MediaMaven

Mariners announcer Aaron Goldsmith was handling play by play of the Fox game Saturday against Texas.  It was an early shutout for the Rangers, so food was brought into the booth to talk about for five minutes.  Aaron played along given the l grimace/smile on his face with partner A.J. Pierzynski. Oh well, gotta maintain interest at all costs.  

Well, with Lebron signing on to the 76ers stacked roster, and me being a big fan of the team, how about let's create a make-believe mix of current Seattle anchor talent and come up with our own teams of anchor all-stars.  Looking at experience, personality, credibility, etc. but it's all totally subjective.    Trying to picture these teams together on camera.   Please weigh in: WEEKDAY MORNING NEWS FIRST TEAM: Anchors, Jake Wittenberg, KING and Linzi Sheldon, KIRO Weather, Nick Allard, KIRO Traffic, Adam Gehrke, Fox 13 NOTE:  I really think this is very strong mix of personality and market knowledge SECOND TEAM: Anchors, Bill Wixey, Fox 13, Mimi Jung, KING  Weather, Brian MacMillan, Fox 13 Traffic, Shante Sumpter, KING NOTE:  I think having a stronger co-anchor like Jung would better complement Wixey and make the show much better than with the former weather wizard. NOTE:  KING's Rich Marriott is obviously the dean of a.m. weather, but I...

Some of you may remember the screen grabs I posted last month of KOMO's morning team of Holly Menino and newcomer Patrick Hussion, remarking on how they were not even close to being equal in height on two shots, a viewer on set with a small riser and better framing.   Well, at least the graphics department was paying attention, creating this pic which is obviously more correct but manipulated. You're welcome. 

  Fox 13 has the Seafair Torchlight Parade on Saturday at 7. We saw how badly they covered the Fireworks Show on July 4th, mailing it in with a cheap look and the wrong talent.   They have a chance to redeem themselves with the right staff hosting and covering along the parade route.  We shall see.  DVR set.  Insiders tell me the place is going downhill and fast.  Studio 13 a dead show walkin'.  More staff departures is common.  PS - looks like Lauren Helmbrecht has replaced Alyssa Charlston-Smith as #2 in sports to Aaron Levine.  No performance and on camera presence comparison, sorry.  

It's been quite a while since I posted a media interview here, so I thought I would dust off the delay and present a great conversation with Jen Mueller, who in weeks is heading into her 18th season as sideline reporter on Seahawks Radio.  She is a versatile, talented broadcaster, emcee, top-notch motivational speaker with a custom website and a chef extraordinare.    Enjoy and please offer feedback.   Thanks to all. 1. You've been missed on the Mariners games and All Access with the end of Root Sports.   How did you adjust to not being part of the broadcast team this season?     "It was actually my decision to step away.  I'm proud of all the years I spent with the broadcast and grateful for the moments, highlights, post-game interviews and Gatorade baths I was a part of.  It's special to be part of a sports community and television broadcast.  And I knew it was time for a new challenge and a chance to run my business, 'T...

A tip from a loyal reader says former KOMO reporter Mo Haider has left KTRK, the ABC in Houston.  Looks like the two year deal ended, one way or the other.  Here's a post from a Houston blogger: "As I wrap up my time at KTRK, I just wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to all of you," Haider wrote in the memo to the Eyewitness News staff.  "This is the strongest and most talented team I've ever worked with, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it. For as long as I can remember, this station has set the bar and the standard for local news. When I first arrived, it was easy to see why. I learned so much during my time here, and I credit all of you for that." Grass not greener?   Not sure on this one.

Joe Freeman, the Blazers beat writer at The Oregonian says Kevin Calabro has decided to leave the Portland team as its lead play-by-play man.  Here's the social media post: "Kevin Calabro tells me has decided to step away from Blazers broadcasting and will no longer call games for Portland.   Th e team and its veteran play-by-play man had been in discussions on a new contract, but he called the offers "subprime" and he has decided to move on."  Calabro is the beloved former Sonics announcer and says he will be looking for a new NBA role behind the mike.  He also did a stint on KIRO radio drive time afternoon sports talk way back in the day.  Calabro's comment:  “Easy decision. Not worth my time,” Calabro said. “Which is sad because it’s a great roster and the people there are great.” His decision comes after much maligned new owner Tom Dundon ousted four announcers Tuesday, including Neil Everett, who came over from ESPN L.A. and Michael Holton. A loya...