ESPN announced Scott Van Pelt is being added to their podcast network. SVPod is set to debut next Tuesday, Jan. 14 as a weekly show featuring interviews and commentary.
As one of ESPN’s most recognizable personalities, Van Pelt has anchored their late-night version of SportsCenter since 2015. On the new podcast, Van Pelt will also expand on his SportsCenter segment One Big Thing and be joined by his Bad Beats co-host “Stanford” Steve Coughlin.
“As much as I enjoy the SportsCenter show we get to do at midnight, it doesn’t always provide the time and space for all I want to get to,” Van Pelt said in ESPN’s press release. “I look at interviews we had with Patrick Beverley, Matthew McConaughey or Rakim as examples of times when the conversation was so interesting to me that it went on far beyond what we had room for on TV. Obviously, a podcast allows as much leeway as we’d like. To take the deeper dives with guests, and flush out topics that matter will be fun.”
“My love of radio was well documented and this is as close as I am likely to find for the time being,” Van Pelt added. “I’m grateful to have to chance to throw some headphones on and have at it. My guy Stanford Steve will be involved, as always. In what capacity, I am not certain. I might just lay out and let him carry the show. Might be better. We look forward to seeing you soon.”
Van Pelt was previously featured on ESPN Radio’s national lineup of shows from 2008-2015. During those seven years, Van Pelt spent time working solo, also co-hosting with former ESPN personalities Mike Tirico and Ryen Russillo separately.
In 2015, Van Pelt departed radio to become the solo anchor for a midnight-edition of SportsCenter. Van Pelt uses his personality and wit to connect with viewers in a more creative way than traditionally setting up sports highlights.
“Scott has always had a great connection with his audience, on TV or on radio, which is all the more critical in a podcast format,” said Tom Ricks, vice president, digital marketing and strategy in ESPN Audio. “The audience will enjoy his interview style and his insightful thoughts on the biggest stories and most interesting people in sports.”
Each weekly episode of SVPod will be approximately 30-45 minutes.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here
