Sports TV News
Longtime ESPN Producer Barry Sacks Dies
“During his 33-year career in Bristol, Barry touched so many areas of the company.”
Published
1 month agoon
By
BSM Staff
Barry Sacks, a longtime producer at ESPN and Quinnipiac University professor, died Sunday. He was 63.
Sacks joined ESPN in 1982 and remained with the organization until January 2016. He was pivotal in the rise of both SportsCenter and College GameDay. After departing ESPN, he was the Executive Producer of the WNBA’s Connecticut Suns for five seasons while simultaneously teaching classes part-time at Quinnipiac.
“During his 33-year career in Bristol, Barry touched so many areas of the company,” said ESPN’s Suzy Kolber as she announced the news on Postseason NFL Countdown Sunday. “His passion for sports was unmatched, including his love for the New York Giants. When Chris Berman says ‘G-Men’ on NFL Primetime, that’s an ode to Barry.
“He was also responsible for mentoring so many ESPN production assistants, always asking when deciding whether a play should make the highlight, ‘Did it make you say wow?’ Those of us who got to work with you for many years always said ‘Wow’ about you, Barry.”
We remember the life & legacy of one of our own, Barry Sacks.
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 12, 2023
“We at ESPN are heartbroken… (He) is survived by a countless number of colleagues who love him and will miss him dearly.” – @suzykolber pic.twitter.com/WurXTp3YV5
“Beloved by his students, Barry was one of the linchpins of our sports journalism offerings, and the reason why so many of his students have had successful careers,” Quinnipiac Associate Vice President of Public Relations John Morgan said in a statement. “The university is offering counseling services to students who have been impacted by this terrible loss.”
Sacks is survived by his wife, Joann, and son Jesse.
Tributes from former colleagues and friends poured in after the death was announced by ESPN.
So sad to report that BARRY SACKS our dear friend & former colleague @espn has passed away this morning from the massive heart attack he suffered – Barry was so respected by all that knew him in the ESPN family . Always had such a passion about everything that he did . My heart &… https://t.co/mlHbqA27yL
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 12, 2023
You can’t tell ESPN story without mentioning Barry Sacks. As passionate a sports fan as there was, ironic, he was in charge of intermissions. Every halftime you saw, was his baby. A sincere, caring gentleman beneath his rough tough exterior. A part of our fabric.A crushing blow. https://t.co/ZmDRRAmSxr
— Steve Levy (@espnSteveLevy) February 12, 2023
In my 30 years at ESPN, Barry Sacks is on the short list of people who made everyone around him better. He demanded accountability-challenged ideas and was limitless in his passion for sports and broadcasting. As a fellow Ithaca College Bomber his loss is personal and profound.
— Karl Ravech (@karlravechespn) February 12, 2023
Trying to explain what Barry Sacks was to ESPN and how much he meant to so many is proving to be impossible. He was a profound presence in the lives of so many. I’ll see that big smile and hear that voice forever.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) February 12, 2023
Rest Easy, B Sacks. You were one of one – an all time beauty.
Just heard the news that Barry Sacks has passed away.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 12, 2023
So many ESPN folks devastated by this news.
Barry had such a way about him-Passionate about people & sports.
Loved his job-the real deal. Helped me so much early in my career.
Thinking about him and his family today. 🙏🏼
We lost a great man, husband and father today. My mentor and 1st boss at espn. A man that changed me & always kept 100 with me regardless of the politics. Rest In Peace Barry Sacks. Love you brother.
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) February 12, 2023
Barry Sacks, who passed today, leaves an incredible legacy, with a life and career that included more than 33 years at ESPN. Here he is holding court, smiling & alongside @RobinRoberts. Thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/bxvpNdRaJZ
— Josh Krulewitz (@jksports) February 12, 2023
I’m sorry to say this. Barry passed away this morning. He’s no longer suffering. Treasure the memories. He was an incredible, caring human being. RIP my friend. Go G men
— Howie Schwab (@howieschwab) February 12, 2023
A wonderful mentor for me & so many others at @espn. It’s important to have a great coach when you are a rookie. Barry was. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🏀
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) February 12, 2023
God, what a legend he was. He was so patient and thoughtful and generous to so many at espn. Sending prayers to his family for this awful loss.
