You ask, we answer. The Post raises questions from readers about the largest pro sports team in New York and asks our writers & columnists to answer them in a series of regularly published letter bags. In today’s installment: sports media.
It looks like Round Barber is out on Fox (the contract isn’t renewed) so Kenny Albert will get a new partner this fall. Who gets the nod to work with these pros? – @ msilvers1979
Let’s convey a little news about Mailbag. After signing Adam Amin and Emmanuel Acho from ESPN, Fox Sports really liked Jon Vilma as a game analyst, according to sources.
That said, ESPN wants to look after Vilma, where she has become a college football studio analyst at the ABC’s top event. Vilma has strong faith as the Super Bowl champion with the Saints and with the great 2001 NCAA champion, Miami Hurricanes. His reputation was injured at Bountygate – though, he finally managed to fight for it.
Vilma may live on ESPN, but he has appeared as an option on Fox. He may not end up working with Albert, but he is likely to network.
Who is the top candidate to replace Charles Davis on Fox? That will probably be Greg Olsen after he finishes playing right? But in the short term who is that? – @ NickPalazzolo5
If Fox signs Vilma, he won’t be number two. With Olsen, a long-term game as a second analyst, Fox is likely to approach waiting and seeing this season.
Let’s say the NFL plays a role, but college doesn’t or only a few conferences come forward in the fall. Fox can see Joel Klatt or Brock Huard as NFL additions to this season.
If college is full, then Fox can go with someone like Daryl Johnston or Chris Spielman in No. 2 for this year.
Send your questions about sports media issues to be answered in a future mail bag
Even with a pandemic that hurt their profits, do you see ABC might get an NFL game Sunday afternoon? – @ sc5145
I’m not sure about “getting.” I think “trying to get” will play a role when the NFL negotiates the next TV contract. Disney wants ABC to return to playing football.
Could it be “Monday Night Football”? Yes Is it possible with the Sunday package, even chasing CBS ‘? I think that’s possible. Can the NFL make another set of games to get everyone involved? I think you can see it. So there’s no guarantee, but I think Disney / ABC / ESPN will run seriously for more NFL games.
What happened to the SEC / ESPN contract? Is it more likely or less likely (ESPN) to be able to buy the rest of the CBS year now? – Steve Drouin
There was a lot of industry rumors about this possibility after ESPN took the main SEC deal from CBS, but that was still in four more seasons. Although maybe Disney / ESPN tried to buy CBS / Viacom earlier, it seems a bit doubtful at the moment.
First, I heard pushback that CBS wanted to do it before the pandemic. Now, with Disney heavily affected by the virus, is it going to spend $ 200 million- $ 300 million in the near future to try to bring the SEC faster? Again, this is not impossible, but I don’t see it now.
Why isn’t there a sports talk station that has an hour-long program devoted to hockey? They can enter on Sunday mornings or late at night. There are three freakin hockey teams in the New York area. I knew I would listen. Split up. – @ ericdavidlevy
This type of programming is almost always ignored by radio, but now podcasts are a better forum for the niche. If you want to browse the subject, then the podcast really allows you to choose the genre you want. For hockey, we have one called “In the Blue Chair.” Try it.
