode 66 of The Wormcast we're talking football - oblong and round with NBC Sports host and the voice of Notre Dame football, Paul Burmeister.

Topics discussed: 3:00 Calling USFL games this past spring 6:15 Notre Dame preview and a look ahead at the Ohio State game 16:00 New head coaches in CFB - who has the toughest job and who might be the most successful after 5 years. \opic 19:00 Week One big games 22:25 Who may end up #3 and #4 in the CFP playoff? 25:40 Conference realignment 35:00 Atheltic Director - not the job it's all cracked up to be 39:00 NBC Big 10 television deal 40:00 NFL QB's - big difference in depth AFC v NFC 47:45 10 new NFL head coaches - who have the chance for immediate impact 1:01:30 NY Giants agita 1:04:50 Football is not complicated these teams understand who they are 1:07:30 Paul hosting Premier League Mornings/Live coming up

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Bob Ley

NorMal Communications — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 20:26:04 +0000

This week, it's episode 65 of The Wormcast. Joining me this week is one of the all-time great television sports journalists, Bob Ley, 40 years as a studio host at ESPN. A wide ranging discussion of sports media, general media consumption and a whole bunch of soccer thoughts stories one with a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Enjoy! Topics discussed:j Bob's perspective as a viewer than being involved day-to-day in live sports shows. The changing media landscape with it's "salad bar" of content. Does Bob miss the non-stop off the field stories that dominate the headlines? Soccer growth in the US and the economic and competition issues with manhy European leagues. The World Cup in Qatar-Politics and soccer are inseparable 2010 World Cup the game changer: Stories of Archbishop Desmond Tutu Bob's involvment with Seton Hall's Center of Sports Media

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

College Football Realignment with William Mao of Octagon

NorMal Communications — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 02:11:16 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, Octagon's SVP of Media Rights William Mao joins me for episode 64 examining the fallout from the stunning departure of USC and UCLA from the Pac-12 to the Big 10 in 2024. What does it mean for media rights, broadcasters positioning in the college sports? What conferences will survive after the Big 10 and SEC finish adding teams and what will the future of the College Football Playoff look like? Enjoy this beefy show!

Topics discussed: 2:00 How did USC and UCLA get to this point? 5:00 Pac-12 going immediately to market for their next media rights cycle what does it mean? 14:00 Pac-12 football viewership analysis is surprising 19:50 What exactly are grant of rights? 22:50 Notre Dame's options 28:00 College Football Playoff future 36:30 Which media companies will join FOX as the next Big 10 rights holder? 40:10 Kickoff times debated, a key piece of consideration for schools conference choices 45:00 Big 12's positioning 50:00 Length of television and media rights contracts in college sports 52:00 Does the SEC add members to counter the Big 10 move? 54:30 The student-athlete future, will they become university employees? 1:00:00 Tribute to "The Hammer" Hank Goldberg

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

First half of 2022 in Sports Media

NorMal Communications — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 02:00:52 +0000

This week The Wormcast takes a look back at the first half of 2022 in the sports media world with all of the big stories seeemingly every week there is something that is shaking up the landscape. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:00 NFL network announcer free agency 4:00 Apple's MLS agreement and why is Adam Silver smiling? 7:00 NFL Sunday Ticket and RSN's going direct-to-consumer 14:00 USC and UCLA moving to the Big 10 and how the college sports media landscape will react 24:00 F1 extends their deal with ESPN 26:40 LIV Golf production 35:00 Some predictions

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Ian Joy - CBS Sports Soccer Analyst

NorMal Communications — Fri, 27 May 2022 01:55:54 +0000

This week on The Wormcast we're back just in time for the UEFA Champions League Final and it's a battle of European giants Liverpool v Real Madrid who've combined for 19 European Cup championships. My guest to discuss the big match is Ian Joy of CBS Sports and analyst for NYCFC matches on the YES Network in New York. We tap into other big topics in the soccer space. Enjoy! Topics discussed: 1:30 Champions League Final preview 21:00 CBS Sports commitment to soccer coverage and promoting Serie A 38:00 MLS Cup Champions NYCFC looking for a new home 44:20 Six months out from the World Cup all the questions surrounding the US Men's National Team.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jason La Canfora - NFL Insider CBS Sports

NorMal Communications — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 19:49:14 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 61 and my guest is Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. Jason has been one of the top journalists covering the NFL for nearly 20 years in print, broadcast tv and radio. You see him on fall Sundays on The NFL Today as their NFL Insider. We take a look at one of the wildest NFL off-seasons we can remember with trades, guaranteed contracts and a myriad of off-field issues. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:00 The NFL as a year round sport even with just 5 months of action 11:00 NFL Salary cap fact and fiction 17:40 Deshawn Watson's precedent setting contract 22:10 Is the tide shifting on competitive balance in NFL? 25:25 Daniel Snyder's latest malfeasance 31:00 Latest on Brian Flores' lawsuit and ways to change hiring practices for head coaches 41:00 Pool of potential NFL is shallow 44:05 Wisest move by a club this off-season 45:35 Advice for aspiring sports journalists

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Adam Littlefield-Senior Producer Premier League NBC Sports

NorMal Communications — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 03:18:10 +0000

This week we're back with The Wormcast, episode 60, My guest this week is Adam Littlefield, Senior Producer of Live Content - Premier League at NBC Sports. We discuss NBC's plans taking their studio show over the pond to England for this weekend's boffo Manchester City v Liverpool clash. How Rebecca Lowe has ascended to a top studio host on US television and the philosophy on how NBC's crew handles the most challenging subjects? The Ted Lasso affect on the Premier League and much more. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:30 NBC's studio show on the road covering Manchester City v Liverpool, what goes into it? 17:45 Rebecca Lowe's skills hosting the Premier League 28:00 Philosophy covering challenging topics in studio 35:30 The relationship with corporate cousin SKY Sports 39:50 Tailoring Premier League coverage for the US audience 42:10 The Ted Lasso effect 50:00 Premier League Mornings fan fest 55:00 Who wins the Premier League?

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

NFL announcer free agency with Clark Pierce

NorMal Communications — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:47:23 +0000

This week, it's episode 59 of The Wormcast. Troy Aikman leaving FOX after 20+ season's for ESPN's Monday Night Football is a seismic shift in NFL broadcasting. This will be the first of many dominos that will fall not only for announcers but production teams as well. Clark Pierce, founder of Emerging Media Technologies join me to discuss the fall out. We also have some thoughts on the Olympics and Phil Mickelson after his comments on the PGA Tour and new Saudi-backed Super Golf League. Enjoy

Topics discussed: 2:00 ESPN going all in for Troy Aikman and the ripple effect in the industry. 33:50 Olympics on tv, it won't get easier for NBC in Paris 39:05 Phil Mickelson, has he cost himself a future as a network broadcaster?

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Rich Russo lead NFL Director at FOX Sports

NorMal Communications — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:47:57 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, ever wanted to know how a network provides you the pictures and sound for the Super Bowl? My guest this week is FOX Sports' lead NFL director, Rich Russo. The multiple-EMMY Award winner, Rich has directed four Super Bowls for FOX and six others for NFL International feed. Rich brings you inside the production truck on how the FOX team prepares and executes the biggest one-day event in America every year. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:00 NFL broadcasts coming ouf the unusual 2020 season. 4:15 Directing Thursday Night Football and Sunday afternoons, how to plan and prepare 9:35 Communication between producer Richie Zyontz and director. Philosophy of broadcasts and with so many cameras how does everyone see everything? 21:00 Relationships with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman and communicating with them during games. 27:20 Rich's Super Bowl prep in the off week 31:30 Super Bowl prep timeline once at the Super Bowl site. 34:00 Friday full rehearsal of the pre-game elements, a crucial day. 37:15 Super Bowl 55 and NFL 100 pre-kick stories from Miami 42:15 The stress and importance of gettimg definitive shots in case of replay challenges. 44:20 What technology or access advances would Rich like to see to advance live storytelling 51:30 John Madden's affect on Rich and many of his colleagues career.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

William Mao - Octagon VP of Global Media Rights Consulting

NorMal Communications — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:43:20 +0000

