Buck | Dick Button | Mary Carillo | Mary Ellen Carlyle | Charlie
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN
The holidays are approaching and New York City is buzzing with decorations and crowds as everyone on the streets in a festive mood. But tonight, here at the 19th Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, we won’t need lights and decorations to be festive: we have each other as we celebrate the careers of 10 individuals who have made the sports TV industry better; not only as a business, but as a cultural powerhouse.
One of the fun things about tonight is how we get a chance to celebrate not only the wide world of sports but the wide range of skills it takes to make our industry so great. We have a technical director who cuts the cameras... a tremendous sideline reporter... an owner who understood the power of his team and sport to change the world... and visionaries like two production and operations executives who both shook up the world of sports and covered it, two key network executives who saw a new future, a technologist unlike any other, and two more on-air personalities who warmed the hearts of both viewers and coworkers alike.
So thank you for joining us to celebrate excellence and also make a difference as, once again, 100% of all of tonight’s table and ticket sales will go towards the SVG Sports Broadcasting Fund, which provides financial support to those in our industry who find themselves and their families in need due to illness, disaster, or other life-altering events.
And, above all, enjoy the evening.
Ken Aagaard
Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Chairman
TONIGHT’S HOST: SEAN MCMANUS
Sean McManus was named chairman, CBS Sports, in February 2011 overseeing all sports properties across all CBS Sports operations. He also served as executive producer of The NFL on CBS. He retired in 2024 .
McManus served concurrently as president, CBS News and Sports for more than five years prior to being named chairman. He was named president, CBS Sports, in November 1996 and president, CBS News, in October 2005 and is only the second person to hold both Division titles simultaneously; Roone Arledge held both at ABC from 1977-86.
McManus is a 22-time Emmy Award-winner. In December 2016, he was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s list of The 35 Most Powerful People in Media and also was honored with the Legacy Award at the Cynopsis Sports Media Awards. And in 2010, McManus was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.
PRODUCED
BY
19 West 21st Street, Suite 301
New York, NY 10010
Tel: 646-205-1810
www.sportsvideo.org
Chairman and Executive Producer
Ken Aagaard
Show Producer Michael Goldman
Producer Ken Kerschbaumer
Stage Manager Greg Fox
Video Producer/Coordinator David Beld
Engineering
Justin Duffy and Michael Napoli
Bexel / NEP Project Managers
Andrea Rosenkrans and Nick Teti
Graphics Operator Thom Paris
Prompting Operator
Meghan Prendergast Tyler | CueScript
Tape Operator Dan Tolbert
VO Talent Colin Cosell
Production / Talent Coordinator
Alyssa Goldman
PA / Music Editor Mike Taylor
Event Manager & Table Sales Carrie Bowden
Editorial
Ken Kerschbaumer, Jason Dachman, Brandon Costa, Kristian Hernández, Samantha Gabay, Dave Barron, and Susan Qualtrough
Production & Marketing Services
Karen Hogan Ketchum, Alicia Hopkins, Andrew Lippe, Taylor Cataneo, and Tiffany Challenger
Art Director Riva Danzig
Sponsorship
Rob Payne, Andrew Gabel, Jack Bluestine, and Dylan Davidson
Event Operations Director Cris Ernst
Thank you to these partners for providing video-footage support: CBS Sports, Dallas Cowboys, ESPN, Fox Sports, SNY, Sony, and Turner Sports
Adamo’s 40-year career is defined by innovation and strategic leadership as he advanced technologies into live production and transformed the way audiences engage with sports. His expertise has been pivotal in major broadcasts, including four Olympic Games (Moscow, Seoul, Barcelona, and Salt Lake City), 13 Super Bowls, 12 years of Wimbledon and the French Open, premier College Bowl Games, and much more. After establishing his career at NBC Sports, Adamo held leadership roles with the NHL, New Jersey Devils, the NFL, and The Switch Production Services.
GLENN ADAMO
Glenn Adamo has been a friend and mentor to me for 40+ years. In that time I have been fortunate to witness his leadership, creativity, innovation, and ability to motivate others. He always leads by example and with kindness. Glenn is the best of professional competence, integrity, and warmth. He is a person of extraordinary talent who impacts whichever organization he is a part of as well as so many of his colleagues who have been lucky enough to work with him. Congratulations Glenn on this well deserved honor and recognition. You truly are a Hall of Famer!
– Patti Fallick, USTA
With over 40 years of remarkable achievement in sports broadcasting, there may be no more worthy inductee into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame than Glenn Adamo. Glenn was one of my first hires at the NHL three decades ago. He’s also had a distinguished career at NBC and the NFL. There’s nobody who understands sports broadcasting and can produce the way Glenn does.
