By April MacIntyre Apr 14, 2008, 23:31 GMT
ESPN's Colin Cowherd isn't dull, and that's one of the requirements it seems to win a successful radio or TV show that hashes sports and the colorful players that inhabit the world.
Colin Cowherd joined ESPN Radio in 2004 with the debut of The Herd, which airs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET weekdays, with a west coast-only hour airing from 6-7 a.m. Pacific.
The Herd features topical commentary on the day’s most important sports news, perspective on the top stories, interviews with the biggest newsmakers, and entertaining daily segments including “Spanning the Globe” and “Rants of the Day.”
"We work our tails off and take sports seriously, but can laugh at ourselves too,” Cowherd says.
“The Herd has a different sound and vibe, and we hope fans enjoy it. My goal has always been to produce the best show possible, and ESPN’s commitment and resources make this is a perfect fit."
Cowherd joined ESPN Radio from KFXX 910-AM “The Fan” in Portland, Ore. where he hosted the popular three-hour morning-drive program The Herd. He also anchored weeknight sports and “Sports Sunday” for KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8.
Controversy has shadowed Cowherd in his career, once charged with ripping off a blog - the M Zone - then the egregious error of not naming them as his source.
Other incidents have labeled the mouth of ESPN a sexist, an bit of an asshole and other to-the-point terms of endearment. All for good ratings.
Cowherd loves the Yankees, and apparently loves Duke basketball, and the Dallas Cowboys. The fans of Cowherd tell me they appreciate his straight-shooter, stripped down commentaries and get that all his harsh remarks make for great, entertaining radio.
I had a chance to ask Cowherd a few questions.
Who are always your consistently favorite interviewees and why?
Colin: People who are well versed on a variety of topics and make me think. Charles Barkley, and Reggie Miller are two that come to mind easily. And I always enjoy talking with Beano Cook...there's something inherently funny about a curmudgeon old guy.
What are the most difficult aspects of sharing some details of your divorce with the public? Does she still listen to the show?
Colin: My ex-wife didn't listen to the show prior to our divorce. It wasn't too hard to share the details...because I was being honest, which is something I to do every day.
Would you ever consider, a la Howard Stern, a move to satellite to have more conversational and topical latitude?
Colin: I'd consider anything.
I have a lot of male friends who want me to ask if Amanda is as hot as she sounds?
Colin: Yes, did you know she and Jessica Alba were actually twins?
Has Dan Patrick's move to mornings affected your ratings, or approach to your show?
Colin: We don't worry about other shows...we just worry about our own...try to inform, entertain and make people think.
What other sports radio shows do you make a point of listening to?
Colin: I generally don't listen to other sports radio shows.
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