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Showing posts with label Voice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Voice. Show all posts

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Pat Summerall Remembered During Memorial Service As 'Voice Of The NFL'

PLANO, Texas -- Veteran sportscaster Pat Summerall was remembered Saturday during a memorial service as "the voice of the NFL" and a venerated figure who maintained a humble approach despite the praise his broadcast work received for decades.

Thousands gathered Saturday at a Baptist church just north of Dallas to pay tribute to a broadcaster who called some of the most memorable games in NFL history, and also was known for his coverage of Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the Masters golf tournament and other sporting events.

The former NFL kicker died Tuesday at age 82 of cardiac arrest at a Dallas hospital.

With his deep, resonant voice, Summerall called 16 Super Bowls and was the primary television play-by-play voice of the NFL.

Former NFL analyst John Madden said Saturday that his broadcast partner's steady presence made Summerall the voice of the league. Madden, once a fiery NFL coach, was seen by many as the storm alongside Summerall's calm. The two teamed for 22 years covering games for CBS and then more briefly for Fox.

"I got up this morning and I thought, `Pat, I need you,'" Madden told the mourners. "I couldn't get the tie straightened, a button buttoned. It was the same old thing."

Madden described his first year with Summerall in the broadcast booth in 1981 as riddled with confusion as the former coach struggled with the craft and fumbled with headsets and other equipment. But Summerall "didn't look down on me," he said.

"He didn't tell you he'd pull you through, he just damn did it," Madden said.

After talking at length, a despondent Madden looked upward.

"I know Pat's up there saying, `brevity, brevity, brevity.' But just one more time I'm going to talk over you," Madden said, before reminding the audience of the deep faith Summerall developed in his later years.

One of Summerall's sons, Kyle, said his father had battled alcoholism for years but with the help of his faith had kicked it aside.

Summerall often shared his testimony with Christian groups and told his story when speaking before other organizations. In his 2006 book, "Summerall: On and Off The Air," he frankly discussed his personal struggles and professional successes.

Saturday's memorial service was powered by a group of church singers, a choir more than 300 strong, and NFL Hall of Fame players including former Cowboys quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, ex-Dallas running back Emmitt Smith and former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin. Fullback Daryl Johnston was among other past Dallas players who also attended, along with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett.

Summerall, who spent his final years in the Dallas area, living in Southlake, was a member of the North Texas Super Bowl host committee for the game played there in February 2011 in the $1.1 billion Cowboys Stadium that opened in 2009.

Another of Summerall's sons, Jay, said his father made time for as many people as he could, no matter their lot in life. The elder Summerall often spent time answering fan mail, sending along autographed photos, and serving as an ambassador for the Betty Ford Center.

Summerall in 2004 received the liver of a 13-year-old junior high football player from Arkansas who died unexpectedly from an aneurysm, and Summerall had remained in touch the teenager's family.

"There was no big shot in him," Jay Summerall said.

Added Madden: "If there ever was a book about good guys, he'd be the star of that book."


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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

'The Voice' Ratings: NBC Wins Night, Rebounds In Key Demos

"The Voice" returned with strong ratings, boosting NBC to a win.

Preliminary "Voice" ratings have the series pulling in a 4.7 rating in the 18-49 demographic from 8-10:01 p.m. ET and 13.4 million viewers overall. The rating is up from the Season 3 premiere which had a 4.2 rating in September. However, the ratings were down compared to the Season 3 finale which had 14 million viewers and a 4.9 rating in December.

In the premiere, new coaches Shakira and Usher joined Adam Levine and Blake Shelton in the spinning red chairs for the blind auditions. "The Voice" was the No.1 show of the night across the networks.

"Revolution" returned with a new episode for the first time in four months, bringing in 7.2 million viewers and a 2.7 rating. The November finale of "Revolution" had a 2.9 ratings and 8.6 million viewers (not factoring in DVR viewership).

The solid return of "The Voice" and one of the season's success stories, "Revolution," is good news for the struggling Peacock network. During February sweeps, the network fell behind Spanish-language Univision in the 18-49 demo. The network previously reigned supreme in November, but when "The Voice" disappeared in December, so did NBC's ratings.

Time will tell if NBC retains this ratings momentum and if it will help the rest of the struggling lineup.

Watch "The Voice" on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and "Revolution" on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET.

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"666 Park Ave.," ABC Status: Canceled Why: ABC pulled the plug on this supernatural drama earlier in the season.

"The Bachelor," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: While ratings may have dropped, "The Bachelor" will likely see another season on ABC as tabloids and viewers still care about the comings and goings of contestants.

"Body of Proof," ABC Status: On the bubble Why: ABC is keen on this Dana Delany drama, but the ratings for this upcoming third season will be the true test.

