Radio broadcasting still has a magical way of painting vivid pictures in our minds, even in an age dominated by high-definition television and streaming services. Welcome back to “On the Air,” where Sports Media Watch Podcast co-host Armand Broady dives deep into the world of broadcasters, their on-air craft, career paths, and the evolving trends shaping the industry.
Back in 2016, renowned baseball writer Jayson Stark penned a heartfelt ESPN.com column celebrating the legendary career of Vin Scully, one of baseball’s most iconic voices. Stark’s article was a rich tapestry of stories from various baseball personalities who shared their personal experiences with Scully. One standout moment came from Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Bob Costas, who recounted a surprising encounter with music legend Ray Charles. Charles asked Costas to connect him with Scully, and when Costas expressed his surprise, Charles explained, “I love baseball. But you have to understand, Bob, the pictures don’t mean anything to me. It’s all about the sound. And Vin Scully’s broadcasts are almost musical.”
That sentiment captures the essence of radio’s enduring power. Even years later, Scully’s voice continues to echo in the minds of listeners—whether they’re driving in their cars, relaxing at home, or tuning in on their smartphones and laptops. Despite the many changes in sports media, radio remains a unique medium that fosters a deeply personal connection between the announcer and the audience.
Take Kevin Harlan, for example. While millions recognize him from his television play-by-play work on CBS and TNT, for the past 16 years, Harlan has been the primary voice of NFL games on Westwood One Radio. His passion for radio is palpable. “As a kid, I used to fall asleep listening to legendary radio voices like Jack Buck, Lindsay Nelson, Jim Simpson, Joe Tait, and Jim Durham,” Harlan shared during an interview on the Sports Media Watch Podcast. “I romanticized their voices, their vantage point in the stadium, and their incredible ability to create vivid images in my mind. I started paying attention to how they painted pictures with words, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
On the radio, Harlan’s rich, resonant voice acts like a conductor leading an orchestra, skillfully blending verbs, nouns, adjectives, and prepositional phrases to craft a dynamic narrative. His distinctive baritone cuts through the airwaves, compelling fans to lean in and savor his energetic delivery. Listeners have come to expect his colorful phrases—whether it’s a “high-arching spiral,” a “two-handed twisting helmet-high catch,” or a “long line drive to the far sideline.”
Harlan’s enthusiasm for radio, along with several viral clips showcasing his Westwood One play-by-play, prove that radio is far from obsolete. Many of today’s most respected voices—such as Kenny Albert, Ian Eagle, Jon Miller, Dave Pasch, Merrill Reese, Howie Rose, and Dave Sims—continue to call games on radio, whether on a national or local level.
Sure, television offers dazzling visuals and sleek graphics that captivate viewers, but radio is the ultimate playground for the imagination. The best radio announcers are like painters, using their words as brushes and palettes to fill in every detail for the listener. It’s a challenge that Harlan embraces wholeheartedly. “TV just kind of happened; radio is my first love,” he said. “To me, radio is the purest form of broadcasting. It’s all about the voice, the delivery, the resonance, the inflection, the energy, the choice of words, the descriptive details, and the reporting skills. These are the essentials every broadcaster—whether in news or sports—must master.”
With over 40 years in the business and three National Sportscaster of the Year awards under his belt, Harlan has become more than just a top-tier announcer. His passionate radio style has set a standard, serving as a blueprint for aspiring broadcasters aiming to reach the pinnacle of the profession. If Harlan has his way, the next generation will fall in love with radio just as he did, using clever wordplay and vocal agility to create unforgettable calls that will be remembered for years to come.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In the world of sports broadcasting, the roles of play-by-play announcer and analyst are usually clearly separated on television. The play-by-play announcer narrates the “who” and “what” of the game, while the analyst explains the “how” and “why.” Yet, it’s quite rare to find broadcasters who can seamlessly switch between these roles.
During a recent Sports Media Watch Podcast episode, broadcasting legend and “The NFL Today” host James Brown reflected on his early days at the network level—not as a host or play-by-play announcer, but as a basketball analyst. “I wanted to be well-rounded,” Brown explained. “Verne Lundquist and others advised me, ‘J.B., cover as many different sports as you can to show your versatility. That will help you have longevity and open doors to other opportunities, like news.’”
Brown, who was once drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1973, began his CBS career in the 1980s working alongside Lundquist and the late Frank Glieber. He took on sideline reporting and play-by-play duties before eventually becoming one of the most respected NFL pregame show hosts.
Similarly, before his famous partnership with John Madden, Pat Summerall started as an NFL analyst on both radio and television, working with play-by-play legends like Chris Schenkel, Ray Scott, and Jack Buck. After nearly 15 years as the voice of “Monday Night Football,” Frank Gifford transitioned to the analyst role in 1986 to make way for Al Michaels.
Tim Brant also showcased versatility, serving as a college football analyst for CBS and ABC alongside legends like Jim Nantz and Keith Jackson. During his brief tenure at CBS from 1987 to 1990, he handled NFL play-by-play duties, often teaming with former NFL coach Hank Stram and Dan Jiggetts. Brant even covered NBA sidelines, a path shared by NFL analysts Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms, and Charles Davis on networks like NBC and TNT.
And this is the part most people miss: versatility in sports broadcasting isn’t just a bonus—it’s often essential for career longevity and success. But does this mean broadcasters should be jacks-of-all-trades or masters of one? What do you think? Should announcers specialize deeply in one role, or is adaptability the key to thriving in today’s fast-changing media landscape? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