– Gary Bettman, NHL and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Glenn was a true champion of innovation. At every turn, he encouraged us at Fletcher Sports to push creative boundaries, even if meant slightly blocking a few sightlines. Without his vision and support, many of our pioneering camera angles would never have been realized. He instinctively knew great storytelling came from great images, and he fought for it every time.
–Tom Fletcher, FUJIFILM and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Glenn Adamo certainly had an impact at the NFL while he oversaw network operations in the launch of NFL Network. Among his many achievements was the management of the start-up of the Thursday Night Football package, which grew into one of the league’s premiere holdings. He also hired great people and I am pleased to be among the team who worked closely with him day to day.
– Dave Shaw, NFL (Ret.)
I can only smile when I recall how I was asked to host the NHL on Fox a number of years ago. One of the first people to help me get up-to-speed was Glenn Adamo and while no one would confuse me with the second coming of Willie O’Ree, Glenn made sure I had a sound understanding of the game. That same help-oriented attitude characterizes the unselfishness he showed in helping dozens of NFL players prepare for careers in TV. Glenn was the CONSUMMATE TEAMMATE!
– James Brown, CBS Sports and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
CHAIRMAN
SPORTS BROADCASTING
Ken Aagaard, Hall of Famer
VOTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Michael Aagaard
Rick Abbott, TENFOLD
Adam Acone
Chip Adams, NBC Olympics
Marv Albert, Hall of Famer
Fred Aldous, Hall of Famer
Ricky Anderson, PGA Tour Studios
Steve Anderson, Hall of Famer
Katina Arnold, ESPN
Mike Arnold, CBS Sports
Dave Barry, NBA
Lance Barrow, Hall of Famer
Steve Beim
Chris Berman, ESPN and Hall of Famer
Craig Bernstein, NBC Sports
Andrea Berry, Telemundo and Hall of Famer
David Berson, CBS Sports
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner and Hall of Famer
Steve Bornstein, Hall of Famer
Onnie Bose, NFL
Tim Brosnan, PrimeSport
Chris Brown, WBD
Garrett Brown, Hall of Famer
James Brown, CBS Sports and Hall of Famer
Harold Bryant, CBS Sports
Dan Butterly, The Big West
Chris Calcinari, ESPN
Kevin Callahan, Fox Sports
Tim Canary, NBC Sports
Mary Carillo, Hall of Famer
Barney Carleton, NBA
Charlie Carlucci, Hall of Famer
Mary Ellen Carlyle, Dome Productions and Hall of Famer
Brad Cheney, Fox Sports
Dennis Cleary, ESPN
Michael Cohen, United Soccer League
Jason Cohen, CBS Sports
Joseph Cohen, The Switch and Hall of Famer
Don Colantonio
Cris Collinsworth, NBC Sports and Hall of Famer
Michael Connelly
Christopher Connolly, NBC Sports
Rod Conti, Fox Sports
Greg Coppa, CBS Sports
Rick Cordella, NBC Sports
Don Cornelli, Hall of Famer
Rob Correa, CBS Sports
Bob Costas, Hall of Famer
Michael Davies, Fox Sports
Scott Davis, CBS Sports
Jim Defillippis
Ed Delaney
Donna de Varona
Todd Donovan, NBC Olympics
Jed Drake
Michael Drazin, Amazon Prime Video
Stephanie Druley
David Dukes
Dick Ebersol, Hall of Famer
Mike “Doc” Emrick, Hall of Famer
COMMITEE
Drew Esocoff, NBC Sports and Hall of Famer
Patti Fallick, USTA
Craig Farrell
Zac Fields, Fox Sports
John Filippelli, YES Network and Hall of Famer
Davey Finch, Hall of Famer
Bob Fishman, Hall of Famer
Lee Fitting, WWE
Bill Fitts, Hall of Famer
Tom Fletcher, Fujinon and Hall of Famer
Sam Flood, NBC Sports
Michael Francis, Amazon Prime Video
Jon Freedman, PGA Tour Studios
Hugo Gaggioni, Sony and Hall of Famer
Fred Gaudelli, NBC Sports and Hall of Famer
John Gonzalez
Ken Goss, NBC Sports
Curt Gowdy, Jr.
