Chuck Wilson (sports journalist)

Last updated

Chuck Wilson
Chuck Wilson (19059475595) (cropped).jpg
Wilson in 2015
Born (1954-02-08) February 8, 1954 (age 70)
Massachusetts, United States
Alma mater Ithaca College
Occupation(s)Sports journalist
Radio host
Years active1976–present

Chuck Wilson (born February 8, 1954) is an American interviewer, reporter and sports talk radio host. Wilson was an original host when the ESPN Radio Network debuted on January 4, 1992 and has 20 years experience on national radio, including close to 17 years at ESPN. [1] [2] In December 2009, Sports Illustrated.com named Wilson runner-up for "Best National Sports Radio Host" of the decade. [3]

Contents

Wilson is the founder and director of Even Field ®, a nonprofit organization that promotes character through sports. [4] In 2007.Wilson was named one of the "100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America" by the Institute for International Sport. [5]

Early life

Wilson was born on February 8, 1954, in Massachusetts, the youngest of three sons of the late Eleanor and the late Melvin Wilson, who was a physicist and a national authority on the aurora borealis (known as the northern lights). [6] [ failed verification ]

Wilson grew up in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and attended Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts. He lettered in football, basketball and golf. Wilson graduated in 1972 and then attended Ithaca College. In 1993, he was named a Sports Ethics Fellow by the Institute for International Sport. [7] From 2001 to 2006, he served on the advisory panel for the Center for Sports Parenting. [8] Chuck and his wife Nancee have three sons.

Career

Early radio/TV career in Rochester, New York

Wilson's broadcast career began in January 1976 at WBBF radio in Rochester, New York. When the station's FM sister station changed its format to all-news as WNWZ, Wilson co-anchored afternoon drive for the NBC "News and Information" affiliate. He later was named sports director, delivering 16-sports updates, six nights per week. When NBC pulled the plug on its all-news format, Wilson returned to WBBF. In May 1978, Wilson joined news talk station WROC (later to become WPXN). In August, Wilson was named sports director and full-time host of WROC's "Sportstalk.". [9] In September 1978, Wilson added TV to his resume, joining WHEC-TV delivering the 6 and 11 p.m. Saturday sportscasts for the market's top-rated weekend newscast. [10] In July 1980, Wilson left both his radio and TV jobs to join WSAY as sports director delivering drive-time commentaries and hosting a nightly sports talk show "Chuck Wilson on Sports". [11] [12]

Radio/TV career in Providence, Rhode Island

In July 1981, WEAN radio in Providence, Rhode Island reached out to Wilson and hired him to report sports in afternoon drive and to start a nightly sports talk show (the market was without one). "Chuck Wilson on Sports" broke twenty wire stories in its first three years. [13] In 1985, WEAN was sold and in 1986, Wilson was among the final news staffers let go during conversion from news-talk-sports to an automated format. At the time, Wilson's show was number one on the AM dial from 5-8 p.m. with male listeners. [14] The show returned to the air on WICE radio on October 27, 1986. [15] In the spring of 1987 Arbitron © ratings, the show posted the station's highest-rated hours. [16]

In 1988, WICE became the flagship station for the first (and only) season of the New England Steamrollers in the Arena Football League. Chuck Wilson called the play-by-play and former NFL All-Pro safety Tim Fox provided the analysis. [17] In addition, Wilson hosted and co-produced the weekly coach's show on WNAC-TV with Coach Babe Parilli. [18] Wilson also appeared once a week on as a featured co-host on a "Live" call-in segment on WLNE-TV's Sunday night sports wrap-up show from October 1988 to December 1989. [19]

