Sunday, March 24, 2013

Check out the Sports Shop


Not a week goes by that I don't hear from someone hoping to launch a career as a play-by-play announcer or a sports talk show host. I hate to rain on their parade(s) but medical school might be an easier path. 

For sure, you hear game broadcasts and talk shows 24/7, but there are few local employment opportunities. Most of our programming originates with national and regional networks. It's very difficult to get your foot in the door, and when you do, "paying your dues" takes perseverance and great patience. For example, play-by-play "voice" of the NC State Wolfpack, Gary Hahn, has been with us for 23 seasons. 

This post is about a local ensemble that kicked down my door, and we've given them an opportunity on The Buzz/AM620. They hone their craft - what they call "urban sports-talk" - every Saturday from 9-12 on The Sports Shop. John McCann tells their story in the Herald-Sun.

From left: Erroll Reese, Bill Murphy, Anna Bays 
& Kevin McClendon.