Last Word On Sports Media Podcast

tj
  • 4.7 (127)
  • Sports
  • Biweekly

The Last Word On Sports Media Podcast is a sports media analysis and commentary show hosted by veteran broadcaster T.J. Rives. It explores the business, television production, legal affairs, personalities, and behind-the-scenes decision-making that shape the American sports media ecosystem. Broadcasters, public relations executives, and network producers who want to keep up with industry trends, ratings, and network movements along with fans who enjoy analyzing game calls, officiating decisions, camera coverage, broadcast rights, and network programming will enjoy this podcast featuring content beyond just the scores on the field. Coverage of major TV networks (ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC) and streaming platforms (Amazon Prime, Netflix), including broadcast booth reviews, ratings breakdowns, and production quality.Off-Field & Media Controversies: Discussions on newsroom conflicts of interest, journalist ethics, legal injunctions, and off-field scandals affecting teams and media figures.Officiating & Rules Analysis: Expert breakdowns of replay decisions, stadium clock discrepancies, and officiating transparency.League & Business Affairs: Coverage of college football realignment, conference politics, player NIL/roster disputes, and financial crises like team or league bankruptcy filings.T.J. Rives regularly brings on high-profile guests—such as former team executives, public relations strategists, sports media critics, and veteran broadcasters—who provide firsthand insider perspective. Rather than focusing purely on standard game recaps, the show evaluates how stories are reported, who is telling them, and the media dynamics at play. The podcast quickly reacts to emerging, real-time storylines—ranging from viral officiating audio leaks and network power outages to legal disputes—offering sharp analysis while news is actively unfolding. Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music

  1. 5d ago

    Brewers-Rays World Series Not Done + NFL And College Football Audience Soaring And More!

    We're back aboard in the final week of October with Halloween looming and were not done with the World Series, at least, before Wendesday night and Game 5. We shall go over that, the NFL and College Football still scoring big with audinece and more on the "LWOS Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives is back with his takes on the Tampa Bay Rays staying alive on Tuesday night to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings in a thrilling game on Fox. Is the rest of the country watching? T.J. has Game 1 & 2 numbers and some thoughts on Joe Davis and John Smoltz announcing too. He also goes over the audience for the "Fall Classic" vs,.the College Football games on ESPN, NBC, etc. in primetime last Saturday and the NFL had a big Sunday afternoon and Sunday night of audience, as well. Then, Jason Powers of the "Powers on Sports Podcast" joins T.J. to talk more about a Florida TV/radio broadcaster, David Moulton, who has also been helping Troy Aikman in the Fox and ESPN booths as a spotter/information guy. David died after a lengthy battle with cancer last weekend and it's obviously been tough on Aikman, who's having his feud with play by play man Joe Buok off the air, while they are working Monday Night Football for ESPN. The guys also hae some fun with their "Power Rankings of Chain Restaurants" to eat from, etc. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

  2. Oct 21

    Brewers - Rays World Series + Joe Buck And Troy Aikman Truly Splitting Up? And More With Steve Carney!

    We're back with the latest in sports media news, ratings and opinions on the "LWOS Media Podcast!" This week host T.J. Rives is joined by Steve Carney his longtime Tampa Bay media friend to go over: The Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays have made the 2026 World Series. Is this destined to flop on Fox Sports or might some of America care more about an "underdog" type world series like this vs. having the Dodgers, the Yankees, the Red Sox, etc.? Also, how silly is the criticism of Fox's Joe Davis on being biased towards the L.A. Dodgers? The guys discuss. Then, they talk whether after 25 years that Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are really about to split up and not broadcast the NFL anymore. This after they apparently had an argument in the booth last Monay night in L.A. prior to broadcasting the Rams/Bills game. Neither of them are denying that it happened and what does it really mean? Aikman is this insulted and going to leave. Has ESPN wanted all along to go to someone like Fox's Greg Olsen or maybe Jason Kelce? Could one of the Manning brothers be a "wild card" to join Buck? The guys also discuss the NBA season getting underway and "The NBA on NBC" still living in the 90s with their coverage and some tremendous, dramatic upsets in College Football bodes well for the interest and finshi of the season. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

  3. Oct 14

    NFL Topics- Crazy Commanders-Giants OT, Troy Aikman Leaving ESPN? + SkyDance Acuiring WBD And More With Joe Flint Of WSJ!