This week, it's episode 57 of The Wormcast and my guest is William Mao, Octagon's VP of Global Media Rights Consulting. We chat on a wide variety of topics in the sports media landscape. William brings a unique perspective as we touch on subjects from the NFL, College Football Playoff to the Olympic Games on NBC, enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:45 William's responsibilites at Octagon and his path in the buisiness 7:50 Sinclair's lifeline for their D-to-C product 15:00 NFL ratings juggernaut 20:00 CFP's missed opportunity 28:30 Competition for Neilsen measuring audiences 31:45 NBC's Olympics challenges 37:45 Microsoft purchasing Activision 40:20 Did Apple miss the boat on live sports and should they buy ESPN 46:20 Netflix 'Drive to Survive' now with the PGA Tour and ATP/WTA Tour 48:40 MLS and US Soccer rights

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Marc Zumoff

NorMal Communications — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 03:43:12 +0000

This week we kickoff 2022 with the recently retired longtime tv play-by-play voice of the Philadelphia 76ers, Marc Zumoff. Fun conversation about his 76ers days, working in his hometown throughout his career, relationships with Allen Iverson, Larry Brown and Dave Zinkoff. Also Kate Scott succeeding him in the 76ers pxp seat. Paying it forward with his alma mater, tips for aspiring broadcasters, authoring a college text book and his work organizing the Maccabi Media Program for this summer's World Maccabiah Games in Israel. Enjoy! Topics discussed: 2:15 What does Marc miss about covering the 76ers 3:45 Relationships with Allen Iverson and Larry Brown 11:00 Being one of the legendary voice of Philly sports 13:50 How Marc started with the 76ers 15:30 How Marc's experiences in a variety of sports helped his career 20:00 Aspiring sports broadcasters needing a well-rounded skillset 22:06 Writing a college textbook on sports broadcasting and the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media 25:00 Kate Scott the new tv pxp voice of the 76ers 28:00 Dave Zinkoff the legendary PA voice of the 76ers 31:50 Mark's broadcasing influences 36:00 Maccabi USA media program for aspiring broadcasters at this summer's World Maccabiah Games in Israel

Links mentioned in this episode:

http://maccabiusa.org

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

2021 Review & 2022 Predictions

NorMal Communications — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 21:51:10 +0000

This week, Episode 55 of The Wormcast, Clark Pierce, sports content technology whiz and Pat Crakes one of the most knowledgeable voices of the business of sports media deals join me to look back at sports media in 2021 and look forward to a busy 2022. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:40 Biggest takeaways and surprises of 2021 in sports media 10:50 95 of top 100 tv shows are sports and baseball is not among them 17:00 Amazon as they take over Thursday Night Football 24:00 Why would Amazon consider buying 49% of NFL Media properties? 30:00 NFL Sunday Ticket - the real story 35:40 Will ESPN be spun off? 42:45 Who will end up with the Big 10 rights in the fall of 2023? 49:10 The media landcape if the College Football Playoff expands. 51:50 Winter Olympics ratings 53:20 F1's broadcast rights up after 2022 55:30 MLS unique bundle of rights up after 2022 1:03:00 WIll SInclair make deals with the NBA & MLB similar to NHL to start up a direct-to-consumer product? 1:10:10 Prediction for 2022

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Don Cornelli

NorMal Communications — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 23:23:12 +0000

This week, it's episode 54 of The Wormcast. My guest this week is Don Cornelli, you may not know his name but you've seen his work on the NFL Sundays, the Final Four and the Masters. Don is one of the best hand-held camera operators working today in sports television. He's been honored this week by the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famein their Class of 2020 inductees. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:30 advice to young folks who are interested in becoming a camera operator 4:40 Don's introduction to camera work and sports television 10:00 philosophy of shooting football 16:30 what makes a good director? 21:40 most memerabl events 26:40 an event Don would like to work and political conventions 31:00 Hazards of the job 34:05 What's Don's work week look like? 40:10 Being inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Rich Podolsky

NorMal Communications — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:19:45 +0000

This week a Thanksgiving treat for nostalgia fans. In 1975 CBS's The NFL Today revolutionized sports broadcasting with their innovative pre-game show with an eclectic cast of characters. My guest this week on The Wormcast is author Rich Podolsky who wrote the book on the history of the show called "You Are Looking Live!". A fun read and some great stories from Rich on the cast and crew. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:30 The origins of The NFL Today 5:50 Phyllis George 7:45 Irv Cross 11:15 Brent Musburger 15:20 Super Bowl X pre-game in Miami 18:20 Jimmy the Greek's background 26:20 Greek's Grapevine and the fight between Brent and Jimmy

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Worm Notes with Clark Pierce

NorMal Communications — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 00:45:41 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 52 with lots of news in the sports media world. Joining me is Clark Pierce, my old FOX Sports colleague and current sports media consultant. We discuss the massive Premier League deal with NBC, Dish and SInclair finally make a distribution deal but without the RSNs involved. Drew Brees gets a plum assignment on Thanksgiving night, the Manningcast and a tip of the cap to Dick Vitale. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:15 Premier League stays with NBC 13:19 The fallout for MLS from the Premier League deal 17:30 Dish and Sinclair make a deal but without the RSNs 23:15 NFL Sundsay quiet direct to consumer play 27:00 Drew Brees calling Bills/Saints on Thanksgiving 30:00 Manningcast review 34:45 Steph Curry is must see tv 35:50 Welcome Dickie V back to the booth for Gonzaga v UCLA

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Worm Bytes

NorMal Communications — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 03:08:28 +0000

This week, it's episode 51 of The Wormcast. We check on all the latest newes around the sports media world with sports media consultant Clark Pierce.

Topics discussed: 1:08 The Manning's signing an endorsement deal with Caesars' Sportsbook 8:10 FOX Sports bringing the Red Zone treatment to Big East hoops 15:30 Mark Cuban subsidizing streaming subscriptions for Mavs fans 21:30 ESPN+ subscriptions up and Sunday Ticket chatter 30:00 the latest twist on the Premier League rights bid

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Tom Read - VP of Strategy & Partnerships at Spalk

NorMal Communications — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 02:42:48 +0000

This week, it's episode 50 of The Wormcast. Tom Read, VP of Strategy & Partnerships at Spalk joins the show. We talk about how Spalk has carved their position in the new world of sports production with their unique virtual commentary studio operation. They're provide multiple language commentary for Hockey Night in Canada, World Rugby and FIBA events through their technology. We also get into the NFT world, why it's exploded so fast in recent days, streaming the hope for tier 2 and tier 3 sports events and a lot more. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:45 Intro into Spalk and what service they provide rights holders 7:00 Spalk's mutiple language commentary options for Hockey Night in Canada 14:50 Inside the production process at Spalk 19:30 Investment from Greg Norman 25:45 Collectibles in the NFT world and where does it fit in sponsorship-wise 30:00 Will replay rights bt NFT's golden moment? 34:10 Streaming - the hope for tier 2 and tier 3 sports leagues 38:45 The Manningcast and how other broadcasters will creat different ways to keep eyeballs on their events. 42:00 Betting sites obtaining clip rights from leagues for their apps 45:00 Clubhouse, Greenroom and the future of social audio.

