On The Air
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
www.bradyresidence.com/channelsurfing.html
May 12, 2006

As we approach the end of another school year, here is my sportscasters’ report card:

Detention: TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley’s revelation that he lost $10 million dollars gambling.

Most likely to succeed:
Former ESPN anchor Robin Roberts continues to climb the broadcasting ladder as co-host of “Good Morning America.”

Transfer students: Al Michaels and John Madden from ABC to NBC; Cris Collinsworth from Fox to NBC; Armen Keteyian from CBS Sports to CBS News; Andrea Kremer from ESPN to NBC; James Brown from Fox to CBS.

Major exam: Mike Tirico attempts to move into Al Michaels’ shoes as the voice of “Monday Night Football.” Tony Kornheiser hopes viewers “Listen Up” as the new Howard Cosell of “MNF.”

Expelled: Paul Maguire and Mike Patrick were taken off the ESPN NFL broadcasts, Bonnie Bernstein quit CBS.

Prerequisite course not needed: The NFL Network hired Bryant Gumbel to do play-by-play, though he hasn’t done it in over 30 years.

Thespians: Terry Bradshaw in “Failure to Launch,” ESPN’s Kenny Mayne in “Dancing with the Stars,” and Suzy Kolber and Howie Long in Chevrolet commercials.

Outstanding: HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”

Satisfactory: “NFL Primetime” with Chris Berman and Tom Jackson, which (boo-hoo) won’t return next year because of NFL rights issues.

Unsatisfactory: NBC’s coverage of the boring Winter Olympics; Tony Siragusa.

Suspension: Don’t hold your breath waiting for ESPN’s Stuart Scott to host another special after this week’s David Blaine fiasco.

Too many activities:
Dear readers, Does Bob Costas have to show up for everything? Signed, Ryan Seacrest.

WIP promotions   

John Marzano and Hugh Douglas officially are fulltime members of WIP 610-AM. Each will do a couple of days on the morning show and shifts on the weekend. Douglas is no longer the “Eagles Ambassador.” No word from the Eagles on who will take over that job. How about former Eagle Cecil Martin?

Great Scott!   

Phillies broadcast team rookie Scott Franzke is doing a nice job in his first month on the job as radio pre- and post-game show host. He has a pleasant voice that is suited for baseball. What do you think? You are invited to send me your opinion.

Laura Nachman can be reached at lauranachan@verizon.net.