In April 1989, Wilson left WICE and joined WPRO. [20] That year, Wilson was honored with the UPI Tom Phillips Award for "Best New England Sports Coverage". [21] In April 1993, Wilson left the local airways as part of a mass exodus when WPRO and WPRO-FM were sold by ABC/Cap Cities. [22] The Boston Globe wrote "Chuck Wilson is New England's top sports talk show host...He engages guests in Q&A similar to the manner of Bob Costas...In the latest rating book, Wilson's show was No. 1 in the market, including FM stations, between 5 and 8 p.m. with males 25 to 49. [23]

ESPN Radio (1991–2005, 2010–2013)

In November 1991, Wilson was the first host hired for the start-up of the ESPN Radio Network. [24] "Applications for the ESPN jobs flooded the network's offices —- more than 200 from all over the country. But Wilson was the first to be chosen…and he hadn't applied. He never even auditioned," [24] John Walsh, Executive Editor of ESPN told the Providence Journal. "We knew Chuck had a terrific program in Rhode Island. We chose him because we liked his knowledge, his news instincts, his writing, the feel of his voice and his literate approach to the program." [24]

ESPN Radio debuted January 4, 1992, on 151 stations with Wilson and Tony Bruno as co-hosts. The 7-hour program aired from 6 pm to 1 am ET Saturdays and Sundays. The network's credibility was enhanced with a third co-host from the TV side: Keith Olbermann one day and Mike Tirico the other. [25] By 1996, ESPN Radio affiliates totaled 420 non-duplicative stations and in 2001, as the network approached its 10th anniversary, there were 690 network affiliates, 195 full-time [26]

Wilson went full-time at ESPN in 1994 and moved from weekends to weeknights when ESPN Radio's talk programming expanded to seven night's a week. [27] Wilson remained on Gamenight until late July 2005. [25]

Wilson twice won international awards for his reporting, commentary and analysis including one as co-host of "ESPN Radio Viewpoints" with Frank Deford. [28] In addition to co-hosting Gamenight, Wilson hosted "ESPN Classic Presents the Legends on ESPN Radio", in which he conducted in-depth, one-on-one interviews with legendary sports figures. In 2001, Wilson's "Legends" interview with Jerry West was the only "Finalist" at the New York Festival International Awards for long-form interview series. [29] Wilson has been described as the "Voice of Reason" [30] and the "Conscience of ESPN Radio" for his thoughtful, even-handed approach in the booth [31] His "Chuck Wilson on Sports" program on Saturday mornings, and his commentaries for the network, often dealt with sportsmanship and integrity issues.

In late January 2005, ESPN informed Wilson that he would not be retained when his five-year contract expired. Wilson's last day on ESPN Radio was July 26, 2005 until he returned to ESPN Radio on March 14, 2010, hosting "SportsCenter Tonight" and other shows and specials for the network. The stint, which lasted for three years, ended in March, 2013.

XM Radio (2005–2008)

Wilson joined XM Satellite Radio (now SiriusXM) in September 2005 in a part-time role for the network's baseball channel MLB Home Plate (now MLB Network Radio) and became full-time in February 2006. He hosted "MLB on Deck", "XM Hot Stove" and "MLB Postseason" and filled in on each of the other shows on the channel [32] Wilson also was the primary fill-in for Charley Steiner on XM's "Baseball Beat." [33] In addition, Wilson wrote, co-produced and narrated specials for the channel including "Yankee Stadium Remembered." Wilson's job was "eliminated" in November 2008 after the Sirius/XM Satellite merger. [32]

Even Field

Wilson is a longtime advocate of sportsmanship, fair play, and ethical behavior in athletics.  In 2013, he founded Even Field ®, a nonprofit character development organization that promotes integrity, life skills and leadership through sports. Even Field's core message is The Way You Win Matters® in sports and in life. "We want to help young people develop the courage to be honest and trustworthy on and off the playing field," said Wilson who added, "We want to be a resource so that we can help youth coaches, parents and student athletes get the most out of the team sports experience and a lot of it has to do with having a positive team culture. It's about helping kids to develop the kinds of traits, habits and skills that are going to help them long-term." [34]

Honors

"100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America"