Ross Greenburg, Hall of Famer
Mark Gross, ESPN
Tom Guidice, MLB Network
Bryant Gumbel, Hall of Famer
Mark Haden
Gordon Hall, Showtime
Eric Handler, YES Network
Rob Hedrick, NHL
Steve Hellmuth, NBA and Hall of Famer
David Hill, Hall of Famer
Barry Hogenaur
Stan Honey, Hall of Famer
Deb Honkus, NEP Group and Hall of Famer
George Hoover, Hall of Famer
Greg Hopfe, PGA Tour Studios
Keith Horstman, NHL
Jeff Jacobs, NEP
Evelyn Jackson, CBS Sports
Darryl Jefferson, NBC Olympics
Ernie Johnson, Hall of Famer
Andrea Joyce, Hall of Famer
Howard Katz, NFL and Hall of Famer
Artie Kempner, Fox Sports
Ken Kerschbaumer, Sports Video Group
Andrea Kremer, Hall of Famer
John Lachance, ESPN
Kevin Landy, USGA
Chris LaPlaca
Peter Larsson, Hall of Famer
Mark Lazarus, Versant Media and Hall of Famer
John Leland
Glen Levine, NEP Group
David Levy, Horizon Sports and Experiences
Bob Ley, ESPN and Hall of Famer
Louis Libin, Broadcomm
Mark Loomis
Verne Lundquist, Hall of Famer
Burke Magnus, ESPN
Geoff Mason, Hall of Famer
David Mazza, NBC Olympics and Hall of Famer
Mike McCarley, TMRW Golf
Rob McGlarry, MLB Network
Sean McManus, Hall of Famer
Tom McShane
Mike Meehan, NBC Sports
Larry Meyers
Sarita Meinking, Fox Sports
Al Michaels, Amazon Prime and Hall of Famer
Gene Mikell, Fox Sports and Hall of Famer
Steve Milton
Ken Miller, Amazon Prime Video
Jim Nantz, CBS Sports and Hall of Famer
Grant Nodine, NHL
Deanna O’Toole, CBS Sports
Sal Paolantonio, ESPN
Tony Petitti, Big Ten Conference
Neal Pilson, Hall of Famer
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN
Patty Power, CBS Sports
Bill Raftery, CBS Sports and Hall of Famer
Mike Raimondo, PGA Tour Studios
Jamie Reynolds
Linda Rheinstein, Space Games Federation and Hall of Famer
Jimmy Roberts, NBC Sports
Robin Roberts, ABC and Hall of Famer
John Roché, NEP Group and Hall of Famer
Larry Rogers, First In TV
Mike Rokosa
Amy Rosenfeld, NBC Olympics
Tommy Roy, NBC Sports
Oscar Sanchez, FIFA
Tom Sahara, Quintar and Hall of Famer
Jeremy Schaap, ESPN
David Schaefer, MSG Networks
Ted Shaker
Eric Shanks, Fox Sports
Bruce Shapiro
Dave Shaw
Deena Sheldon, Hall of Famer
John Skipper
Craig Silver, NBC Sports
Jon Slobotkin, NBC Sports Regional Networks
Suzanne Smith, CBS Sports
Molly Solomon, NBC Olympics
Jerry Steinberg, Hall of Famer
Susan Stone
Steve Stum, NASCAR
Garrett Sullivan, Game Creek Video
Pat Sullivan, Game Creek Video and Hall of Famer
Tina Thornton, ESPN
Larry Thorpe, Hall of Famer
Bob Toms, ESPN
Jacob Ullman, Fox Sports
Chris Vassalo, NFL
Lesley Visser, Hall of Famer
Leslie Anne Wade
John A. Walsh, Hall of Famer
John Ward, Amazon Prime Video
Mike Webb, YES Network
Eric Weinberger, Bleav
Michael Weisman, Hall of Famer
Darrell Wenhardt, CBT and H
Mike Werteen, NEP Group
John Wildhack, Syracuse University
Doug Wilson, Hall of Famer
Ken Woo, Hall of Famer
Cathy Yancy, NFL
Jeff Zachary, Hall of Famer
Gary Zenkel, NBC Olympics
Corso was one of college football’s signature voices and a member of ESPN’s nine-time Emmy-Award winning College GameDay Saturday morning pregame show. He retired after spending nearly four decades as one of the few bigger-than-life broadcast personalities who was seen as an authentic and fun on-air commentator. He was a constant in ESPN’s coverage, including countless national championships and other major college football events. Corso joined ESPN in 1987 and was College GameDay’s only remaining original on-air personality when he retired (He was a contributor in 1987-88 and joined as a full-time analyst in 1989).
LEE CORSO
It has been among the greatest joys and privileges of my life to work with, laugh with, and learn from Lee Corso for more than 35 incredible years. His courage and resilience have inspired millions. Through his groundbreaking work on College GameDay, Lee has been an indelible force in the growth of college football’s popularity. He’s a born entertainer and singular television talent. But at his heart he’ll always be a coach, with an abiding love and respect for the game and the people who play it.