Links mentioned in this episode:

http://www.spalk.tv

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Worm Bytes with Clark Pierce

NorMal Communications — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 20:59:57 +0000

This week, it's episode 49 of The Wormcast. Lots of news in the sports media world this week and I discuss it with my guest Clark Pierce, founder of Emerging Sports Technology. Enjoy! Topics discussed: 1:40 Sinclair's tussle with MLB on local direct-to-consumer rights 15:45 Fanatics kicking the tires on RSNs? 19:00 FOX reportedly will grab the European Championship rights from ESPN 26:25 Premier League rights- formal bids due soon, who is likely to win the bidding? 40:20 PTI at 20

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Kenny Albert

NorMal Communications — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 03:35:00 +0000

This week it's episode 48 of the Wormcast. The NHL has new national television rights holders in ESPN and Turner Sports. To get you ready for the new NHL season and a full 82-game scheudule my guest is Kenny Albert the new lead play-by-play commentator for TNT. Kenny discusses getting the opportunity to call the Stanley Cup Final on television for the first time, the influence NBC had on the NHL and what we're going to see from Turner's coverage of the league. Later we'll talk about the NFL, working with Jonathan Vilma in the booth and finally calling games in front of fans. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:30 Calling the Stanley Cup Final 13:30 NBC losing the NHL 15:30 the path to Turner and their plsnd for NHL coverage 27:45 What to expect ftom Wayne Gretzky in studio 28:20 Covering outdoor hockey games 36:30 NHL storylines for this season 49:45 NHL players back in the Olympics 55:50 Kenny calling his 28th NFL season for FOX Sports

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Millennials perspective of today's sports media

NorMal Communications — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 06:33:19 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 47. I was curious how the younger generation is consuming sports content of their favorite teams. Why are they not watching as many live games as older viewers and what can broadcasters do to grab and keep their attention? My guests are two recent graduates of Emerson College in Boston, Jen Litchfield and Tim O'Sullivan. Both are working in the sports media and we discuss how they found their first opportunities during a pandemic. Then Clark Pierce joins me for our weekly conversation about the latest news and reviews in sports media. Enjoy! Topics discussed: 2:20 Jen and Tim's sports media background - how they got into the business and the challenge of finding work during the pandemic. 15:00 What their goals are in the sports media business 22:45 How Jen and Tim's consume games and content of their favorite teams. 31:00 At what age did they get a smart phone and how that formulate how they consume sports content? 33:20 Social media platforms and sports content 39:55 Why are younger viewers not watching as much live sporting events? 45:00 The influence of fantasy sports and sports wagering on their viewing habits 49:15 How would they present games to attract a younger audience? 55:50 The value of participating in sports as a connector to their sports fandom 59:00 Gen Alpha, how are they going to be engaged to consume sports content? 1:06:00 Worm Bytes with Clark Pierce - Comcast v YouTube in a carriage fight 1:14:00 Manning Night Football 1:21:00 Review of Ryder Cup on NBC 1:34:00 NFL Wild Card Game on Monday Night 1:37:00 The Travelers PGA Tour tournament playing Wed through Sat to avoid NFL Conference Championship Games 1:40:00 Brady v Belichick

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Sports Media notes with Clark Pierce

NorMal Communications — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 21:31:48 +0000

With all the news in the sports media world this week, I'm trying out a mini Wormcast version touching on a lot of topics with my ole colleague at FOX Sports, Clark Pierce the founder of Emerging Sports Technologies. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:30 Manning brothers gamecast on ESPN2's Monday Night Football 8:30 Strong ratings for NFL and College Football 12:30 Ryder Cup coverage on NBC 17:10 US National Teams tv rights & MLS/Liga MX expanding the Leagues Cup to a World Cup type format 22:25 '86 Mets-Once Upon a Time in Queens

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jimmy Roberts-NBC Sports/Golf Channel Reporter & Essayist

NorMal Communications — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:41:00 +0000

This week it's episode 45 of The Wormcast and my guest is Jimmy Roberts, essayist and feature reporter for NBC Sports and Golf Channel discussing the Ryder Cup, golf's renaissance, the Tokyo Olympics and learning from the legends of ABC Sports Jim McKay, Howard Cosell and Roone Arledge.

Topics discussed: 2:35 Ryder Cup memories 15:00 Ryde Cup 2021 storylines 32:00 Golf's renaissance during the pandemic 40:00 Discussion on improving the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs 45:40 Stories from the Tokyo Olympics 57:00 Learning from Jim McKay, Howard Cosell and Roone Arledge at ABC Sports

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Mark Teitelman - FOX Sports NFL game producer

NorMal Communications — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 03:52:04 +0000

This week it's Episode 44 of The Wormcast. Let's kickoff the NFL season with some keen insight on how a game is produced from the televison truck. My guest is Mark Teitelman, a FOX NFL game producer for 8 years, who also produced Thursday Night Football on NFL Network. Mark is working with a first-time game analyst in Mark Sanchez, we discuss the process of getting a rookie announcer prepared for a completely new broadcasting responsibility. We also dive into his background working from the ground up at ESPN's Sunday Night Football and ABC's Monday Night Football. Also there's a story about Dennis Hopper. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 3:38 Mark Sanchez debut as Mark's game analyst, from audition to preparing Mark for the booth on Sunday for 49ers v Lions. 14:30 The importance of having continuity with key production and technical folks year after year. 17:00 How do you effective use the sideline reporter 25:00 Announcers knowing the rules and having rules experts Mike Pereira and Dean Balandino to assist his crew 30:55 Giving and receiving feedback from his crew. 38:17 Aqib Talib 39:50 Starting at ESPN and getting on Fred Gaudelli's crew for Sunday Night Football 44:45 Monday Night Football opens and Dennis Hopper 54:00 Producers wear a lot of hats 57:33 Trust - the currency for producers 1:00:00 Producing "Call of Duty" eSports competitions

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Paul Burmeister - NBC Sports broadcaster & radio voice of Notre Dame Football

NorMal Communications — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 03:07:00 +0000

We're back with Episode 43 of The Wormcast. My guest this week is Paul Burmeister of NBC Sports and the radio voice of Notre Dame football. We preview the college football season, get into the tumultuous of season in the sport. Paul discusses calling Men's and Women's Water Polo during the Olympics, 12 timezones away from the action. Finally Paul describes his preparation to be a substitute host for NBC's Premier League coverage this fall. Enjoy a fantastic show!

Topics discussed: 3:00 Notre Dame preview 18:30 Massive week 1 schedule: LSU v UCLA and Georgia v Clemson 21:40 Paul on his alma mater Iowa 23:30 Paul has interesting thoughts on Name, Image and Likeness in college football 33:45 Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC 37:30 What's next for the Big 12, what is the Alliance and the future of the College Football Playoff 46:17 Calling Water Polo in the Olympics for NBC 57:30 Preparing to be the studio host for the Premier League on NBC

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Clark Pierce - Founder Emerging Media Technologies

NorMal Communications — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 04:23:11 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 42 and my guest is Clark Pierce founder of Emerging Media Technologies. We discuss a variety of sports media topics from how NBC can make the Olympic viewing experience better in the future, NFL Sunday Ticket Barstool Sports and DraftKings investing in media properties, the changing media landscape of college football, soccer streaming and the Premier League's US media rights going to tender. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:50 How NBC can make Olympics more viewer friendly 22:10 Sinclair vs Dish Network and the future of RSNs 35:10 NFL Sunday Ticket 41:15 Sports gaming companies investing in more media properities 48:30 Changing landscape of college football 57:00 European soccer is back, scorecard of streaming 1:06:40 Premier League US rights going to tender

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Melissa Forman - COO of Podium Pictures

NorMal Communications — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 20:46:25 +0000

This week, it's episode 41 of The Wormcast and my guest is Podium Pictures COO Melissa Forman. We discuss her career from the MTV days through a wide variety of roles at FOX Sports and for the past few years how she's focued on impact-driven sports media. It's a very insightful conversation on storytelling philospophy through a completely different lense, one I feel you'll be compelled by. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:00 Podium Pictures and The Podium Project 10:00 Working with Bode Miller and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 25:40 MTV years - Gregg Allman 29:00 FOX Sports "In the Zone" 33:30 Melissa's projects that made a difference and philospophy of production 39:00 More from MTV 43:20 Branded content-value aligned content with Corona "Free Range Humans 53:00 FLG-USWNT documentary and the fight for equal pay.