In 2007, Wilson was named one of the "100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America" by the Institute for International Sport (IIS). Wilson was selected from a list of more than 1,500 nominees. The only other broadcaster named was Bob Costas. [5] According to an IIS news release: "This project is aimed at honoring individuals and organizations who have creatively and effectively used sport in the very best way - as a means to educate and shape positive values" [5]

"Best National Sports Radio Host of the Decade"

In December 2009, Sports Illustrated.com named Wilson runner-up for "Best National Radio Host" of the decade as part of SI.com's best and worst of the decade in sports broadcasting. [3] In December 2010, Wilson, along with ESPN Radio colleagues Doug Brown, Marc Kestecher, and Jon Stashower, were named "Best National Radio Voices for 2010" by Sports Illustrated. [35] In December, 2011, the ESPN Radio anchors were named as "Best National Voices for 2011" by S.I. Media critic Richard Deitsch, who added "If I were to single out an individual for this award, I'd likely give it to Chuck Wilson." [35]

Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame

In 2011, Wilson was elected to the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame. "Chuck Wilson on Sports" was the first nightly sports talk show in New England to incorporate weekly contributors. The show had a 12-year run from 1981 to 1993. [36] In 2016, Wilson was elected to the Words Unlimited Hall-of-Fame. [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Kennedy (baseball)</span> American baseball analyst and manager

Kevin Curtis Kennedy is an American former manager in Major League Baseball and a former television host for Fox Sports' baseball coverage. He was given the nickname "the Skipper" by Fox Sports due to his prior managerial career. Kennedy joined the Tampa Bay Rays broadcast team for the 2009 baseball season as a replacement for Joe Magrane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WJAR</span> NBC affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island

WJAR is a television station in Providence, Rhode Island, United States, affiliated with NBC. Owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, the station has studios on Kenney Drive in Cranston, Rhode Island, and its transmitter is located in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich Eisen</span> American sports television journalist

Richard Eisen is an American television sportscaster and radio host. Since 2003, he has worked for NFL Network as a host of various pregame, halftime, and postgame shows and doing occasional play-by-play. He also hosts a daily sports radio show and podcast, The Rich Eisen Show. From 1996 to 2003, he worked at ESPN, most prominently as an anchor of SportsCenter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Golic</span> American football player and television host (born 1962)

Michael Louis Golic Sr. is an American television host and former professional football player. He played as defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL). Golic is well known for his 25-year association with ESPN, most notably co-hosting ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike from 2000 to 2017.

Gayle Gardner is an American sportscaster who worked for ESPN and NBC Sports beginning in 1987 until 1993. Gardner is considered a pioneer in sports broadcasting, having been the first female sports anchor to appear weekly on a major network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WPRI-TV</span> CBS/MyNetworkTV affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island

WPRI-TV is a television station in Providence, Rhode Island, United States, affiliated with CBS and MyNetworkTV. It is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which provides certain services to dual Fox/CW affiliate WNAC-TV under a local marketing agreement (LMA) with Mission Broadcasting. The two stations share studios on Catamore Boulevard in East Providence, Rhode Island; WPRI-TV's transmitter is located on Pine Street in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WPRO (AM)</span> Radio station in Providence, Rhode Island

WPRO is a commercial AM radio station in Providence, Rhode Island. It is owned by Cumulus Media, broadcasting a news/talk radio format, simulcast on co-owned 99.7 WEAN-FM. The studios for WPRO and other Cumulus Providence stations are on Wampanoag Road in East Providence, at the Salty Brine Broadcast Center, named after WPRO's longtime morning host.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WPRV</span> Radio station in Rhode Island, United States

WPRV is a commercial radio station in Providence, Rhode Island. The station is owned by Cumulus Media, and airs a sports radio format, largely focused on sports betting. The studios are on Wampanoag Trail in East Providence. Established in 1922 as WEAN, the station is the oldest surviving radio station in Rhode Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Finebaum</span> American sports journalist

Paul Finebaum is an American sports author, former columnist, and television-radio personality. His primary focus is sports, particularly those in the Southeast. After many years as a reporter, columnist, and sports talk radio host in the Birmingham area, Finebaum was hired by ESPN in 2013 for its new SEC Network. He produces a radio show out of the network's regional base in Charlotte, North Carolina.

WHJJ is a commercial radio station in Providence, Rhode Island. It carries a talk radio format and is owned by iHeartMedia, Inc. Its studios and offices are on Oxford Street in Providence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doris Burke</span> American sports commentator

Doris Burke is an American sports announcer and analyst for NBA on ESPN, NBA on ABC, College Basketball on ESPN, and College Basketball on ABC games. She formerly worked as an analyst for WNBA games on MSG and has worked on New York Knicks games. Burke was the first female commentator to call a New York Knicks game on radio and television.

The Boston Red Sox Radio Network is an American radio network composed of 54 radio stations which carry English language coverage of the Boston Red Sox, a professional baseball team in Major League Baseball (MLB). Lawrence, Massachusetts station WEEI-FM (93.7 FM), which serves Boston and the Greater Boston area, serves as the network's Flagship. The network also includes 49 affiliates in the U.S. states of Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and Florida: 28 AM stations, 24 of which supplement their signals with one or more FM translators; and 21 full-power FM stations, one of which supplements its signal with several FM translators. Joe Castiglione currently serves as the network's play-by-play announcer; since the start of the 2020 Red Sox season, Will Flemming, Sean McDonough, Jon Sciambi, Dave O'Brien, Dale Arnold and Tom Caron have alternated with Castiglione providing color commentary. In addition to traditional over-the-air AM and FM broadcasts, network programming airs on SiriusXM satellite radio; and streams online via SiriusXM Internet Radio, TuneIn Premium, and MLB.com Gameday Audio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ric Bucher</span> American sports journalists (born 1961)

Richard Mathias Bucher is an NBA analyst for Fox Sports and an occasional host of FS1's "Speak" afternoon talk show. He also hosts a daily podcast, "On The Ball with Ric Bucher." Before joining Fox he was a SiriusXM radio host and senior writer with Bleacher Report. He has appeared on NBA TV as an analyst and on TNT as a sideline reporter for NBA telecasts. Prior to joining SXM, TNT and BR, Bucher worked as an NBA Insider for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and co-hosted Bucher, Towny and Huff mornings on 95.7 The Game. Bucher's first national platform was as an NBA analyst for ESPN and ESPN.com beginning in 1998. He served as a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and a columnist for ESPN.com. He joined FOX in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WEAN-FM</span> Radio station in Rhode Island, United States

WEAN-FM is a radio station licensed to Wakefield-Peacedale, Rhode Island. The station is owned by Cumulus Media, and airs a news-talk format. WEAN-FM is a full-time simulcast of WPRO in Providence, serving as WPRO's satellite in southern Rhode Island. Operations are based at WPRO's studios in East Providence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WSJW</span> Radio station in Rhode Island, United States

WSJW is a radio station licensed to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, serving the Providence area. Established in 1950 as WPAW, the station is owned by Relevant Radio, Inc. and airs Catholic talk radio programming.

The Sports Fan Radio Network was a national sports talk radio network that existed from 1993 through 2001, when it abruptly folded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Patrick (sportscaster)</span> American sportscaster

Daniel Patrick Pugh, known professionally as Dan Patrick, is an American sportscaster, radio personality, and actor. He hosts The Dan Patrick Show broadcast on radio on Premiere Radio Networks and streaming on Peacock. He co-hosted NBC's Football Night in America and serves as a senior writer for Sports Illustrated. He worked at ESPN for 18 years, where he often anchored the weeknight and Sunday 11 p.m. edition of SportsCenter. He is unrelated to his partner Bill Patrick at Sports Center. He is also the host of the internationally acclaimed podcast, "Dan Patrick Takes a Gamble", highlighting the best and brightest in the world of sports wagering.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WPVD</span> Radio station in Providence, Rhode Island

WPVD is a public radio station in Providence, Rhode Island. It is owned by Rhode Island Public Radio. The station simulcasts WNPN 89.3 FM.