— Randy Scott (@RandyScottESPN) February 12, 2023
OMG. Awful news. Barry was such a helpful presence all the years I was in Bristol – and I am sure that applied to everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace. 🙏
— Ron Flatter (@ronflatter) February 12, 2023
Heartbreaking. Barry was one of a kind. An unbridled energy for sports and television. I will miss him a lot 🙏🏽
— David Amber (@DavidAmber) February 12, 2023
Long time ESPN legend Barry Sacks passed away today. He always told people look for a play in a game that makes you say “ wow”. If you see a wow play tonight… think of Barry. Thanks
— trey wingo (@wingoz) February 12, 2023
During my 11 years at ESPN, Barry Sacks was one of the best coordinating producers I ever worked with.
— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) February 12, 2023
He was a teacher, a mentor, a straight shooter.
I learned a lot from him.
Many of the things you’ve watched in last 30 years he had a hand in creating and molding.
RIP Barry.
Barry Sacks was a giant of a man and who made ESPN such a better place. Touched thousands of people at ESPN and outside of it. He lived with passion and to make others betters. His memory and spirit live on. He will be greatly missed.
— Seth Horwitz (@SethMHorwitz) February 12, 2023
I feel compelled to share this.
— Kevin Connors (@kevconnorsespn) February 12, 2023
A lot of people ask me what it's like to work at ESPN.
If you care, watch this clip & hear it directly from a man who was the heart & soul of the company. A true mentor & friend.
Barry Sacks was everything good about @espn.https://t.co/Z8lwXnzWZf
#RIP Barry Sacks my brother and I don't know what else to say. A true gentleman and ALWAYS will be a bright light for so many of us at ESPN.
— FreddiE ColemaN (@ColemanESPN) February 12, 2023
RIP Barry Sacks..a friend and mentor to everyone that came thru ESPN..
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) February 12, 2023
Every time I was on campus my first move was to stop by his office for a chat
He was a man’s man with a massive heart and incredible soul!!
Nobody doubts he passed so he could get to heaven for the Super Bowl
So incredibly sad to learn about the passing of Barry Sacks. Long ago, he ushered me into the world of what I have done for three decades. I was awful. He helped me get better. Giant character. Good man gone too soon. Rest east my friend @espn @SportsCenter
— Jimmy Roberts (@JimmyRobertsNBC) February 12, 2023
Barry Sacks was the boss we all need, makes the product better, makes the company better. More importantly, he makes people better as people. He was my wife’s first boss at ESPN. He, eventually, headed ESPNews where he was my boss. (1/2)
— John Seibel (@wdtnjohn) February 12, 2023
Oh, no. This is horrible, horrible news. Barry Sacks was such a great guy, absolutely loved working with him and our conversations at @espn. Had so much passion for his job, and was a straight-shooter.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) February 12, 2023
RIP to one of the best and condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/7FtoHetnJc
If you've watched @ESPN at any point over the last four decades, then the man in this photo has had an impact on your life. That's Barry Sacks, in the pits at Daytona in the late 1990's. The guy far right with the ballcap is me. He passed away today, Super Bowl Sunday… #thread pic.twitter.com/4sGeyJYiHK
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) February 12, 2023
Just saw the news we have lost Barry Sacks. His personality was large, his love for the people of @espn even larger. His door was always open. He always made time to offer a critique that helped me grow when I started in studio work. He embodied everything that is special at ESPN
— Sean Farnham (@SeanFarnham) February 12, 2023
Like hundreds maybe thousands of others who arrived in Bristol completely clueless about TV and maybe even life, Barry Sacks was the best mentor and then friend I could’ve asked for. To me he was ESPN’s culture in so many ways. RIP https://t.co/6QSd23MvUn
— Eamon McAnaney (@emacSNY) February 12, 2023
It is with profound sadness we relay that long-time adjunct instructor & former ESPN producer @barrysacks1 died this morning after suffering a heart attack Friday night. Our deepest condolences go out to Barry’s family, friends & all the QUJ alumni, students, faculty & staff. /1 pic.twitter.com/AE6nxTpY8z
— Quinnipiac University Journalism (@QUJournalism) February 12, 2023
Sports TV News
ESPN Sees Larger Than Average Audience For Big City Greens Classic
Published
2 hours agoon
March 17, 2023By
BSM Staff ESPN aired Tuesday night’s New York Rangers and Washington Capitals game. DisneyXD and Disney Channel aired an alternate broadcast that included players being 3D animated to resemble the cast of Disney Channel’s popular cartoon Big City Greens. It turned into a ratings win for the networks.