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jennifer Pransky - Head of Content Angel City FC

NorMal Communications — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 03:56:19 +0000

This week on The Wormcast my guest is mutiple award winning feature producer and sports storyteller Jennifer Pransky. Jen spent nearly 20 years at FOX Sports she was responsible for top line features, art direction and video content for some of the company's biggest events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, Daytona 500 and the FIFA World Cup. Today she has a new role as the Head of Content for Angel City FC, an expansion team in the NWSL which begins in 2022. The conversation talks about her path in the sports tv industry, the influence of working with the US Armed Forces on so many projects for FOX NFL Sunday and how that lead to a road of service and eventually to Angel City FC. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:00 Start in the sports tv business 6:00 Getting an opportunity at FOX 9:00 Sometimes in your career you have to say no 13:00 The value of a variety of experiences with different companies in the sports media world 15:15 NFL Europe 17:00 Former FOX Sports Chairman David Hill's advice to Jen 20:15 Declaration of Independence feature in FOX's Super Bowl pre-game 27:00 The value of sports to bring people together and to create change 32:30 Jen's greatest strength as a storyteller 38:35 Most memorable work at FOX: with the US Armed Forces in Afghanstan, Qatar and Korea 43:50 US Women's National Soccer Team with WWII veterans at Normandy 45:05 Leaving FOX for more service oriented work 50:00 Creatives 4 Biden 54:00 Landing Head of Content position with Angel City FC 58:45 The story behind Angel City's brand and crest 1:06:09 Angel City's content ideas are different than other professional teams 1:06:45 Angel City having females in ownership and majority running the club, investing in women's sports

Links mentioned in this episode:

https://www.angelcity.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Bruce Bernstein - Pure Hoops Media

NorMal Communications — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 17:01:23 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's Episode 39 and a full year into this show. My guest is long time ESPN production veteran Bruce Bernstein, who is now the Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer for Pure Hoops Media. They have a roster of informative basketball podcasts with an eclectic cast of hosts covering the NBA, college and the women's game. Bruce and I go way back to the early 80's and ESPN's formative days and then we dive into many NBA stories and issues. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:20 Bruce's early days at ESPN 8:15 Working with the late great Tom Mees 11:20 Bruce working the first ESPY's - Jim Valvano's Speech 19:30 NBA Today with Mark Jones 23:30 Bruce's relationship with David Stern 29:30 The fallout and cultural turn of the NBA after Malace at The Palace 34:20 ESPN's NBA studio shows 40:20 Fallout from the NYT - Rachel Nichols situation 53:30 Bruce founding Pure Hoops Media 1:04:30 The NBA after LeBron 1:09:00 80's NBA v 2021 NBA - style and entertainment 1:12:30 NBA Finals 1:14:30 How do you fix the NBA schedule for all stakeholders?

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

L. Jon Wertheim-Sports Illustrated & 60 Minutes Correspondent

NorMal Communications — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:04:29 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 38. My guest is the prolific multi-media sports journalist L. Jon Wertheim. He's the Executive Editor at Sports Illustrated, correspondent for 60 Minutes, contributor to The Tennis Channel's coverage of the sport's majors and has authored 10 books. His lastest - Glory Days: The summer of 1984 and the 90 days that changed sports and culture forever. We discuss his path from Production Assistant at ESPN to Sports Illustrated and 60 Minutes. His process of coming up with story ideas for the magazine, the writers who influenced him. How you land at 60 Minutes as a correspondent and how pieces are greenlit with so much internal competition? Finally we talk about Glory Days and how so many of the stories from 1984 resonate today. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:40 First jobs out of school...ESPN 8:20 Getting in at Sports Illustrated 10:00 "Where's Daddy" 11:55 Longforn journalism's future 13:50 Influential writers at Sports Illustrated 19:30 How did Jon end up at 60 Minutes 21:30 Getting a 60 Minutes piece greenlit 23:15 David Kindred 24:50 The Ritchie Boys 32:20 The internal competitiveness at 60 Minutes 34:00 True Crime at Sports Illustrated 38:00 Pete Axthelm 40:00 New book: Glory Days 41:10 Meeting Michael Jordan as a 14 year old 45:40 Karate Kid: Wax on Wax Off 47:00 Cubs in the 1984 NLCS 49:00 Pop music 1984

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Michael McKnight - Sports Illustrated

NorMal Communications — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 16:58:31 +0000

This week it's Episode 37 of The Wormcast and my guest is Sports Illustrated writer and author Michael McKnight. Michael pursues overlooked stories about crime, ethics, justice and people fighting long odds. His gripping book "Intercepted" about former NFL cornerback Darry Henley who made many disastrous life decisions is a real page turner.

Topics discussed: 2:00 Michael's unique journey in journalism 5:15 Intercepted-Darryl Henley, how he connected with Darryl and earned his trust 14:55 How he was hired by Sports Illustrated, the Brian Cole story 16:30 SI pieces "The Soccer War: El Salvador v Honduras"; Eddy Hammel; Johan Hultin 25:20: Is the process of research and interviewing subject just as pleasing as the final result? 31:30 Michael-the 21st Century George Plimpton; playing semi-pro football at 37, attempting to dunk a basketball and hit a home run out of a Major League Baseball park. 39:00 The changing landscape of longform sports journalism 45:50 The Athletic 47:40 Thought on Naomi Osaka's situation at the French Open, do athletes own the media anything? 1:09:30 College Football coaches, Sunday shows from the 70's/80's 1:12:00 The proposals for an expanded College Football Playoff 1:16:00 Nick Saban

Links mentioned in this episode: SI.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

John Strong FOX Sports lead play-by-play commentator for soccer

NorMal Communications — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 21:51:35 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, I welcome FOX Sports lead play-by-play soccer commentator John Strong to the show. The Summer of Soccer has started out with a bonkers CONCACAF Nations League Final with the US defeating Mexico, John and I discuss the landmark victory for this young US squad. FOX having the rights for Copa America and the Gold Cup this summer, calling matches not only off-tube but not even the same location as his analyst Stu Holden, being a versitile announcer and MLS, one of John's passions in the sport. Enjoy! Topics discussed: 1:45 US v Mexico deliciously bonkers and bananas 18:30 John explains why the compostion of the US Gold Cup roster will be different and important 26:00 The Octogonal-World Cup Qualifying 34:40 Copa America coverage on FOX 41:00 Calling matches off-tube and in a different state than partner Stu Holden 43:15 Calling soccer and a dog show on the same day 46:20 Copa America's Myths v Facts from COMNEBOL 52:25 Being indespensable in boardcasting 56:25 MLS looking forward 1:07:00 World Cup coverage in 2022

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Mark Perez

NorMal Communications — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 17:31:17 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, I'm joined by veteran sports tv producer Mark Perez. Mark, most recently worked at VSiN, the sports wagering content platform founded by Brent Musburger and which was recently purchased by DraftKings. We talk about producing interesting content, growing the audience and the next steps in the sports betting world. Later we discuss Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open and how other athletes and coaches have had similar situations dealing with the press and social media. Finally we discuss F1: Drive to Survive on Netflix and Alex Ferguson: Never Give In documentary on Paramount+. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:30 Getting started at VSiN 8:00 What is in a VSiN show rundowns? Serving hardcore v casual consumer 13:00 DraftKings 17:00 Brent Musburger stories 23:00 Sports betting daily shows on ESPN and FS1 37:00 Naomi Osaka fallout from the French Open 45:20 Kyrie Irving 50:25 Zinadine Zadane's resignation letter 53:00 How LeBron James has handled the media & social media spotlight 1:00:00 F1: Drive to Survive 1:03:45 Alex Ferguson doumentary 1:06:00 Auto Racing a great television sport

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Wild Weeks of Sports Rights Deals

NorMal Communications — Fri, 14 May 2021 23:11:35 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 34 and my guest is me. Just you and me this week going through a bushel full of major sports rights deals which have been finalized over the last few weeks. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:35 Amazon taking over Thursday Night Football in 2022. Time for innovation 6:04 ESPN's deal with MLB, six months of sports rights buying spree 10:20 Sinclair tying to go direct to consumer 13:51 NHL has new partners ESPN & Turner, why it's a good idea beyond the cash 20:49 The fallout for NBC losing the NHL and possibly walking away from Indy Car 25:06 College football playoff expansion and tv 28:48 Pac 12 has a new commissioner 30:40 Soccer deals galore CBS with Serie A and CONCACAF 34:00 FOX deal for Copa America 35:45 ESPN deal for LaLiga and the story behind it. 40:15 Premier League and MLS rights are next

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Michael Mandt - Mandt Bros Productions & CCO of Crime Door

