'Daily News Live' to become 'Philly SportsTalk' in April
Farewell to the Daily News-branded sports show that has been on the air for 15 years.
'Daily News Live' to become 'Philly SportsTalk' in April
Molly Eichel, Daily News Staff Writer
Say farewell to "Daily News Live."
The sports talk show will change format next month, officially debuting as "Philly SportsTalk," powered by the Daily News, on April 8.
Other than dropping my beloved workplace from the title, "Philly SportsTalk" will have more, faster-paced segments, occasionally expanding beyond the world of sports to touch on major entertainment news, such as the Oscars. The show will also utilize new partnerships with NBC, bringing in their own radio and television personalities to discuss the events of the day. Comcast bought out General Electric’s 49 percent stake in NBCUniversal last month.
Some of the show that has been on air since Comcast SportsNet was born in 1997 will stay the same, such as host Michael Barkann. Daily News sportswriters will continue to make appearances but the show will no longer be held to the contractual 13 writers per week. Instead, around five writers will appear per week.
"For selfish reasons, I think we all wish it would continue," said Daily News columnist Rich Hofmann. "But at the same time, 15 years is a long run and I'm shocked it lasted that long because nothing lasts that long on television."
Hofmann said he was given no indication of whether his services would be required on "Philly SportsTalk."
The switch from newspaper-affiliated Comcast sports talk shows is not singular to the Philadelphia area. “Chicago Tribune Live” has already switched to “SportsTalk Live,” dropping the Chi-town broadsheet as a title sponsor.
"We have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with CSN," said Daily News Managing Editor Pat McLoone. “There are many people at CSN who I’d like to thank for that over the years and, of course, Michael Barkann, who has been there from Day One. We look forward to continuing that association for years to come on the new show."
"Say farewell to 'Daily News Live.'" What?
— b,ill a,tkins- ok— gosixers
- Hope it doesn't follow the PTI/Around the Horn model. Some topics are worth discussing for more than 90 seconds.— dawkins20d
- I already felt they cheapened the show when they chopped off 30 minutes. Somehow, I don't think I'll like this format better. Also, unless it's a sports movie, stick to sports. If I want opinions on the Oscars, Emmys or other news stories, I'll look for those experts elsewhere.— kmon
- Hmhmhm, the latest show about nothing bites the dust— EdWeirauch
- yes, that's why I tune into Comcast SportsNet...to hear talk about the Oscars...what else? LiLo...Ben Affleck and Leo hitting the town together? seriously, chalk up another station officially off the radar.— Shemp Howard
- Guess I'll be watching "Around the Horn" and PTI during this timeframe.— phillysub1
- Why is Barkan staying? That's the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Great show--would be even greater without him since he really knows nothing about the ins and outs of sports in the icty— marc.Ross66
- Nobody knows what this is and nobody cares.— phillyramper
- ...and I'm sure it will be the same lifeless dead horse of a show that it has always been. Barkann is a great tv host but he deserves better than this terrible show.— Ryan
- I dont know what I am going to do if i can not see Marcus Hayes' round head any more during dinner.
— BK Eskin - He has really gotten fat and still loves Andrew Bynum — Flyerdom
- fire Michael Barkann NOW— Flyerdom
- I watch it for the local sports commentary. I do not want TMZ mixed with my sports— SpeakPhilly.com
- I agree completely. Why would I want to hear about the Oscars on a sports network? This is sad news as a long time viewer, but it's also a sad trend in media. I miss the days when it went for 90 minutes. I was 11 when the show debuted and I learned so much about sports that I wouldn't have otherwise. — Cliffadelphia