"Castle," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed. Why: Strong ratings and a dedicated viewership will keep "Castle" on the schedule.

"Dancing With the Stars," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The series is hurting in the ratings ... by "DWTS" standards. It's still a strong player for ABC, but the new season hasn't premiered yet.

"Don't Trust The B---- In Apt. 23," ABC Status: Canceled Why: ABC pulled the low-rated comedy from it schedule and the stars took to Twitter to announce the cancellation.

"Family Tools," ABC Status: Too soon to tell Why: This ABC comedy has yet to debut, but a May 1 premiere date doesn't look great.

"Grey's Anatomy," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: America still loves McDreamy and the goings on at Seattle Grace. Expect "Grey's" to return.

"Happy Endings," ABC Status: On the bubble Why: Always the bubble show, never the surefire renewal hit. "Happy Endings" has suffered from many ratings ailments, including bad scheduling (it's moving to Friday night) and lack of promo. But this ahmahzing show has some serious fans that could keep it afloat for another season ... maybe on another network (a la "Cougar Town.")

"How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life)," ABC Status: Too soon to tell Why: The ABC comedy starring Sarah Chalke has yet to debut, but its late season bow doesn't exactly bode well for its future.

"Last Man Standing," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: Viewers still love Tim Allen! Paired with "Malibu Country," "Last Man Standing" has been performing well on Friday nights and will soon see Allen's "Home Improvement" co-star Jonathan Tyler Thomas.

"Last Resort," ABC Status: Canceled Why: ABC killed the Shawn Ryan drama in late 2012.

"Malibu Country," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: "Malibu Country" has been performing well on Friday nights. Lesson: Never underestimate the star power of Reba.

"The Middle," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: Now in its fourth season, "The Middle" is still pulling in more than 8 million viewers an episode as the anchor of ABC's Wednesday comedies.

"Mistresses," ABC Status: Too soon to tell Why: The drama, which is based on the UK series of the same name, just got a Monday, May 27 premiere date. Though the scheduling struggle doesn't bode well, the ABC drama does have Alyssa Milano and "Lost" alum Yunjin Kim leading the foursome.

"Modern Family," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: A fan favorite and Emmy darling, "Modern Family" will be back and will make ABC lots of money in syndication.

"Nashville," ABC Status: On the bubble Why: Critical acclaim doesn't always equate to rating success. The show has stabilized in Nielsen ratings, but its future really depends on the strength of ABC's drama pilots.

"The Neighbors," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: One of the few "hits" of the season, "The Neighbors" has found an audience and kept it pretty steadily week after week (much to our dismay).

"Once Upon a Time," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: A ratings hit in its second season, "Once Upon a Time" is almost sure to be back for a third season full of fairytale adventures.

"Private Practice," ABC Status: Ended Why: The "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff said goodbye in January 2013.

"Red Widow," ABC Status: Too soon to tell Why: The show has a late February debut on ABC.

"Revenge," ABC Status: On the bubble Why: "Revenge" has fallen out of critical favor and seen lower ratings in its new Sunday night home. But none of ABC's freshman dramas are doing well, so that works in the show's favor.

"Rookie Blue," ABC Status: Renewed Why: The Canadian co-production will return for a fourth season on ABC during the summer of 2013.

"Scandal," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: Shonda Rhimes has another hit on her hands. Now in its second season, "Scandal" has benefited from word-of-mouth and has been rising in the ratings (even recently beating out its lead in "Grey's Anatomy"). A likable star -- Kerry Washington -- and continued buzz will keep "Scandal" on the schedule.

"Suburgatory," ABC Status: On the bubble Why: The series started Season 2 off strong in the ratings, but its audience has slowly eroded. Its not the worst-performing ABC sitcom, but its buzziness has died down as well.

"Zero Hour," ABC Status: Canceled Why: The Anthony Edwards vehicle debuted to 6.3 million viewers with a 1.3 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, making it the least-watched premiere for a scripted series in ABC's history. Things only got worse from there.

"2 Broke Girls," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: It's not doing "The Big Bang Theory" numbers, but "2 Broke Girls" has maintained a viewership over its two seasons.

"The Amazing Race," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: As an Emmy and fan favorite, "The Amazing Race" has been a strong player for CBS.

"The Big Bang Theory," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: Now in its sixth season, "Big Bang" is reaching series-high ratings. Even up against reality powerhouse "American Idol," "The Big Bang Theory" has been delivering with crazy high numbers in the 18-49 demographic, beating out what was once Fox's juggernaut.