NorMal Communications — Sun, 09 May 2021 04:47:15 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, it's episode 33 with Michael Mandt of Mandt Bros. Productions. Michael has a weath of great stories about his long career in sports and entertainment. Everything from the crazy days of ESPN in the early 90's to the challenging freelance world to later pitching and producing shows at ESPN, co-producing "The Million Dollar Arm" for Disney and now in the true crime genre as Chief Content Officer for the app Crime Door. You'll love his stories. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:30 Crime Door - top app in the true crime genre 13:10 Baseball dreams at Fordham 16:30 ESPN stories - the first interview 21:45 Producing highlights at ESPN for the first time 30:30 Sportsnight on ESPN2 - planting a flag 37:30 Leaving Bristol 39:00 The freelance world 42:35 Metting Allen Iverson at the Nike campus in Oregon 50:15 HBO days Vince McMahon interview with Bob Costas 1:00:00 Reality Competion genre - the real turning point 1:04:30 Rome is Burning 1:07:35 The story behind "The Million Dollar Arm" 1:15:30 The ESPY's and his sister Maura 1:27:30 Next up in sports production

Links mentioned in this episode:

Crime Door app
www.MandtBros.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Ian Joy - Episode 32

NorMal Communications — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 02:23:51 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 32 and we can't get enough of the fallout of the Super League. My guest is Ian Joy, soccer analyst for CBS Sports HQ and YES Network in NY. Ian covers The Champions League and Europa League for CBS and NY City FC matches, in addition to hosting his own show "Joy to the World" on YES.

Topics discussed: Super League How Ian got his start in the media after his playing days The Hamburg Derby: Hamburg v St. Pauli FOX - Bundesliga YES Network - NY City FC and his own show How he ended up at CBS to cover the UEFA Champions League Champions League predictions

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Alexi Lalas

NorMal Communications — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:24:39 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, FOX Sports commentator Alexi Lalas joins me to discuss one of the craziest 48 hours in the history of global soccer with the announcement and Hindenberg-like crash of the European Super League which was to compete against the UEFA Champions League. Ishatar and New Coke have nothing on this mess. Now the fallout, what reforms are needed and the next steps for the European game.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jerry Steinberg - Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer - Field Operations

NorMal Communications — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 02:27:22 +0000

This week it's episode 30 of The Wormcast: How Sports Media Happens. Happy Masters Week and I have a genuine master of field operations as my guest. Jerry Steinberg is the The Godfather of field operations in sports television. He shares his four + decades worth or stories from his days as a page at The Dean Martin Show to the founding days of ESPN and FOX Sports and all the unique ways he and his teams have brought viewers closer to the games they love. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:15 The Godfather - the early years at ESPN 5:00 The Dean Martin Show and meeting Gov. George Wallace 16:00 FOX Sports at the begining in 1994, taking swings at new technologies 21:55 Catcher Cam 24:10 Drones, plyon cams and more 30:00 More access to replay rooms 37:50 Amazon's opportunity to advance the game in the NFL 39:30 Advice for young folks who want to get involved in the field technical side 44:00 Jerry's work with the Sports Video Group's mental health support groups

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

NFL Television Rights Deal

NorMal Communications — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 06:54:29 +0000

This week a special edition of The Wormcast as I have a comprehensive breakdown of the new NFL television rights deals with media consultant Pat Crakes of Crakes Media. A deep look into the economics and how these deals fit into each company's distribution chain. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:30 The numbers behind the deals and an overview of why traditional linear broadcasters still rule 10:00 CBS 16:45 FOX 26:10 NBC 33:50 Disney/ABC/ESPN improved package on Monday Nights 39:15 Amazon and Thursday Night Football 44:45 Is Amazon going to buy the NFL Network? 48:10 Sunday Ticket package is still up in the air? Who will obtain the rights? 58:30 What's left in the piggy bank for media companies to purchase the next series of rights?

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Wormcast Extra-March Madness with Clark Pierce

NorMal Communications — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 23:20:03 +0000

This week Episode 28 is a special Wormcast Extra where we talk about specific key events in the sports media world. I'm joined by my old FOX colleague Clark Pierce about the tv and streaming set up for March Madness. Reactions to the NHL mega deal with Disney starting this fall and the latest on the NFL's media rights discussions. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:00 March Madness in the Indy bubble, more announce teams, more venues, new dates 11:20 Lisa Byington, the first female to call play-by-play in the tournament 13:30 Turner and CBS studio crew changes 20:00 The Steakhouse 6 and the protocols in Indy 24:20 Your guide to streaming March Madness 39:00 NHL new media deal with ESPN, ESPN+ and Hulu 44:30 Streaming services and the value chain for the media companies 56:30 NFL media rights the latest on Thursday Night Football and the Sunday Ticket

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Michael Bloom - CEO BONGO Pictures

NorMal Communications — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 04:02:09 +0000

This week it's episode 27 of The Wormcast. My guest Michael Bloom, CEO of BONGO Pictures. Michael spent a few years in the sports content space as SVP of Original Programming at FOX Sports and helped set up the E-League at Turner Sports. There's tonnage of orginal sports content wherever you look. We look at sports documentariess, ones that Michael worked on and others that left a great a great impression. Where's the genre going in the near future? Enjoy

Topics discussed: 2:30 Moving from entertainment into sports 5:00 "Being Liverpool" 15:00 "The Last Dance" 18:00 Jason's behind the scenes feature with Roy Williams and the Kansas Jayhawks at the Final Four 20:30 The futture of all-access team documentaries going? 22:00 The Tiger doc/"The Defiant Ones" (Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine)26:00 Athletes production companies 28:20 TNT's Inside Story doc and Michael working at Turner 33:30 "Rise as One" series of soccer docs at FOX Sports before the 2014 World Cup 38:00 Michael forming BONGO Pictures & selling pitches for projects 41:30 Michael and Jason's favorite sports docs 46:30 Michael has a story about Jason 51:30 Michael the long suffering Jets fan

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Nancy Bernstein

NorMal Communications — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 03:52:35 +0000

This week on The Wormcast I'm joined by one of the women pioneers in sports tv production, Nancy Bernstein. Nancy was one of the first female line producers at ESPN in the early 90's, producing College Gameday just as the show was emerging. Today she's the Senior Director of Integrated Sales for NFL Network.

Topics discussed: 1:31 How Nancy's producing background has been valuable in her current role 10:00 Most successful sales campaign 15:20 Making the transition from production to sales 23:30 The power of the NFL, stories from this season 34:40 How Nancy got into the sports tv business 39:20 ESPN days - College Gameday 46:05 The challenging time for women at ESPN in the early 90's 52:00 FOX Sports days 58:40 Women advancing in sports tv production today

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Drew Kaliski

NorMal Communications — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:49:28 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 25 and I welcome Drew Kaliski, producer of The NFL Today on CBS. We discuss planning the biggest day in television, the Super Bowl and everything behind the scenes at The NFL Today.

Topics discussed: 1:45 Look back at SB 55 8:30 Top features in the Super Bowl pre-game coverage 14:05 James Brown's commentary on NFL owners and their lack of hiring of people of color for coahing and management positions 18:00 Amy Trask 21:00 Viacom/CBS brandinga: James Corden, Desus and Mero 24:10 "Nickified" Halftime highlights and Nick kids interviewing Tom Brady 26:30 Nate Burleson 29:30 Chemistry on the NFL Today set 33:05 What's next for NFL pre-game shows 38:20 NCAA Tournament plans 45:30 Drew's career path

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Fred Aldous

NorMal Communications — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 04:02:50 +0000

This week on The Wormcast I welcome National Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer, the legendary Fred Aldous. Fred has won an astounding 27 National Sports Emmys in a 35 year network career as the lead audio mixer at CBS, Turner and since 1994 FOX Sports. You've heard his work on Super Bowls, World Series, Daytona 500's, Olympics and a whole lot more. We take a deep dive into a fascinating side of sports television, one I beleive you'll enjoy.

