You ask, we answer. The Post is fielding questions from readers about New York’s biggest pro sports teams and getting our beat writers & columnists to answer them in a series of regularly published mailbags. In today’s installment: sports media.
Looks like Ronde Barber is out at Fox (contract not renewed) so Kenny Albert will be getting a new partner this fall. Who gets the nod to work with this pro’s pro? — @msilvers1979
Let’s first deliver a little Mailbag news. After signing both Adam Amin and Emmanuel Acho from ESPN, Fox Sports is high on Jon Vilma as a game analyst, according to sources.
That said, ESPN wants to keep Vilma, where he has been a college football studio analyst on ABC’s top show. Vilma has strong credentials as a Super Bowl champion with the Saints and with the historically great 2001 NCAA champion Miami Hurricanes. His reputation was hurt in Bountygate — though, he ultimately successfully fought it.
Vilma may stay at ESPN, but he has emerged as an option at Fox. He may not end up working with Albert, but he’s a possibility for the network.
Who’s the top candidate to replace Charles Davis at Fox? It will probably be Greg Olsen after he’s done playing right? But in the short term who is it? — @NickPalazzolo5
If Fox were to sign Vilma, he would not be its No. 2. With Olsen, the long-term play as its second analyst, Fox will likely do a wait-and-see approach this season.
Let’s say the NFL plays, but college doesn’t or only some conferences go forward in the fall. Fox could look to Joel Klatt or Brock Huard as NFL additions for this season.
If college does play in full, then Fox could go with someone like Daryl Johnston or Chris Spielman in the No. 2 for this year.
Submit your questions on sports media issues to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
Even with the pandemic hurting their bottom line badly, do you see ABC possibly getting Sunday afternoon NFL games? — @sc5145
I’m not sure about “getting.” I do think “trying to get” will be in play when the NFL negotiates its next TV contracts. Disney would like ABC back in football.
Could it be ”Monday Night Football”? Yes. Could it be with a Sunday package, even going after CBS’? I think that is possible. Could the NFL create another set of games to keep everyone involved? I think you could see that. So no guarantees, but I think Disney/ABC/ESPN will make a serious run for more NFL games.
What the heck is going on with the SEC/ESPN contract? Is it more likely or less likely (ESPN) can buy out CBS’ remaining years now? — Steve Drouin
There was a lot of industry buzz about this possibility after ESPN took the main SEC deal from CBS, but that is still four seasons away. Though it is possible Disney/ESPN tries to buy out CBS/Viacom early, it seems a bit doubtful at this moment.
First off, I heard pushback that CBS would want to do it before the pandemic. Now, with Disney severely impacted by the virus, is it going to outlay the $200 million-$300 million in the near term to try to bring in the SEC sooner? Again, it is not impossible, but I don’t see it right now.
How come neither of the sports talk stations has an hour show devoted to just hockey? They could put in on Sunday morning or late at night. There’s three freakin’ hockey teams in New York area. I know I would listen. Splain. — @ericdavidlevy
This type of programming has nearly always been ignored by radio, but now podcasts are better forum for niche. If you want to drill in on a subject, then podcasts really allow you to pick the genre that you want. For hockey, we have one called “Up in the Blue Seats.” Try that out.