ESPN is launching a new podcast; Fox is going “Big” for its Noon college football coverage; Dave O’Brien is returning to ESPN with the ACC Network; Justin Kutcher is expected to replace Steve Buckhantz on Wizards games.
ESPN to launch podcast in October
ESPN announced Tuesday that it is launching a new daily podcast starting in October. Titled “The ESPN Daily,” the 18-25 minute podcast will focus in-depth on a single topic, whether an ongoing issue in sports or a breaking news story. While specific talent for the show has not been announced, the show will tap into ESPN’s pool of journalists and feature reporters. [ESPN PR 7.16]
Fox going “Big” for Noon games
Fox Sports is branding its Noon ET college football coverage as “Big Noon Saturday,” a reference both to the Big Ten and Big 12 games that will air in the window, and to the strategy of scheduling marquee games in that window. The network’s 11 AM ET pregame show, which includes the newcomer Urban Meyer, will also fall under the “Big Noon” banner. [Fox Sports PR 7.15]
Dave O’Brien returns to ESPN with ACC Network
Former ESPN play-by-play voice Dave O’Brien is returning to the company as the lead voice of college football games on ACC Network, it was announced Wednesday. O’Brien, who was included in ESPN’s massive talent layoffs two years ago, will work alongside analyst Tim Hasselbeck. He originally joined ESPN in 2002. [ESPN PR 7.17]
Kutcher expected to replace Buckhantz on Wizards games
Fox Sports broadcaster Justin Kutcher is expected to replace Steve Buckhantz as NBC Sports Washington’s Wizards play-by-play voice, the Washington Post reported Tuesday. Buckhantz’ contract expired at the end of last season, though he was not told until Tuesday night that he was being replaced, according to The Athletic. Kutcher would work alongside a rotation of Caron Butler and Drew Gooden. Kara Lawson, Buckhantz’ partner for the past two seasons, left to join the Boston Celtics coaching staff. [Washington Post 7.16; The Athletic 7.17]