Topics discussed: 2:25 Thoughts on how CBS covered Super Bowl 55 from an audio persepctive 5:25 How do you plan and prepare for a Super Bowl with his audio team 18:40 Audio this NFL season with no fans in the stands 21:40 NFL 100 from Super Bowl 54 24:10 Fred's career beginnings working in music recording studios 33:45 Fred's big break at CBS 36:30 Starting up a Broadcast Audio program for students at the Conservatory of Arts and Sciences in Phoenix 40:45 Audio a priority in the early years of FOX Sports 46:40 NASCAR and "Crank It Up" 52:40 Favorite moments 56:15 Technology going forward 1:00:00 Being recognized by his peers in the National Sports Hall of Fame

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Mike Del Tufo

NorMal Communications — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 16:46:11 +0000

This week on The Wormcast we get you ready for Super Bowl Sunday by looking back at some of the top Halftime Shows and stories working and attending many Super Bowls. My guest is Mike Del Tufo from the Rich Eisen Show. Mike is an audio mixer for studio shows and plays a DJ on Friday nights on the Twitter. A much different Wormcast this week, enjoy!

Topics discussed: 1:30 How Mike ended up on air with the Rich Eisen Show 7:30 voting on Prime Time Emmys 11:50 Super Bowl Weeks on the Rich Eisen Show 20:00 Attending Super Bowl Halftime Rehearsals 25:10 The buildup to U2's Super Bowl Halftime show 2002 31:05 Mike's Top 5 SB Halftimes 36:14 Prince in 2007 39:40 U2 #1 for Mike 44:17 Some of my Super Bowl stories 47:45 The Rolling Stones 50:35 Whitney Houston's National Anthem at SB XXV 52:40 The Weeknd

Links mentioned in this episode: https://twitter.com/MichaelDelTufo

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Mike Muriano

NorMal Communications — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 23:31:24 +0000

A bonus episode of The Wormcast. We're heading towards Super Bowl week in Tampa and it's a huge challenge for the broadcasters. My guest is NFL Network Executive Producer, Mike Muriano.

Topics discussed: 2:45 What has it been producing tv the last 11 months during COVID? 11:00 NFL Network's programming and production layout. 18:49 The popularity of Good Morning Football 22:40 Some stories of yore, early days at NFL Network.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Mark Followill - PxP voice of the Dallas Mavericks

NorMal Communications — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:15:59 +0000

This week it's episode 21 of The Wormcast. It's my pleasure to welcome Mark Followill the tv pxp voice of the Dallas Mavericks, FC Dallas in MLS, college football and international soccer on FOX Sports.

Topics discussed: Leadoff: Final moments of the NFC Championship Game and clock management 8:00 Calling NBA games in an empty arena 12:30 Calling Mavs road games from the American Airlines Center in Dallas 18:40 Luka Doncic 26:40 Will th NBA establish an academy system similar to soccer? 29:00 NBA midseason cup tournament and other ideas 35:20 Working for Mark Cuban 36:30 How how he started with the Mavs 42:45 Can radio announcers please tell me the score and how much time is left? 45:30 Dallas sports media market - The Ticket KTCK sports radio 59:30 How Mark started with FC Dallas 1:08:00 Advice fot young broadcasters

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Drew Ohlmeyer - E-Sports production executive

NorMal Communications — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 03:46:57 +0000

This week it's episode 20 of The Wormcast: How Sports Media Happens. What is going on in esports? What is it as a media property and where is it going? E-sports production executive Drew Ohlmeyer joins me to discuss all things esports and conecting to the Gen Z audience.

Topics discussed: An overview of the major publishers and influencers in esports and gaming The success stories and question marks in esports The complex and fragmented esports audience Why esports will not have the fate of televised poker? The connection of video games to Gen Z Where will video gaming be after the pandemic ends? When will there be a water cooler moment in esports? The influence his father Don Ohlmeyer an all-time sports televison and entertainment executive had on Drew growing up. Drew lamenting on his beloved NY Jets and NY Mets Enjoy!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Rob Stone

NorMal Communications — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:25:51 +0000

We're back in 2021 with the lastest edition of the Wormcast. My guest this week is FOX Sports Studio Host, Rob Stone. We spend a lot of time on college football, MLS, the US National Soccer team and just a touch of wrestling at the end.

Topics discussed: Big Noon Kickoff Influence of Urban Meyer on the show College football's future MLS - when will the 2021 season begin? The young American soccer stars and expectations in a congested 2021 calendar A touch of old school wrestling

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Brad Friedel

NorMal Communications — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 02:27:32 +0000

This week on episode 18 of The Wormcast I get to interview a soccer hall of famer, Brad Friedel. Brad is one of the most decorated players in the history of soccer in the U.S. He's played for clubs on three continents including 18 seasons in England's Premier League where he's the answer to a trivia question. Most consecutive games played at 310.

Topics discussed: How Brad jumped into the agent side of soccer after his time coaching the New England Revolution 4:30 How do soccer agents scout and recruit players? 9:30 How his experience being a player helps him on the agent side 13:50 Explaining the transfer system in soccer and how deals are made 17:45 FIFA's possible reforms to the agent business 19:15 MLS's growth and challenges with the player talent pool 23:00 Why finally the US Soccer system is producing talented young players? 28:00 Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic 30:40 Coaches that had a profound impact on Brad's career: Sigi Schmid, Bora Milutinovic, Graeme Souness, & Bruce Arena 36:50 2002 US World Cup team 43:25 Brad's most talented teams, teammates and opponents 44:45 Brad's time as a pundit in the UK and US 47:55 Why it did not work out as coach of the New England Revolution 51:50 On his hometown Cleveland Browns

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Billie Weiss - Sr. Manager of Photography, Boston Red Sox

NorMal Communications — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 04:35:07 +0000

Who doesn't love sports photography? This week on The Wormcast I'm joined by the ultra talented Billie Weiss, the Sr. Manager of Photography for the Boston Red Sox. We chat about an area of sports media of great artistic and commercial value, but is frankly, pardon the pun, under exposed. A really fun conversation about one of the most creative parts of the sports media ecosystem. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 3:00 What's it like to have Fenway Park as your office space to shoot every day? 5:00 Organizing the photo team for a day at the ballpark 14:15 Keeping it fresh over an 162-game regular season 17:20 Building relationships with the players and coaches 20:45 off the field shoots 23:30 Big Papi 25:15 What is a good photo? 26:35 Shooting in and empty ballpark in 2020 29:50 The first time picking up a camera and Billie's "Eureka" moment 36:30 How photographers develop their own style 40:40 Shooting pictures on a smart phone 43:00 shooting tennis and other sporting events 46:30 Spring training

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Grant Wahl - Soccer Journalist

NorMal Communications — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 04:53:08 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's Episode 16 and my guest is soccer journalist, author, and podcaster Grant Wahl. Wahl has reported, written and voiced a new podcast series titled American Prodigy: The Freddy Adu Story. In 2003 Adu was a 13-year-old soccer prodigy and was considered America's best hope for their first global superstar, but it didn't work out that way. We discuss the new series, Wahl's work on another prodigy at the time LeBron James, part of his 20+ year career covering college basketball and soccer. Enjoy!

Topics discussed: 2:30 The Freddy Adu Story 10:45 Covering two prodigies Adu and LeBron James 17:30 The 1991 US Women's National Team, the first Women's World Cup Winner 20:00 The freedom of the podcast episodic format. Grant's process on writing and voicing podcasts. 26:15 Grant's unique journalism beginnings at Princeton covering Bob Bradley and Pete Carill. 32:20 Internship at the Miami Herald, a newspaper with a legendary sports staff. 34:55 The greatest piece of advice given to Grant 36:25 Grant's early days at Sports Illustrated 40:15 Grant's most memorable stories at Sports Illustrated 48:30 MLS questions coming out of COVID 52:30 The exciting young US men's soccer players emerging on the international stage 55:20 What's going on with 2022 World Cup Qualifying? 58:00 The most talented member of his household, his wife, Dr. Celine Gounder part of the President-elect Biden's COVID-19 Advisory Board.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jonty Whitehead - President, SPORT BUFF

NorMal Communications — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:07:37 +0000

This week it's episode 15 of The Wormcast. My guest is international sports television executive Jonth Whitehead. Jonty has spent his career with SKY Sports in the UK, beIN Sports in Doha, and with FOX Sports in the US. In early November Jonty was named President of SPORT BUFF. The company creates a live social game around sports video content through an overlay on the broadcast.