– Chris Fowler, ESPN
For any of us who had the honor of working with Lee — we were given a master class. He was a reminder that this was serious business but it was also fun and entertainment. His life lessons will stay with me for ever. I cherish the many days spent being coached by Coach Corso.
– Mike Tirico, NBC Sports
Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we’re all lucky to have been around to witness it. He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he’s been like a second father to me. It was my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week.
– Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN
Lee is the quintessential entertainer, but he was also a remarkable coach who established lifelong connections with his players. Every week, Lee asked about our families. He asked for specifics. He celebrated success and moments, big and small, with all of us on the set. He’s relentless in his encouragement. That’s what a great coach, and friend, does. Lee made it his life’s work to bring joy to others on the field and on television. He succeeded.
– Rece Davis, ESPN
Lee Corso developed a special connection to generations of fans through his entertaining style and iconic headgear picks. He is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football.
– Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN
He’s on the Mount Rushmore, as far as TV personalities and their influence on football.
– Desmond Howard, ESPN
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
CONGRATULATIONS CURT GOWDY JR.
2025 SPORTS BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
SNY PROUDLY CONGRATULATES CURT GOWDY JR. ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE SPORTS BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME.
Gowdy’s illustrious sports broadcasting career spanned over 46 years. During his initial 29-year tenure at ABC Sports, he held the position of Senior Coordinating Producer for ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Gowdy’s impressive portfolio includes producing and overseeing three World Series broadcasts and integral roles in the production of four Summer and Winter Olympics; Super Bowl pre, half, and post games; and more. In 2005, Gowdy embraced joined a group to launch the premier regional sports network, SNY, where he would serve as SVP of Production and Executive Producer for 17 years.
CURT GOWDY, JR.
I loved working with Curt. He was always thoroughly prepared and in the business of live television, where everything often goes at warp speed, Curt always met the moment. Maybe best of all, the entire production crew was treated with the utmost respect when Curt was in the producer’s chair and they paid him back with their absolute best work. He made everyone around him better.
– Al Michaels, Amazon Prime Video and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Both Curt and I had the blessing and curse to follow our legendary dads into this industry. Curt excelled on his own merits, took the lessons learned from his dad and carved out a Hall of Fame career. I know that Curt, Sr. is looking down with pride on what Curt has accomplished, not only as a producer, but much more importantly, as a man.
– Sean McManus, CBS Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
For every broadcast, Curt had a vivid sense of place, of importance and the stories that needed to be told, and he was a celebration of compassion over cynicism.
– Lesley Visser, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Curt and I worked together at ABC Sports during the 1990’s... and simply put, he made everything he produced and everybody he worked with better. So, when I was hired in 2005 to launch SNY, there really was only one executive producer I wanted as my creative partner: Curt Gowdy, Jr. – Jon Litner, YES Network
I will always be grateful that when I arrived at ABC Sports as a young announcer, Curt Gowdy, Jr. was there to help teach me the craft. It was Curt, more than anyone else, who taught me the importance of storytelling, conveying the excitement of the arena to the viewer and sports journalism.
– Terry Gannon, NBC Sports
I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be here today without Curt Gowdy, Jr. and that’s not hyperbole at all. Having him kind of put his arm around me and guide me was a pretty big deal as a young broadcaster [and] provided me an early avenue to succeed.
– Kevin Burkhardt, Fox Sports
As SNY’s first head of production, Curt made an indelible mark on SNY that continues to endure. More importantly, Curt is a first-class person in every respect.
– Steve Raab, SNY
After a storied career at ABC, Curt Gowdy, Jr. erected SNY from scratch. Never shy to take a chance, he built an award-winning network, while maintaining a relentlessly affable presence. Curt has cemented his place in the television sports pantheon.
– Gary Cohen, SNY
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
Class of 2025
Glenn Adamo Lee Corso Curt Gowdy, Jr. Greg Gumbel Marc Herklotz
Jerry Jones Hiroshi Kiriyama David Levy Pam Oliver Bill Rasmussen
Gumbel was one of the most respected personalities in the business and did it all. He was the first network broadcaster to call playby-play and host a Super Bowl in the same year (twice); spent six years as lead play-by-play for CBS NFL coverage alongside Phil Simms; hosted The NFL Today and CBS Sports March Madness coverage; called NBA games for both CBS and NBC; served as primetime anchor of CBS coverage of the 1994 Olympic Games; and for 24 consecutive seasons as studio host of CBS Sports coverage of the NCAA Men’s basketball championship.
GREG GUMBEL
Greg was as gifted a talent as I’ve ever met. He was versatile, insightful, team-oriented, and asked all of the right questions. His sense of humor was second-to-none. His gifts were wrapped in the person of one of the most caring professionals in the business.
– James Brown, CBS Sports and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Greg was an inspiration in so many ways. His versatility made him a perfect fit in every role. He was the definition of the consummate sportscaster. Greg’s mere presence raised the level of every event and every person who worked beside him.
– Mike Tirico, NBC Sports
When we brought the NFL to CBS in 1998, number one on my list for talent was Greg. His silky smooth delivery in both the studio and booth was second to none. And man did he deliver.
– Sean McManus, CBS Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
He listened to everything that was said on the set. Before he even opened his mouth, just from looking at him, you knew you were watching a friend, someone you could trust. You enjoyed spending time with him. When you’re in our seat, that’s two-thirds of the battle. He put a stake in the ground for us at ESPN.
– Chris Berman, ESPN and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. His presence was reassuring, his demeanor always gracious, and his impact immeasurable.
– David Berson, CBS Sports
Greg taught me how to do the studio. I asked a lot of questions. I was loud and crazy and over the top, and he would tell me ‘This is good, but you may not want to go there.’ He was the rudder, and everyone leaned on him.
– Terry Bradshaw, Fox Sports and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Greg helped me with everything in work and life. He was my hero and my best friend.
– Seth Davis, CBS Sports and Hoops HQ
He was your partner. He was your anchor. And what you saw from Greg on the air is what you would encounter off the air.
– Clark Kellogg, CBS Sports
I’ve always heard that the camera never lies. The camera said that Greg Gumbel is a great person, a wonderful guy, and someone that you feel comfortable being around. And that is precisely who he was.
– Jim Nantz, CBS Sports and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Being with Greg was always easy, always fun. It felt like being home.
– Lesley Visser, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
As Technical Director, Herklotz made significant contributions to sports broadcasting, particularly at ESPN, where he pioneered key technical elements such as the network-wide replay wipe in the mid-90s, a feature that became a hallmark of ESPN’s broadcast style. He also helped establish standards for delivering animation elements to technical directors in remote production settings, shaping the execution of broadcasts across the network. His work set the foundation for many of ESPN’s technical advancements. Herklotz’s career at ESPN spanned from 1989 to 2019, where he served as the TD for numerous highprofile sports events.
MARC HERKLOTZ
When Marc came to ESPN’s Sunday Night Football we didn’t have the type of design & art departments that are commonplace in today’s production. We trusted him to design all the wipes, effects, and transitions for our show. There weren’t many TDs who could combine the artistic with the technical and he was elite at that. On the air he was unflappable. Almost every show was executed flawlessly. Herky had massive talent and a cool temperament, and I’m proud to have been his teammate. Unquestionably he is most deserving of this honor.
– Fred Gaudelli, Amazon Prime Video and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Marc was so much more than just an exceptional TD. He was technically superb, but he also was an amazingly intelligent sports fan. His knowledge of the sports that we covered together made his TD skills that much more important to the final product. I knew I could always count on him to be ready for anything. And I can’t overstate the importance of working beside such a dear friend. Marc is special in so many ways. I feel very lucky to have been able to be a part of his team. Love that guy. Oh, and creatively I don’t think there is anyone in the industry that can top him. He’s an artist.
– Marc Payton, ESPN and
HBO (Ret.)
When Marc was a rookie freshman at Morehead State University and I was a seasoned junior, I nursed him through his first fraternity party hangover by passing a bottle of Midol and a can of Coke through his dorm room window. I think that was the beginning of our unique and wonderful relationship as siblings-becoming-best-friends. My first clue that Marc was an exceptionally good technical director was at a party he threw at his house for the ESPN crew who were in town for a Bengals game. Each person I met assured me that Marc was the best they had ever worked with, that he was respected and beloved by everyone. I heard the same things at each crew party thereafter.
– Chris Gary Huninghake, Big Sister
For over 30 years, Marc had an incredible impact on ESPN’s most important game productions. His technical knowledge across all areas of the remote environment, combined with his creativity and care for his teammates, made him an in-demand TD and leader for our production teams. He helped define ESPN’s high production values in those early days and is so deserving of this honor.
– Chris Calcinari, ESPN
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
THE
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
CONGRATULATES THE 2025 SPORTS BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME CLASS
JERRY JONES
Dallas Cowboys Owner
GLENN ADAMO
LEE CORSO
CURT GOWDY, JR.
