Sports Media Watch Podcast
Jon Lewis
Sports Media Watch founder Jon Lewis is joined each week by Armand Broady for a weekly discussion of the latest developments in the sports media industry, from ratings to rights deals to personnel moves. Go beyond the headlines with the in-depth analyses and historical context that are a hallmark of Sports Media Watch.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 28, 2025 • 52min
MLB-ESPN split, Four Nations ratings recap, Richard Jefferson, Laura Rutledge and more
On the new SMW podcast, Jon Lewis and Armand Broady dissect the end of the MLB-ESPN partnership, examining the tone and implications of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's memo to owners. The discussion then shifts to the surprising success of the NHL's Four Nations Face-Off, which delivered viewership milestones for the league.The hosts also touch on the latest developments surrounding the NBA, including the Lakers and Warriors' resurgence and the decision to have Richard Jefferson join the lead NBA team on ESPN. Additionally, they analyze ESPN's contract extension with reporter Laura Rutledge and the new sports offerings on the Max streaming service, including the introduction of a higher-tier subscription for live sports content.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Feb 20, 2025 • 46min
All-Star ratings, NBA's negative media, Daytona 500, Four Nations Face-Off and more
On the new edition of the Sports Media Watch podcast, Jon Lewis and Armand Broady discuss the ratings for the NBA All-Star Game and the broader negative media coverage of the league -- including the role its own media partners play in the complaints. Plus, Daytona 500 and Four Nations Face-Off ratings, plus will Netflix actually bid for Sunday afternoon NFL rights?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Feb 14, 2025 • 35min
Super Bowl ratings breakdown, Brady's performance, Luka's Laker debut and more
This episode of the Sports Media Watch Podcast dives into the record-breaking Super Bowl viewership numbers, analyzing the impact of methodology changes on the data. Hosts Jon Lewis and Armand Broady also break down Tom Brady's performance as a broadcaster and discuss the future of Fox's NFL coverage. Plus, insights on the NBA's Luka-LeBron pairing and the ongoing negotiations between MLB and ESPN. Don't miss this in-depth look at the latest sports media news and trends.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Feb 8, 2025 • 38min
Super Bowl preview: Brady, the ratings, halftime and the future
In this Super Bowl preview edition of the Sports Media Watch Podcast, hosts Jon Lewis and Armand Broady discuss Tom Brady's debut on the Big Game, the expected TV ratings and more, including the Kendrick Lamar halftime show and whether Fox Sports may be in its final years covering the Super Bowl.The hosts analyze Brady's broadcasting experience and the challenges he may face as the sole analyst for the big game. They also provide context around the evolving TV ratings landscape and Nielsen's measurement changes. Additionally, they discuss whether "Chiefs fatigue" could impact viewership for the matchup.You can subscribe to the Sports Media Watch Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms to catch this and future episodes.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jan 30, 2025 • 29min
AFC vs. NFC ratings, Reggie Miller to NBC, Greg Olsen's future and more
On this week's Sports Media Watch Podcast, hosts Jon Lewis and Armand Broady break down the sharp ratings gap between the NFL conference championship games and the lack of NFC starpower.The podcast also covers NBC's reported interest in hiring Reggie Miller as a lead NBA analyst and whether there is a shortage of established NBA analysts in the industry.Additionally, they discuss the status of analyst Greg Olsen at Fox, and the possibility of him finding a new opportunity -- perhaps on Amazon's NFL coverage.Subscribe to the Sports Media Watch Podcast now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jan 23, 2025 • 30min
NFL ratings, LIV Golf on FOX, Bob Uecker and future NBA announcers
In the latest episode of the SMW podcast, Jon Lewis and Armand Broady dive into the declining NFL playoff ratings, exploring why the league may be a victim of its own recent success. They also break down the LIV Golf Tour's new TV deal with Fox Sports and what it means for the upstart league's future. Plus, the hosts pay tribute to the legendary Bob Uecker and wish Dick Vitale well in his recovery; and discuss Mike Tirico being named the lead play-by-play voice for the new "NBA on NBC" and the potential for Amazon's NBA studio show to challenge TNT's "Inside the NBA" as the gold standard with a more youthful and cutting-edge approach.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jan 16, 2025 • 32min
Future of streaming sports, NFL playoff ratings, TGL and more
On the latest edition of the Sports Media Watch podcast, Jon Lewis and Armand Broady discuss the future of sports on streaming in the wake of Venu's collapse; NFL playoff ratings and what the best matchups will be going forward; and whether the TGL golf venture can achieve long-term success.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jan 9, 2025 • 30min
NFL ratings recap, Tom Brady's performance, Disney-Fubo deal and more
The Sports Media Watch podcast returns from hiatus as Jon Lewis and new co-host Armand Broady discuss the NFL's regular season ratings performance, how Tom Brady looks heading into the playoffs, Disney's Fubo deal and more.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 10, 2024 • 33min
Special guest Bob Wischusen talks NHL and more, plus MLB-Diamond Sports, Mets ratings and more
On the latest edition of the Sports Media Watch podcast, Jon Lewis is joined by ESPN play-by-play voice Bob Wischusen, who discusses his role as an NHL broadcaster, his career and more. But first, Jon discusses the future of MLB on RSNs and the Mets' drawing power this postseason.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 3, 2024 • 44min
Special guests Randy Scott and Gary Striewski, plus WNBA vs. Christine Brennan and MLB Postseason
On the new edition of the Sports Media Watch podcast, Jon Lewis is joined by special guests Randy Scott and Gary Striewski of SportsCenter (11:35), who discuss their popular partnership, how their SportsCenter differs from the 1990s heyday and much more. But first, Jon dives into the Christine Brennan-WNBA controversy and the broader culture war over Caitlin Clark, and explains why everything is lining up for a strong MLB Postseason in the ratings.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