Topics discussed: How Jonty ended back at beIN Sports in Doha after time in the US 5:20 How beIN programmed at the beginning of the pandemic 9:45 How COVID highlighted the need for tv innovation 12:00 Piracy of international sports content and how beIN reacted to Saudi Arabia's beOutQ industrialized piracy. 16:30 Qatar as hosts for the World Cup 2022 19:00 An introduction to SPORT BUFF and how they are attempting to help engage younger sports viewers 28:30 Technology and the human element clashing in soccer and football. The referees and officials caught in the middle. 34:30 Jonty's road ion sports television 39:20 What Jonty learned from working in sports television in the US Links mentioned in this episode: http://sportbuff.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Michael Lombardi - Former NFL front office executive, author, podcaster, NFL analyst

NorMal Communications — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 01:43:25 +0000

This week, former Cleveland Browns GM Michael Lombardi joins The Wormcast. Michael has uses his four decades of NFL experience and transformed it into a multi-plaform media career.

Topics discussed: 2:00 The quality of play this season in the NFL 5:40 Evaluating college talent when decided to opt-out this season 6:55 The most important statistic in football 9:30 The best time to make a big play in football 11:10 Lessons learned from being the GM in Cleveland 13:30 State of coaching in football 17:00 Michael getting into the media with CBS 18:05 What would you ask a candidate interviewing for head coach? 20:50 Relationship with George Raveling 23:30 The Daily Coach e-newsletter 27:15 Being an analyst for VSIN, content company covering sports wagering 28:55 Michael is commissioner for a week 29:40 Michael's next book project

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Mark Young - Freelance Writer, Researcher & Editorial Consultant

NorMal Communications — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 05:01:28 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, Episode 13 I welcome Mark Young. Mark is a freelance writer, researcher and editorial consultant with all the major networks. You may not of heard about Mark, but you're familiar with the copy he's written on features and teases for the planet's biggest sporting events like the Olympics, World Cup, Super Bowls, The Masters and Wimbledon. Currently Mark is in London preparing for CBS Sports coverage of the UEFA Champions League. Topics discussed: Quarentine in London 3:45 Writing "Inside the NFL" for Showtime 6:45 The Masters 10:30 Fans missing from the stadiums and arenas 16:45 Winter Olympics stories 21:35 Champions League coverage on CBS 27:45 US missing out on 2018 World Cup, but bright future 29:50 2002 World Cup stories from South Korea 33:00 Stories of host nations fans in the Euros and World Cup 36:35 2014 World Cup Semifinal Brazil v Germany 40:30 2010 World Cup South Africa 43:00 Champions League Group Stage discussion 47:05 Project Big Picture will change be coming to the soccer structure in England? 55:00 The sophistated American soccer fan 59:25 How Mark ended up writing for sports television productions 1:06:45 A Game of Honor- Documentary on a year with Army/Navy football teams 1:11:00 2011 Women's World Cup US v Brazil Quarterfinal Enjoy!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Pat Crakes - Sport Media Strategist

NorMal Communications — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 18:34:00 +0000

This week it's Episode 12 of The Wormcast and my gues is sports media strategist and consultant Pat Crakes of Crakes Media. Pat spent 20 years at FOX Sports in their programming department and rose to SVP of Programming, Research & Content Strategy. Currently Pat advises investors on sports media properties around the world.

Topics discussed: Have too many Tier 1 sports events over the last two months hurt television viewership and ratings? 5:00 The issues with sports on streaming platforms 9:00 Linear tv, pay tv and streamming and the economics behind it 15:00 Who will be the winners in the sports streamming wars 24:00 Expanded MLB Playoffs? 25:45 NFL Media deals when will they be made, what about the big digital players? 29:40 Will ABC get an NFL package? 30:55 The future of NFL Sunday Ticket 36:50 What are Pat's clients looking for in their investments 40:00 What are SPACs and why do they keep popping up for sports media investment? 42:55 The saturation of sports betting sites? Will there be consolidation? 46:25 Big prediction for the sports media world for the end of 2020, early 2021. Enjoy! Links mentioned in this episode:

pat@crakesmedia.com
Twitter handle @aquinas82nd

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Eric Saperstein - Golf Channel & Full Sail University's Dan Patrick School of Sports Broadcasting

NorMal Communications — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 17:08:03 +0000

This week it's Epidode 11 of The Wormcast. My guest is Eric Saperstein, who was one of Golf Channel's first production employees when they launched in 1994. Eric transitioned into academia and now is the Education Director at Full Sail University in Orlando where he founded the Dan Patrick School of Sports Broadcasting. We bounce around talking televised golf, Tiger Woods, great interviewers, what should baseball do to get eyeballs on their games and how professional sports seasons are overlapping into one another and finally how Eric ended up in the world of academia including convincing Dan Patrick to start up a program at Full Sail. Enjoy! Topics discussed: Golf Channel's early days 6:45 The Tiger Woods effect on the Golf Channel 10:05 Eric's relationship with Scott Van Pelt and SVP's career evolution 13:15 Peter Kessler, Golf Channel's first on-air star personality 19:15 Great interviewers chat: Larry King, Howard Stern, Bob Costas 23:30 Golf Channel acquiring PGA Tour rights and "Big Break" 28:00 Eric producing "Live From" golf's majors 36:00 Discussion on golf attrating younger viewers through technology 44:00 What does baseball do to get more eyeballs on their broadcasts and how other pro sports are affected by the scheduling shifts due to COVID. 50:45 Eric's transition into the world of academia 56:00 How he convinced Dan Patrick to start up a sports broadcasting school within Full Sail U.

Links mentioned in this episode:

http://www.fullsail.edu

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Matt Gutknecht - APM Music, Why music is so important to sports productions

NorMal Communications — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:54:29 +0000

This week, it's Episode 10 of The Wormcast. Ever noticed how much music is incorporated on your favorite games you watch at home or at a stadium? My guest is Matt Gutknecht of APM Music. Matt heads up the Sports Enterainment division and we discuss how music happens in brodacasts and live sporting events. We also do a deep dive into some of the most classic sports themes from The Olympics, Monday Night Football and many others.

Topics discussed:

What's APM's scope in the sports entertainment industry 3:45 101 intro on asynchroization and live performance music clearances 7:45 Music free for all on social media platforms. 10:00 How I discovered audio sweetening and sound design for my projects at FOX 14:30 The music of NFL Films 17:35 Sound design at stadiums and arenas in the COVID era 18:45 The story behind the Monday Night Football theme 22:15 The Olympics Theme, Wide World of Sports, The Chicago Bulls intro music 32:00 How Matt graviated towards the music business 35:00 Recording artists using mega sports events to promote their music 50:10 Hank Williams "All My Rowdy Friends" 40:00 Spingsteen at The Super Bowl 41:30 Whitney Houston's Star Spangled Banner @ Super Bowl 25 43:00 More sports themes. CBS's great catalogue including The Masters 45:45 FOX NFL Sunday theme 50:10 Hank Williams "All My Rowdy Friends" Enjoy!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Amy Rosenfeld - VP of Production @ ESPN

NorMal Communications — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 03:47:13 +0000

This week, it's Episode 9 of The Wormcast: How Sports Media Happens. My guest is Amy Rosenfeld of ESPN. Amy is VP of Production for soccer and the ACC Network. Amy has covered just about every sport under the sun as a freelancer for NESN producing Boston Bruins games, to producing Curling at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games for NBC, as well as The Great Outdoor Games at ESPN.