    We are back with lots to discuss from the NFL to College Football to the finalized acquisition of Warner Bros-Discovery by Skydance and what does it mean for sports fans paying for the streaming?? We're ready to go over it all with a special guest on the "LWOS Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives returns with Joe Flint, Sr. Media writer of the Wall Street Journal to give some insight. They discuss: Joe's recent vacay to Italy (where T.J.'s never been) and the discuss the sites and the FOOD for a few minutes! Then, they turn to the NFL and the CRAZY Commanders-Giants OT and how the NFL Sunday Ticket users were delayed in seeing the late games in Seattle and Phoenix. Next, what are Joe's thoughts on CBS finally, officially parting with Tony Romo and will Romo re-emerge as soon as next year? Also, there are thoughts on Troy Aikman not having a contract, yet, from Disney and ESPN to continue on Monday Night Football. And, what does Joe think about whether Buck and Aikman will be broken up? Joe has more on the Skydance acquisition of WBD and for sports like the NFL, MLB, NHL, College Football and Basketball, the UFC, the Masters and more now being under Skydance. And, most importantly, will consumers get stuck with drastic monthly fee increases? And, what about the MLB Postseason continuing with the Brewers/Dodgers moving to L.A. and Rays/Guardians headed to Cleveland for Fox and TBS to televise? It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

  4. Oct 7

    Tony Romo Out At CBS And Dave Portnoy Gone From Fox CFB + NASCAR, MLB Postseason And More With Tyler Jones!

    It's been a VERY busy week in sports media news from Tony Romo to Dave Portnoy to the MLB postseason and even the NASCAR playoffs and we're ready to go over it all on the newest "LWOS Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives is back with his takes and also welcomes back Tyler Jones of Roundtable Sports and the "Jones Report Podcast!" with more! There's lots of conversation on the NFL, the games and the announcers, including CBS deciding to part ways for good with #! NFL analyst Tony Romo, who hasn't worked for them all season after his driving under the influence citiation in Wisconsin in July. Clearly, the network wants J.J. Watt to now succeed with the Jim Nantz in their top booth, but is Nantz going to maybe be gone in this eventually, too? The guys also talk whether the "musical chairs" of the top analyst roles will crank up, if Troy Aikman, who's in the final year of his ESPN deal, decides to leave and maybe others want him, etc.? Tyler and T.J. also talk NASCAR being in Las Vegas for their playoff race, where Tyler covered it and are their playoffs getting completely wiped out by NFL/college football and also, being on USA Network Cable instead of a traditional FOX or NBC? They also cover the controversy with Dave Portnoy, head of "Barstool Sports," apparently being forced off the FOX "Big Noon Kickoff" pregame show due to pressure from Ohio State Athletics and coach Ryan Day to remove him from their coverage? Tyler wonders why OSU is so concerned with this? T.J. gives some interesting insight on how things were likely to have escalated and FOX obviously chose to get rid of him from the Saurday show. There's also more on the Portland Trailblazers of the NBA hiring and then, unhiring a new, young TV announcer and the controversy of why? And, now, more controversy on the reporter who broke the story on the new announcer also has bad social media posts in his past. Plus, will the Blazers potentially hire the announcer back? All of these subjects and more are on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

  5. Sep 30

    Charles Davis Of CBS Big Ten Coverage Joins Us + NFL, CFB Continue To Dominate and MLB Playoffs Too!

    The NFL and College Football is off and rolling and we're ready to discuss it all and there's a special guest who was on the call for the amazing Iowa win at Michigan Saturday on CBS TV. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives is back and ready to discuss it all, including: The NFL's crazy weekend three that saw the Ravens and Lamar Jackson with a miraculous one play and then final play FG drive to beat the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil. Plus, another crazy finish with the Broncos coming back to beat the Rams in the final minute Sunday night, and more. He also goes over the college ratings, including ABC still dominating with SEC Football broadcasts which had Arch Manning and Texas defeating Tennessee as part of it early in the day with a massive audience Then, he welcomes Charles Davis, who has debuted this season with Brad Nessler on the call of CBS' Big Ten game of the week. What a finish in Ann Arbor and Charles goes over it all. And, he talks his preparation for this week's "Iowa Sequel" as they play Ohio State on CBS at 3:30 Eastern,. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotifye, etc.!  Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

    Charles Davis Of CBS Big Ten Coverage Joins Us + NFL, CFB Continue To Dominate and MLB Playoffs Too!

