The Sports Media Podcast

Andrew Marchand and guest host Amazon Prime Video/NBC/Peacock's Michael Smith talk about the current state of media, including the NFL's advanced talks with Disney/ESPN about an equity stake in the network in exchange for NFL Media. The two go into the current state of affairs involving ESPN, Pat McAfee, Stephen A. Smith and Jason Whitlock. All that, and each host gives his "Who's up" and "Who's down" for the week.

On this week's edition, Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo is the guest host, joining Andrew Marchand. Marchand and Russo go into full detail about McAfee, Aaron Rodgers and Norby Williamson. They also dissect ESPN's reaction to McAfee calling Williamson, one of the top executives at the company, a "rat." Marchand and Russo look at the Peacock playoff game that will be exclusively streamed, pitting the Chiefs and the Dolphins. Sports Business Journal's Austin Karp joins the show to discuss how ESPN presented McAfee's ratings and to play the old Mike & the Mad Dog game of guessing the ratings. Plus, Russo goes into First Take and Stephen A. Smith's impact on his career. Plus, Russo joins Marchand in offering his "Who's up" and "Who's Down" with a classic Mad Dog spin on it.

On this week's Marchand and Ourand podcast, Joe Buck is the guest co-host with Andrew Marchand. John Ourand is off to Puck. Marchand and Buck both give their Who's up and Who's Down of the week. The duo discuss Buck's reunion with his Fox family at Jimmy Johnson's Ring of Honor ceremony in Dallas, what Tom Brady will be facing, why Buck and Troy Aikman have that is hard to replace, how Al Michaels has been treated by NBC, Bucks' father's Jack being fired in airport by CBS Radio, Buck's feelings on baseball and what makes a great final call.

On this week’s Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast Hosts Andrew Marchand and John Ourand preview the biggest sports media stories of 2024. The includes the return of Marchand’s “Brady Meter,” which gives the odds on whether Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady will call a game as Fox’s top NFL analyst. The two also discuss to options for Greg Olsen, the analyst Brady is replacing. Other topics include predictions about the NBA’s media rights deal, which is expected to be completed in the first part of 2024; ESPN’s direct-to-consumer plans, which are expected to come at some point in 2025; Disney’s push to find investors for ESPN next year; and the likely outcome from all the chaos surround regional sports networks right now. Other topics include: Streaming company strategies, the Paris Olympics, the CFP media negotiations and Orioles broadcaster Kevin Brown.

Stephen A. Smith, the most powerful person in sports media, tops the list of the 25 most powerful people in sports media this year. The podcast discusses the potential of Amazon investing in the bankrupt RSN company, Diamond Sports Group. They also discuss NBA talks, Josh Krulewitz' promotion to run ESPN's comms team, and John Ourand's decision to move from SBJ to Puck Media.

Sports commentator Al Michaels joins hosts Andrew Marchand and John Ourand to discuss NBA rights, the NFL's decision to flex a game into 'Monday Night Football,' and controversy surrounding inaccurate reports about Shohei Ohtani's free agency. They also feature Austin Karp's analysis of the NBA's In-Season Tournament and the NFL's regular season success.

The hosts discuss the impact of television on college football and the NFL, including the CFP, Pac-12 conference, and flex scheduling. They also delve into the NBA's media rights negotiations, MLB Network's coverage of Winter Meetings, and the DirecTV-Tegna carriage battle. Apple's strategy for acquiring sports rights and the influence of streaming services on TV networks are also discussed.

NFL sets viewership record on Thanksgiving Day; NBA In-Season Tournament dissected; Controversial sports media stories discussed; 'MandO Mailbag' returns

Jay Marine, Head of Amazon's global sports, joins the podcast to discuss Amazon's sports strategy. He talks about negotiations for NBA, NASCAR, and CFP rights. The hosts also share their picks for who is up and down in sports media.

The podcast discusses ESPN's move to direct-to-consumer by 2025, Netflix's interest in NBA's In-Season Tournament, and Al Michaels' future. Former NFL legend Eli Manning joins as a guest and talks about his experience with the media, the ManningCast, and offers suggestions to improve the New York Giants.