Topics discussed: We start off with how ESPN produced the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando. From health and safety to jumbo virtual advertisement walls. 15:00 Protocols that will stick with sports production going forward 23:25 Sharing best practices with ESPN's NBA colleagues in the Disney Bubble. 31:00 How will ESPN produce MLS matches going forward and the "world feed" model might be the future of sports production in many of the major leagues in North America. 38:00 The genesis of ACC Network 43:00 College students getting real world sports tv production experience 52:00 Amy's career path with a story about David Letterman 56:30 ESPN's The Great Outdoor Games 59:00 Producing Curling at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, which became a cult favorite. 1:01:30 Evolution of ESPN's World Cup coverage over the years 1:09:00 Women behind the scenes leading in sports production 1:15:00 People Management now more than ever it's important

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Shaw Brown - Soccer television producer

NorMal Communications — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:55:47 +0000

This week on The Wormcast it's episode 8. I'm taking a deep dive into soccer television production with Shaw Brown. Shaw has been involved in all aspects of soccer production for over 25 years. He might be the only one who's worked in soccer production for ABC, ESPN, FOX, NBC and CBS. Brown has worked 13 Men's and Women's FIFA World Cups, all 25 seasons of MLS, and most recently was the studio producer for CBS Sports HQ's coverage of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

Topics discussed: We begins with how CBS organized their UEFA presentations in a matter of weeks after obtaining the rights. 19:45 The Old Firm match Celtic v Rangers 22:30 How he got into soccer porduction 25:00 Working with the legendary Jim McKay 30:00 Strory of how I endup up working with Shaw in the 2010 World Cup for ABC/ESPN 32:00 more on the 2010 World Cup 37:00 What he learned working MLS and the Premier League at NBC 45:00 Some news? Will Tim Howard be NBC's new analyst on the Premier League coverage 46:10 Women involved calling MLS matches 51:00 MLS television coverage in the future

Enjoy!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jonathan Hock-Sports Documentarian

NorMal Communications — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 20:20:32 +0000

This week it's Episode 7 of The Wormcast I'm joined by the sports documentarian, Jonathan Hock of Hock Films. Jon has earned 11 National Sports EMMYs and a Peabody Award for his work at NFL Films and for ESPN's "30 for 30" series of films. In 2005 Hock's story on Sebastian Telfair's life in high school in Coney Island, Brooklyn called "Through the Fire" was the first independent doc ever acquired by ESPN. Since thJon has directed or produced seven films for "30 for 30" including "The Best That Never Was" about Marcus Dupree, "Unguarded" about Chris Herren and "Survive and Advance" about Jim Valvano. This is a graduate course in the art of filmmaking.

Topics discussed:

Kickoff with Jon's latest project "Benedict Men" the story of St. Benedict's High School basketball team for Quibi. 6:15 Producing content for a unique platform like Quibi 13:05 "Legacy" a project currently in production 15:30 Financing documentaries and how "Through the Fire" was made and distributed 24:30 Professional athletes involved in the content business 30:00 Philosophy of filmmaking 33:30 The story behing the 1998 World Series Film 38:00 NFL Films and the influence of Steve Sabol on his career 51:00 How you gain the trust of your subjects 1:04:20 "OJ: Made in America" 1:10:00 "Of Miracles and Men" 1:14:00 Production during COVID-19 1:17:30 The pitch, ho does it happen and what happens when you get the meeting

This is a graduate course in the art of filmmaking. I beleive listeners will learn a great deal. Enjoy!

Links mentioned in this episode:

http://hockfilms.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Paul Burmeister - NBC Sports & Radio Voice of Notre Dame Football

NorMal Communications — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 03:47:58 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, Paul Burmeister, the versitile host and play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports joins me for a candid conversation. Paul is in the middle of the Premier Lacrosse League's bubble in Utah as they play their Championship Series. He descibes what it's like calling the action during COVID. Other topics discussed: (11:30) Paul is the host of the Tour de France coverage, it will be different this year and he explains. (24:20) Paul gives an update on plans for the Tokyo Olympics and how 2021 will be a huge year for NBC Sports (27:05) Paul is the radio voice for Notre Dame football, one of the most prestigious radio assignments in sports, how did he land the job? (31:50) We do a deep dive into Notre Dame joining the ACC this season and playing a full conference schedule for the first time in school history. (40:20) Playing for the legendary Iowa football coach Hayden Fry (46:10) Responding to the July 30 independent report finding racial bias within the Hawkeye's program. (52:30) Looking back at his time at NFL Network and working with Mike Mayock

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Steve Herz - The Montag Group & Author "Don't Take Yes For An Answer"

NorMal Communications — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 04:55:47 +0000

This week in Episode 5 of The Wormcast, I'm joined by Steve Herz, President of The Montag Group and author of a new book "Don't Take Yes For An Answer: Using Authority, Warmth and Energy to Get Exceptional Results. We discuss the the essentials of the book and how you can take the principles into your own career whether it's in front of the camera or behind the scenes. In fact it's good advice for anyone who wants to improve themselves in any business or leadership position. In the 2nd part we discuss how Steve ended up representing sportscasters and what he looks for in his clients. How COVID is challenging the represenation business and how it could affect compensation for on-air commentators. Lastly we wrap up in the curious case on why people would rather watch their favorite events or shows on a phone screen vs the super size tv screens in 4K-HDR. Enjoy!

Links mentioned in this episode:

http://stevenherz.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Clark Pierce

NorMal Communications — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:46:51 +0000

This week on the Episode 4 of The Wormcast, sports television veteran Clark Pierce joins the show. Clark has had a stellar career in graphics innovation, website development and mobile technology for FOX Sports. Now with his own venture Emerging Media Technologies, Clark is a thought leader in the quickly evolving world of streaming media.

We get into stories of how he got into the business at CBS What it was like being in the booth with Pat Summerall and John Madden. The influence of great directors and mentors from CBS and FOX had on his career path. We dive into the ever-changing sports tv business with cord cutting and streaming services. How media companies are positioning themselves with live sports. Where sports rights are going and the future of regional sports networks. Enjoy.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Dominik Scholler - Bundesliga

NorMal Communications — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 16:06:09 +0000

In Episode 3 of the Wormcast, I'm joined by Dominik Scholler, the Head of International Audio Visual Rights for the DFL. Dominik is the main point of contact for all international rights holders of the Bundesliga. The league was the first major international team sports competition to resume play after a shutdown due to COVID-19. The Bundesliga successfully completed 81 league fixtures and relegation playoffs with no tested cases among the players, coaching staffs and officials.

Topics discussed:

Dominik and I discuss the protocols put in place by the DFL following German goverment and health officials guidlines to resume play.
How the league organized full televison production that promoted safety of the crew while not sacrificing the high quality standards the Bundesliga is known for.
How the Bundesliga has charted a new path in the US with the FOX Sports deal in 2015 and looking ahead to a new relationship with ESPN starting with the new season in September.
Spending a year studying abroad at the University of Oklahoma, how it affected his career path and gaining an appreciation of all things college football.

Some great insight from Dominik. Enjoy the show while you exercise or on your drive.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

John Ward - Sports and Entertainment TV Operations Executive

NorMal Communications — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 08:36:07 +0000

This week on The Wormcast, 12-time National Sports Emmy Award winner John Ward discusses how the operations team is vital to the success of a successful sports content department at television networks. John has had a sensation career for over 25 years at FOX Sports, Directv, ATT, Deluxe and iNDEMAND.

Topics discussed:

How John found a career path on the operations side of the business
His influences at FOX Sports
Running NFL Europe operations out of London
The backstory on the game changing NFL Red Zone channel on Directv
Adapting to new professional challenges as Chief Technology Officer at iNDEMAND
Sports televison production changing forever in this time of COVID

Enjoy your exercise or drive with this week's episode.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Kenny Albert

NorMal Communications — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 06:20:48 +0000

This week, on my debut show, one of America's most versatile sportscasters, Kenny Albert, joins me. We cover the NHL as they plan to restart their season after the pandemic. The wild and wacky early days of the NFL of FOX and growing up in one of the most famous sportscasting families. Sage advice for young broadcasters who want to get involved in the industry and Kenny talks about his early days calling games in high school and NYU.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Preview

NorMal Communications — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 03:58:31 +0000

This is a preview of The Wormcast: How Sports Media Happens. The host, Jason Wormser, is a multi National Sports EMMY Award winner and 30-year veteran of the sports media world. His new podcast which takes a deep dive into the personalities in front of the camera and behind the scenes in sports broadcasting from around the globe. We'll here stories from on-air talent, executives, producers, directors, technical team and the large group of professionals that support the operations. If you've always been intrigued on how your favorite sport makes your screen this is the podcast for you. Younger folks who are interested in the business, there is some sage advice of how to make your entry way during these challenging times.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonuwormser/ https://twitter.com/worm_66 https://the-wormcast-how-sports-media-happens.zencast.website/

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm