SerpApi.Org
The Portland Trail Blazers are making significant cuts to their broadcast team, another of their new directions under the ownership group led by Texas businessman Tom Dundon. The organization already enacted sweeping layoffs among corporate staff (with a few on the basketball side) in May. Now the axe has come for the broadcast arm of the franchise as well.
Maury Brown of Forbes is reporting that several familiar names will depart:
After 19 seasons with the Blazers broadcast team, TV analyst Michael Holton has been let go, as well as statistician Tom Haberstroh, former ESPN legend and Blazers’ TV host Neil Everett, and TV host Jamie Hudson. Several other broadcasters’ contracts have lapsed, with deep pay cuts being expected in some places. The status of TV play-by-play man Kevin Calabro and radio play-by-play man Travis Demers is unknown, but both have contracts up for renewal.
Per Brown, behind-the-scenes cuts are also in the offing:
The TV production crew has also been reduced. As of now, the Blazers are without a Producer after Greg Fonseca left the Blazers to take a job with NBA Broadcasting. Graphics will reportedly be reduced, all of which could affect the quality of broadcasts.
Brown mentions the possibility of TV-radio simulcasts similar to Dundon’s NHL franchise, the Caroline Hurricanes. He also offers the possibility of remote broadcasts for road games. No NBA team currently simulcasts. Only the Toronto Raptors employ remote broadcasts on the radio side.
For decades Blazers Broadcasting was known as a league and industry leader for their quality and innovation. Legendary broadcasters included Bill Schonely, Steve Jones, Mike Barrett, and Mike Rice. That reputation has receded somewhat in recent years. Apparently it’s a distinction they’re willing to let go of entirely.