  6. Sep 23

    JJ Watt Improving With Jim Nantz? Troy Aikman ESPN Deal Up, Sarkisian-Holly Rowe Sequel And More With Mike Gill !

    We're back with more on the latest sports media news, info, personalities and our takes on the "LWOS Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives is back with THE Mike Gill, host of the "Sports Bash" the weekday afternoon radio show in Atlantic City, NJ/South Philadelphia, PA.  The guys go over the topics: Has J.J. Watt begun to mesh a little with Jim Nantz on CBS' lead NFL coverage? Will Tony Romo ever be back on that network? And, will the musical chairs start up if Troy Aikman chooses not to re-up and stay on Monday Night Football with Joe Buck, who just signed his own massive extension? Also, who's an announce team on the NFL games that Mike and T.J. are really liking so far? Next, to college and will the controversy with Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian and ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe start back up this weekend? This, after he blew off her post game interivew after the Longhorns massive comeback with Ohio State two weeks ago. Texas plays at Tennessee at noon with the #1 ESPN crew on the call.  Mike has more thoughts on Doc Rivers returning to the prominent NBA broadcast booth for NBC Sports this time and their coverage this fall. Rivers bailed on ESPN/ABC in just three months to years ago to take another coaching job in Milwaukee. Do we need a "three person booth" with he and Mike Tirico? And, the guys talk MLB coming down the home stretch for playoffs and N.Y. Mets radio announcer Howie Rose says goodbye after nearly 40 years on their local broadcasts. The guys also have thoughts on the stunning sudden announcement that ESPN basketball analyst and Coak K's son in law, Chris Spatola has died at just 47 years old on Monday. A horrible situation. Hear it all on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and find us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

  7. Sep 16

    Netflix Helps Kickoff NFL + JJ Watt CBS Top Team Debut And Sarkisian Blows Off ESPN With Awful Announcing's Ken Fang

    The NFL season has gotten underway and there's plenty to discuss there and in college football, plus, the passing of an NHL analyst legend for the last four decades on ESPN, too. It's all covered on the newest "LWOS Media Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives welcomes Ken Fang of Awful Announcing to go over it all. They discuss: Netflix debuts with the NFL in Australia with the 49ers and the Rams. It was strange that the game was actually on Friday late morning there and the Rams were almost a mental "no show" while being beaten. How did the broadcast go, including the big stage for new game analyst Luke Kuechly on Netflix?  The boys also discuss JJ Watt bumping up to the CBS #1 teams with Jim Nantz for Minnesota vs. Green Bay. Is Watt going to shine in this huge role/opportunity? Plus, what other CBS analyst caught Ken's eye? And, the guys discuss the "Manning-cast" and it's growth on Monday Night Football. There is also more about the Texas Longhorns massive comeback from 20 points down to defeat Ohio State dramatically. And what about coach Steve Sarkisian's behavior towards ESPN and Holly Rowe for the post game interview? And, then young star QB Arch Manning went along with a joke about an internet meme of Sarkisian hitting Holly Rowe and reporters laughed about it. He's now apologized and she has accepted.  Then, they spend time on the passing of ESPN's Barry Melrose at 70 years of age from Parkinson's disease Melrose has been a mainstay on ESPN's NHL coverage going back to the mid-1990s. They guys reminisce about his personality, humor and how beloved he was by co-workers. Also, where's the line on "how late is too late" for the U.S. Open tennis as the men's match with Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz went on and on and on, until 3:#0 am Eastern last Wednesday early morning? It's all discussed on the newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

  8. Sep 9

    Controversy! Big Ten, Vrabel-Russini, LIV Golf. Jonathan Grella weighs in.

    In this episode of the Last Word On Sports Media Podcast, host TJ Rives breaks down the biggest storylines in college football, upcoming NFL Kickoff events, and major sports media and legal controversies. Rives is joined by Jonathan Grella (JAG Public Affairs), former Vice President of Communications for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former LIV Golf executive. Diana Russini and Mike Vrabel scandal Undisclosed Relationship Conflict: The discussion covers the controversy surrounding the New England Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel and former Athletic sports reporter, Dianna Russini.Vrabel's Intended Defense: Subsequent reporting highlighted that Vrabel originally wanted to issue a stronger public statement directly defending Russini’s journalistic ethics and reporting integrity before settling on a minimal response.The Athletic's Internal Investigation: The Athletic completed an extensive review of over 900 articles, videos, and podcast appearances by Russini, concluding her relationship with Vrabel was a clear violation of newsroom conflict-of-interest standards that should have been disclosed.No Material Bias in Reporting: The podcast hosts noted that despite the conflict of interest, the internal investigation found no evidence that Russini’s reporting was compromised, inaccurate, or intentionally slanted to favor Vrabel or his teams.Big Ten Officiating & Replay Controversy Michigan vs. Western Michigan Replay Drama: Analysis of the contentious finish where Western Michigan outplayed Michigan, leading to controversial Hail Mary plays and time management issues.Big Ten Command Center Audio Release: Discussion on the Big Ten releasing synchronized video and command center audio showing a digitized clock discrepancy versus the official stadium clock.Mike Pereira’s Expert Analysis: Features an excerpt from The Joel Klatt Show featuring former NFL VP of Officiating Mike Pereira, who emphasized that replay officials must rely on the transparent TV broadcast feed rather than hidden command center videoBroadcast Coverage Insights: Praise for Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge on NBC for immediately referencing historical clock precedent like the 2013 Iron Bowl.SEC vs. LSU Legal & Conference Conflict LSU Roster & Court Injunction: Breakdown of Lane Kiffin and LSU's decision not to roster players returning from NFL training camps despite securing a favorable Louisiana state court ruling.SEC Nuclear Option: The Southeastern Conference holds an emergency meeting to address potentially expelling LSU over ongoing roster litigation.College Football Broadcast Breakdown & Off-Field Drama FSU vs. SMU Power Outage Delay: Details on the 1-hour and 45-minute delay during the Monday Night ACC game in Tallahassee, highlighting ESPN reporters Taylor Tannenbaum and Taylor McGregor for their on-air coverage.Coaching Headlines: Coverage of Deion Sanders and Colorado's opening victory over Georgia Tech, Greg Schiano at Rutgers, and the ongoing investigation surrounding Bill Belichick and Mike Lombardi at North Carolina.LIV Golf Bankruptcy Filing Breakdown of LIV Golf's bankruptcy filing, detailing itemized creditor lists, unpaid player contracts, and the long-term legal ramifications for professional golf.NFL Opening Week & International Expansion Super Bowl Rematch: Preview of the NFL season opener featuring the Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots on NBC.NFL Melbourne Game: Analysis of the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers matchup in Melbourne, Australia, broadcasting globally on Netflix. Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music Come talk with TJ on X: @ItsTJRives

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4.7
out of 5
127 Ratings

About

The Last Word On Sports Media Podcast is a sports media analysis and commentary show hosted by veteran broadcaster T.J. Rives. It explores the business, television production, legal affairs, personalities, and behind-the-scenes decision-making that shape the American sports media ecosystem. Broadcasters, public relations executives, and network producers who want to keep up with industry trends, ratings, and network movements along with fans who enjoy analyzing game calls, officiating decisions, camera coverage, broadcast rights, and network programming will enjoy this podcast featuring content beyond just the scores on the field. Coverage of major TV networks (ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC) and streaming platforms (Amazon Prime, Netflix), including broadcast booth reviews, ratings breakdowns, and production quality.Off-Field & Media Controversies: Discussions on newsroom conflicts of interest, journalist ethics, legal injunctions, and off-field scandals affecting teams and media figures.Officiating & Rules Analysis: Expert breakdowns of replay decisions, stadium clock discrepancies, and officiating transparency.League & Business Affairs: Coverage of college football realignment, conference politics, player NIL/roster disputes, and financial crises like team or league bankruptcy filings.T.J. Rives regularly brings on high-profile guests—such as former team executives, public relations strategists, sports media critics, and veteran broadcasters—who provide firsthand insider perspective. Rather than focusing purely on standard game recaps, the show evaluates how stories are reported, who is telling them, and the media dynamics at play. The podcast quickly reacts to emerging, real-time storylines—ranging from viral officiating audio leaks and network power outages to legal disputes—offering sharp analysis while news is actively unfolding. Follow, Like and Comment on the Show: Apple Spotify Amazon Music

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