The alternate broadcast featured players animated in real time to mimic what was happening on the Madison Square Garden ice. Players were equipped with special chips in the padding to aid the animation, and special pucks were used to ensure a smooth transition from video to computer-animated graphics.
An average of 589,000 viewers tuned into the game on ESPN. Meanwhile, nearly 175,000 watched the broadcast between Disney Channel and DisneyXD.
The figure for ESPN represents its largest NHL broadcast since a November 1st broadcast featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins.
The combined total for the broadcast — 765,000 — outdrew the World Baseball Classic broadcasts but did not top the NCAA Tournament’s First Four round that was broadcast on truTV.
Sports TV News
Greg Gumbel: I’m Lucky That I’ve Never Been Fired
“I worked for some people who didn’t like me, I’ve worked for some people I didn’t like. It’s a strange business, there’s no doubt.”
Published
3 hours agoon
March 17, 2023By
Ricky Keeler This week, it was announced that Greg Gumbel will no longer be a play-by-play announcer for the NFL on CBS after working on CBS’s NFL coverage every year since 1998. Gumbel has had an illustrious career and he takes pride in the fact that one thing has never happened to him.
Gumbel was a guest on the Tell Me A Story I Don’t Know podcast with George Ofman (Part 2 from an interview back in September) and he told Ofman that while he has never been fired before, but he doesn’t think broadcasters should be embarrassed when they get fired because of what the business is.
“It’s the nature of the business. I honestly think I’ve been extremely fortunate in that I’ve never been fired in a business that is known for firings. Being fired in this business is no shame, no embarrassment because it’s a subjective business. Because this guy at this network likes my work, it doesn’t mean that this guy at that network does. It’s extremely subjective and if you can buy that and understand it the way it is, then it shouldn’t bother you at all.
“It’s never happened to me. If it had, it would not have surprised me. I worked for some people who didn’t like me, I’ve worked for some people I didn’t like. It’s a strange business, there’s no doubt.”
Gumbel has been the host of CBS’s NCAA Tournament coverage for the last 25 years and he knows it’s a job that he is very grateful to have.
“I know there are people who would give their right arm to be sitting there next to Clark Kellogg and Seth Davis on Selection Sunday or sitting next to Kellogg, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley when the tournament begins to talk about what we’ve just seen or what we are going to see. I am never, ever going to take for granted the fact that I have been very fortunate to be able to do that.”
One thing Gumbel tries to avoid whenever he is on air is the mispronunciation of someone’s name because he knows how it feels to have his name distorted accidentally by some people.
“Pronunciations are important to me. There’s been a lifetime of people who may not completely mispronounce my name, but distorting it a little bit from time to time. I never want to do that to an athlete. If I ever mispronounce an athlete’s name, I hear it from his family, I hear it from the school or the team and I apologize for it as soon as I can. I don’t think that is something light or should be taken for granted.”
Toward the end of the interview, Gumbel was asked by Ofman when he will know it will be time to end his career.
“Other people have given it more thought than I have. I think when that time comes around, it will hit me over the head more than I will think about it. There are people who ask me why I still do what I do. The very bottom line is I love it, I enjoy it.”
Ricky Keeler is a reporter for BSM with a primary focus on sports media podcasts and national personalities. He is also an active podcaster with an interest in pursuing a career in sports media. You can find him on Twitter @Rickinator555 or reach him by email at RickJKeeler@gmail.com.
Sports TV News
Diamond Sports Group Misses Arizona Diamondbacks Rights Payment
It is believed that the missed rights payment by Bally Sports Arizona triggers a clause in the contract that reverts the television rights back to the Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball.
Published
4 hours agoon
March 17, 2023By
BSM Staff Last week, Diamond Sports Group — operator of the Bally Sports-branded regional sports networks — claimed it had paid every rights fee it was contractually obligated, except for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
At the time, the company said it had a grace period until it needed to make a payment. That payment was due by Thursday, March 16th at 11:59 PM. That time has come and gone, and the company failed to deliver its fee.
It is believed that the missed rights payment by Bally Sports Arizona triggers a clause in the contract that reverts the television rights back to the Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball.
The Diamondbacks are not the only team affected by the situation. Bally Sports — which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this week — has also reportedly entered a grace period with the San Diego Padres. According to a report from Sports Business Journal, that grace period ends on March 30th, baseball’s Opening Day.
Previous reporting claims that contract is one the network hopes to get out from under. The company loses a reported $20 million per season on its television deal with the Padres. The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians are the other two baseball franchises the network holds the rights to that it hopes to terminate deals for.
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