"Blue Bloods," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The Tom Selleck-fronted police drama is a strong ratings performer for CBS on Fridays. It will likely be back to help launch new Friday shows and produce enough episodes to enter syndication.

"Criminal Minds," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: As one of CBS's strong procedural players, the series has been steady in the ratings and will likely be renewed to help anchor a night and launch a new drama.

"CSI," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Of the two "CSI" shows on the air, "CSI" is the stronger player in the TV landscape. The show is nowhere near its earlier ratings, but Ted Danson signed on for more and the show will be back.

"CSI: NY," CBS Status: On the bubble Why: The spinoff series will be entering Season 10 in the 2013-2014 season. The ratings have faded over the years, but they're still pretty stable, especially for Fridays. It's a toss up, depending on how well CBS's development slate goes.

"Elementary," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: One of the very few freshman series hits during the 2012-2013 TV season, CBS is very keen on this modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes. The audience has been steady and the network even gave it the post-Super Bowl timeslot.

"Golden Boy," CBS Status: Too soon to tell Why: CBS certainly has a handsome star at the front of this cop drama, but its late season entry and Friday timeslot could be a hint toward CBS's confidence in the show.

"The Good Wife," CBS Status: On the bubble Why: A former ratings champ, "The Good Wife" has slipped to series low ratings on Sunday nights. Blame football overrun, fan-detested storylines or too many guest stars, but "The Good Wife" is certainly in the danger zone. What it has going for it: star power and critical praise, plus its nearing a good syndication sweet spot.

"Hawaii Five-0," CBSStatus: On the bubble Why: Its ratings -- bouncing around 8-10 million viewers an episode, are great ... if you're a show on NBC. By CBS standards, they're kind of meh, but this show has stars with very active fan followings. CBS could axe the drama to make room for new procedurals, or stick with it to get the show close to syndication gold.

"How I Met Your Mother," CBS Status: Renewed Why: CBS handed out a ninth and final season to this comedy with the entire cast returning. Expect to meet the mother, finally.

"Made In Jersey," CBS Status: Canceled Why: CBS pulled the plug on this legal drama very early on in the season because of low ratings.

"The Mentalist," CBS Status: On the bubble Why: "The Mentalist" has fallen to mediocre ratings -- by CBS standards -- and could be axed in favor of making room for a new drama.

"Mike & Molly," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The ratings are down a little bit from last year, but Melissa McCarthy's star continues to rise. CBS will likely bring the show back for another season.

"NCIS," CBS Status: Renewed Why: CBS reached a deal with series star Mark Harmon in early 2013, keeping the No. 1 show in America around for a Season 11.

"NCIS: LA," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: Viewers love their "NCIS," in any form. The ratings have been strong and the network is producing a backdoor spinoff pilot for this spinoff show. A full night of "NCIS" could be in CBS's future.

"Partners," CBS Status: Canceled Why: Low ratings and unfavorable reviews led to the early demise of this CBS comedy.

"Person of Interest," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The series has developed a nice-sized audience, bigger than its first season.

"Rules of Engagement," CBS Status: Honestly, who knows Why: This comedy has been on the bubble since it premiered ... yet is now in its seventh season. It's too soon to look at the numbers for this season, but the show has been a midseason success for CBS in the past. However, series co-star Patrick Warburton is attached to star in a new pilot ... for CBS.

"Survivor," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: A strong player for the last 13 years, "Survivor" will likely be back. But due to its most recent premiere ratings, we might not see it during the fall season, though a midseason or summer return -- with some new gimmick -- is definitely in the cards for the reality series.

"Two and a Half Men," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: CBS wants another season of this bawdy hit, it's just a matter of getting its stars to sign back on.

"Undercover Boss," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The show is enjoying life in syndication and its Season 4 numbers are better than most of its third season.

"Unforgettable," CBS Status: Uncanceled Why: CBS canceled the Poppy Montgomery drama last season ... and then revived it! Season 2 premieres Sunday, July 28.

"Vegas," CBS Status: On the bubble Why: Despite star power, the series hasn't been a breakout hit in the ratings. CBS previously canceled "Unforgettable" (then uncanceled it) last season when it was doing about the same as "Vegas."

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Saturday, January 19, 2013

A Local Voice Muted: Charlie Langton's WXYT-AM Morning Show To Be Replaced By Sports Radio

Charlie Langton isn't blaming his bosses, and neither should you.

If you want to blame his bosses' bosses, though, that's fine.

Somewhere in the upper reaches of a New York skyscraper, CBS Radio executives decided that what Detroit really needs is an all-sports station packed with syndicated hosts who don't know who's coaching third base for the Tigers, don't care, and are only marginally aware that Comerica Park actually has a third base.

Read the whole story at Detroit News


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