GREG GUMBEL
MARC HERKLOTZ
HIROSHI KIRIYAMA
DAVID LEVY
PAM OLIVER
BILL RASMUSSEN
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Glenn Adamo
Lee Corso
Curt Gowdy, Jr.
Greg Gumbel
Marc Herklotz
David Levy
Pam Oliver
Jerry Jones
Hiroshi Kiriyama
Bill Rasmussen
Jones is front and center as the owner of the Dallas Cowboys but, when it comes to sports TV, his impact behind the scenes helped make the NFL a powerhouse. Without Jones, it is possible that the league, its relationship with TV networks, and the role it plays in the broader sports landscape would be very, very different. On the league front, Jones actively contributes his vision and enthusiasm to enhancing the NFL’s status as the world’s premier professional sports league by serving on a wide range of league committees. In his 34-year career, Jones has worked on 15 different NFL ownership committees.
JERRY JONES
Jerry has been as important a figure for the league as any I’ve seen in the last 24 years.
– Al Michaels, Amazon Prime Video and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
I think it’s fair to say that few have been more central to the growth on the NFL in the last 30 years than Jerry. Whether its been the explosive growth of the broadcast agreements, the marketing of the league or simply the overall position that the NFL has assumed in our culture, no one has contributed more to that than Jerry Jones. And he still runs America’s team as a labor of love. There is no one like Jerry Jones.
– Sean McManus, CBS Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
He has been the best thing that ever happened to the NFL. He had a vision, and he never accepts the status quo. He always wants to know ‘why,’ and he won’t rest until he finds out.
– David Hill, Fox Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Throughout his time in the NFL, Jerry recognized the value of NFL content as a sport but also entertainment. He has been a driving force and helped position the NFL as the most valuable programming to our existing and new partners. Jerry has always challenged everyone in the NFL to think big and bold. This has helped shape our agreements with broadcast partners but also enabled us to look ahead to meet our fans where they are, with new platforms.
– Roger Goodell, NFL and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
The marketing and promotional genius of Jerry Jones pushed NFL broadcast partners to think bigger and to aggressively innovate, striving to deliver the highest quality to serve and grow NFL audiences.
– Mark Lazarus, Versant and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fam
He is like a father figure to me in a lot of ways, and he’s been there for me through thick and thin. He’s someone that when he says [something], you can go ahead and bank on it.
–Tony Romo, CBS Sports
He’s meant a lot to our game. The prosperity of our league in large part, if you had to single one person, you would single Jerry Jones as the guy who’s responsible.
– Troy Aikman, ESPN
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
PROUD TO SUPPORT
SVG Hall of Fame
If you ever relied on a Sony HDCAM-SR VTR or Sony camera with 4K 3-CCD sensors or Venice, you have Kiriyama — the recently retired CTO of Sony’s Professional Division — to thank, as he played lead engineering roles in their development. Kiriyama joined Sony in 1982. He moved quickly from a mechanical engineer in the telecine division to Sony’s critical VTR segment. As the lead engineer, he developed the industry standard HDCAMSR VTR. The success of that platform led Sony to promote Kiriyama to lead the entire broadcast and production division of the Sony Corporation.
HIROSHI KIRIYAMA
Mr. Kiriyama is a great listener and a better responder. When we showed him 6x slow motion video of a bat hitting a baseball, he instantly recognized the importance of super slow motion as a production tool. Within months, Sony was marketing the HDC 4300. Soon after came the HDC 5500, and the HDC 4800. All landmark products that advanced the art of storytelling through spectacular video.
–
Pat
Sullivan, Game Creek Video and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Throughout his career, Kiriyama-san has been a mentor, visionary, and expert, consistently anticipating the needs of our customers and leading our media business forward. His creativity and dedication have left an enduring mark on Sony and the industry.
– Neal Manowitz, Sony North America
Kiriyama’s vision and contributions to broadcast TV technology are immeasurable. Every day sports fans throughout the world enjoy the fruits of Kiri’s work.
– Greg Coppa, CBS Sports
I have known Mr. Kiriyama for many years at Sony. He developed strong communication with our customers and a deep understanding of their technical requirements. He was ultimately the Sony leader who quickly translated their technical dreams into successful products and workflows for their sports and live production applications.
– Hugo Gaggioni, Sony and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Kiriyama-san’s name is synonymous with numerous revolutionary products and innovations in the imaging space that literally changed the game for those in sports and live production. I’m honored to see him deservedly recognized among such esteemed individuals and celebrated for his fierce passion and commitment to transforming the industry.
