On The Air
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
September 9, 2005
www.bradyresidence.com/channelsurfing.html

The last round of Eagles' cuts that claimed Hugh Douglas and Jon Ritchie are affecting a couple of television and radio programs.

Because Ritchie is no longer on the team, there won't be a "Jon Ritchie Show" on ESPN 920-AM, and the fullback won't be a player-reporter along with defensive back Brian Dawkins for Fox29's "Game Day Live." Douglas was scheduled to be a regular contributor to "The Angelo Cataldi Show" on Comcast SportsNet. Fortunately, there wasn't a "Sean Landeta" show in the works.

It amazes me that Terrell Owens, who seemingly loves ESPN, doesn't have some kind of television show. Though it looks like he'll be making regular Friday appearances on a Miami radio show, radio is not the proper medium for T.O., who seems perfect for TV.

Monday Night primer

Here's your game plan for Monday night when the Eagles play Atlanta on the final season opener of "Monday Night Football" on ABC, which is moving to ESPN in 2006.

6ABC will air "Destination Detroit" from 8-9 p.m. Gary Papa will host live from Atlanta. Irving Fryar, new weekend sports anchor Keith Russell and Sarah "White Shoes" Bloomquist round out the team. Following the game and "Action News," they will return for "Football Frenzy."

At 9 p.m., John Madden and Al Michaels begin their second and final "Monday Night Football" season together. Next year, Madden goes to NBC for "Sunday Night Football," and Michaels will join ESPN for "Monday Night Football" with Joe Theismann, Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya. Tafoya will continue her sideline duties this year. I guess there won't be a "Desperate Housewife/T.O." opening this year.

Following the game, Comcast SportsNet's "Eagles Post Game Live" is back with returning starters Michael Barkann, Ray Didinger (Will his nickname change from R. Diddy to just Diddy to keep up with P. Diddy/Diddy?), Vaughn Hebron and Gov. Ed Rendell.

Surprise, surprise

Listeners to the Eagles' WYSP 94.1-FM broadcasts might be surprised to learn the game analyst position held by Mike Quick almost went to CBS-3 sports reporter and WIP 610-AM host Garry Cobb.

According to sports industry sources, when Stan Walters vacated the analyst position a few years ago, former Eagles linebacker Cobb was approached about the job.

Although the radio announcers (Merrill Reese and Quick) are employees of WYSP 94.1-FM, they must meet approval by the Eagles.

Thus, according to sources close to the situation, Cobb felt he couldn't really be a journalist for CBS-3 if he couldn't be critical of the Eagles.

Meanwhile, former Eagles wide receiver Fred Barnett joins the WYSP 94.1-FM pre-game show this year.

You Herd it here

Broomall native and Atlanta radio personality John Kincade will be the permanent fill-in host for "The Herd" on ESPN Radio. It can be heard locally on ESPN 920-AM weekdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kincade will be subbing Monday.

Correction

The Phillies' deal with WPHT 1210-AM is for five years.