– Theresa Alesso, Sony
Kiriyama-san has been the mentor of our career. He showed us the importance of engaging with customers. He showed us how we should not give in and keep on trying until we get to where we need to be. – Mr. Masakazu Murata, Sony
Kiriyama took “voice of the customer” very seriously. He would come to Stamford, New York, or the Olympic sites to observe and learn in great detail what we were trying to accomplish, and the circumstances we were up against. There are so many subtleties in the broadcast industry that take a tremendous amount of finesse to get them right. Kiri was incredibly adept at getting them right.
– Dave Mazza, NBC Sports and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE SPORTS BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2025 INDUCTEES
Glenn Adamo
Lee Corso
Curt Gowdy, Jr.
Greg Gumbel
Marc Herklotz
Jerry Jones
Hiroshi Kiriyama
David Levy
Pam Oliver
Bill Rasmussen
CONGRATULATIONS KIRIYAMA!
We applaud you on this prestigious honor, which acknowledges your incredible achievements and valuable contributions to production. From pioneering the industry-standard HDCAM-SR VTR to leading the development of Sony’s groundbreaking HDC-4300 flagship system camera and critical evaluation monitors, to supporting the launch of the VENICE cinematic cameras, your legacy and commitment to innovation undoubtedly shaped Sony’s and broadcast’s past, present, and future. Your influence continues to inspire and guide us and moves the industry.
We at Sony celebrate you on your well-deserved induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame alongside such esteemed industry colleagues.
David Levy
Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee
Co-CEO at Horizon Sports & Experiences
Syracuse University Alumnus
Congratulations, David. From steering iconic brands to orchestrating landmark deals, you have been the architect of modern sports broadcasting. Congratulations to a true visionary whose innovative spirit continues to shape the future of sports media!
From all your friends and fans at the David B. Falk College of Sport and on the Falk College of Sport Advisory Board, thank you
As Former President of Turner, Levy oversaw Turner’s leading portfolio of domestic entertainment, sports, kids and young adult networks and businesses, including Turner Sports, Bleacher Reporter, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, truTV, and Turner Classic Movies. He also led Turner’s two domestic revenue divisions — ad sales and distribution.
During his 30-year tenure at Turner, Levy assumed executive oversight for increased investment in original premium content across the portfolio. Levy currently serves as the co-CEO and founder of Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E).
DAVID LEVY
Few people can excel in our industry and be a tough but fair dealmaker, a creative programmer, an accomplished salesman, possess a keen eye for production, be groomer of talent, and a showman! But David has been all of that and more.
– Sean McManus, CBS Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
David was the key architect of Turner Sports. With a bold unprecedented commitment exceeding $30 billion, he brought NCAA March Madness and the NBA to become a central feature of Turner networks, which was the key to Turner’s overall success. David’s role in transforming Turner’s affiliate and advertising partnerships while running down the highway, makes him our MVP.
– Jeff Bewkes, Time Warner (Ret.)
David was a driving force behind the growth of the NBA as he pushed the envelope around the marketing and production of our games and promoted the league on newly-emerging digital platforms. David is a visionary media executive. He helped build Turner Sports into an industry powerhouse, and I can’t think of many people over the past 30 years who have done more to elevate the sports media business than David. – Adam Silver, NBA
Drafting David to launch HSE was like drafting Michael Jordan to be on your basketball team. Winning track record, major following, excels at what he does best, and amazing team player. David is a Hall of Famer because he always goes the extra mile. His legacy is about trust, transparency, and partnership, as well as innovation in creating and developing the future of all things sports.
– Bill Koenigsberg, Horizon Media
There are very few true visionaries in our industry. Many claim the title but only a handful of individuals meet the criteria. David is a visionary… a progressive thinker and risk taker who devotes his attention and experience to what’s next. He has an acute understanding of the impact of being first and if you take that for granted you will be left behind. This philosophy drives creative innovation and moves the entire industry forward. – Craig Barry, TNT Sports
David Levy had a tremendous ability to spot talent, both in front of the camera, and behind the camera… once he chose you to work on a project, he never micromanaged you… it led to incredible creativity from the employees who worked under him. –Tim Kiely, TNT Sports
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
FOX Sports Proudly Congratulates
Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Inductee
PAM OLIVER
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT AND FOX NFL REPORTER
And Cheers to the Entire Class of 2025
Fox Sports Senior Correspondent and NFL Reporter Oliver is celebrated as a trailblazer in the sports media landscape. She has long been recognized as one of the premier sports reporters on network television and is the longest tenured NFL sideline reporter. With widespread respect and admiration across the industry, her straightforward and candid interviewing style consistently delivers topical and substantive reports. Her reporting expertise also extended to the NBA, college, and women’s sports. Prior to Fox, she was an ESPN reporter.
PAM OLIVER
When I was asked to join the Voting Committee for the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, I inquired as to what the criteria would be to merit Hall of Fame inclusion. I was told, qualities like consistency, longevity, someone who has paved the way for others as a trailblazer. Pam epitomizes those qualities. I have seen young reporters in awe when they meet her since they grew up watching her and wanting to be her, and then even more impressed when they see that she is as down to earth as can be.
– Andrea Kremer, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Pam has been on the front lines for decades, with a quiet grace and an easy rapport with both players and coaches, who treat her with immense respect.
– Lesley Visser, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Pam Oliver singlehandedly raised the status of the NFL sideline reporter from cliched comments to a vital part of the broadcast team, with a razor-sharp journalistic incisiveness which opened up a whole new dimension of the game.
– David Hill, Fox Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
She’s the first lady of football. She’s The O.G. – Lisa Salters, ESPN She’s an unbelievable teammate. The amount of times she’ll share her best information and her best little nugget, and she wants you to be the one to say it on air and you get the credit, but it was really Pam’s hard work or the little nugget she got in an interview or something on the sideline. She’s just the ultimate teammate.
– Greg Olsen, Fox Sports
Whenever you sat down with Pam, you were guaranteed you’re getting fairness. I think that’s the best way to put it. You’re getting someone who’s fair, someone with honesty, someone you can trust, someone who’s going to challenge you.
– Michael Strahan, Fox Sports
I can’t tell you how many people we’ve hired in the last 32 years that say they want to be Pam Oliver. When we started Fox Sports, we said it’s the same game, new attitude. That’s exactly what Pam brought to telling stories on the sideline — that energy and that quality and that kind of journalistic gear we didn’t know we were going to have, but Pam brought it. – Eric Shanks, Fox Sports Pam is just important to everybody. Her legacy. Her longevity. All women, all reporters — male, female, black, white, Hispanic, it doesn’t matter. The way she approaches her work is just an example to all of us. – Kristina Pink, Fox Sports
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
CONGRATULATIONS!
The NBA congratulates David Levy, Bill Rasmussen and the entire Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on their well-deserved induction.
DAVID LEVY Chief Executive Officer at HS&E Former President of Turner
BILL RASMUSSEN Founder of ESPN
The founder of ESPN, Rasmussen changed the nature of the relationship between television and sports. He founded the network in the summer of 1978 and by the following year he had found an investor and had the network on air. His vision also extended to programming where he created the SportsCenter brand, which is still core to the mission of ESPN. And he also changed the relationship with advertisers, getting Anheuser Busch to ink its largest cable TV advertising contract ever. While Rasmussen’s time at ESPN was relatively short lived, his vision and impact will live on forever.
BILL RASMUSSEN
Bill Rasmussen is the classic case of the innovator. Initially mocked — “who wants to watch sports 24/7???” — then hailed as a seer. He should have been in the Hall years ago — and with a big assist from Stevie Bornstein.
– David Hill, Fox Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Bill is a true pioneer who saw an opportunity where no one else did. Most thought his idea for a 24-hour sports network was ill-advised, but he persevered and what he envisioned became the most powerful and valuable cable channel in America. His bold dream has become a reality making him a true Hall of Famer.
– Sean McManus, CBS Sports (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Bill is the true visionary who saw before any of us what our futures would like.
– John A. Walsh, ESPN (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
Bill persevered against all odds to build his dream of sports around-the-clock. He is a true testament to the power of passion, risk taking and optimism. I admire him so much. His passion and can-do attitude really sums up the spirit and the culture of the company today. That’s him.
– George Bodenheimer, ESPN (Ret.) and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
One man — a visionary — was told 24 hours of sports on TV will never work, just as others were told a decade earlier that ‘man will never walk on the moon’. But Bill Rasmussen was right. ESPN was an idea that did work. 46 years later, we’re everywhere. Without Bill Rasmussen, we’re nowhere.
– Chris Berman, ESPN and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
ESPN has a 46-year history of innovation, and it all started with Bill Rasmussen and his original vision. Even though he’s many years removed from ESPN, he pays close attention and has been a constant supporter of the team and our strategy. He’s an eternal optimist, a bright light, and I am so appreciative of his friendship and guidance over the years.
–
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN
This is a guy whose idea gave birth to, arguably, the most successful media story of our time. He was pushed out in 1980, and he basically harbored no resentment. I don’t think there are a lot of people that could have gone through what he went through and emerged like that.
– Jim Miller, Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN, Author
For more on each of our Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.sportsbroadcastinghalloffame.org