Andrew "Andy" F. Gresh III is an American sports broadcaster in New England. His coverage includes both professional and college football. Andy is currently the midday host, along with Christian Fauria at WEEI in Boston. He was formerly a co-host with Scott Zolak on WBZ-FM in Boston. Also he formerly worked as a host and game analyst for the New England Patriots Radio Network pregame show, and appeared regularly on CSNNE's former program Sports Tonight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SEC Network</span> U.S. NCAA Southeastern Conference sports TV network

SEC Network (SECN) is an American multinational sports network owned by ESPN Inc., a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications. The channel is dedicated to coverage of collegiate sports sanctioned by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) including live and recorded event telecasts, news, analysis programs, and other content focusing on the conference's member schools. The network is estimated to have 70 million subscribers, more than any other dedicated sports network.

References

  1. ↑ "Chuck Wilson Selected for ESPN Radio Position". Providence (R.I.) Journal. December 6, 1991. p. D-09. Archived from the original on January 11, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  2. ↑ Deitsch, Richard (March 11, 2013). "Fox Sports 1 takes aim at ESPN's throne; UFC will be key". SI.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Deitsch, Richard (December 11, 2009). "Decade in Broadcasting". SI.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2009. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  4. ↑ Wilson, Chuck. "Effort and Attitude main page". EffortandAttitude.org. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 "America's Most Influential Sports Educators". Institute for International Sport. October 17, 2007. Archived from the original on April 7, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  6. ↑ W3XO, ed. (April 1982). "Melvin S. Wilson W1DEI/W2BOC (1915-1982)". QST Magazine. p. 72. Retrieved March 26, 2013– via QSL.net.
  7. ↑ "Sports Ethics Fellows - 1993". Institute For International Sport. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Chuck Wilson". Spoke.com. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  9. ↑ Martzke, Rudy (August 10, 1978). "Wilson Answers Call for Sports Talk Host". Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle. p. 1-D.
  10. ↑ Martzke, Rudy (September 5, 1978). "Checking the Channels". Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle.
  11. ↑ Martzke, Rudy (July 18, 1980). "Wilson Leaves WPXN". Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle.
  12. ↑ Matthews, Bob (July 23, 1980). "Wilson to Leave Channel 10, too". Rochester (N.Y.) Times-Union.
  13. ↑ McAdam, Sean (September 20, 1985). "Sports Talk Show with New Format Takes Shot at Wilson's Reign". Providence Journal (R.I.). p. B-02. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  14. ↑ Scandura, Mike (March 25, 1986). "Dropping Chuck Wilson's Show Makes Little Sense". Pawtucket (R.I.) Times. p. 11.
  15. ↑ ""TV-Radio Listings: "Chuck Wilson on Sports" Returns Tonight"". Providence Journal (R.I.). October 27, 1986.
  16. ↑ McAdam, Sean (September 3, 1987). "WICE Wins Latest Round in Sports-Talk Battle". Providence Journal (R.I.). p. C-17. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Steamrollers Announce Broadcast Team". New England Steamrollers (news release). April 11, 1988.
  18. ↑ "Wilson to Host Babe Parilli Show". WNAC-TV (news release). April 14, 1988.
  19. ↑ ""Chuck Wilson to Join Ken Bell Each Week on "Sports Locker"". WLNE-TV (news release). September 26, 1988.
  20. ↑ "WPRO Nets PC Hoops, Talk Show Wilson". Providence Journal (R.I.). April 4, 1989. p. D-05. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  21. ↑ Farley, Glen (May 21, 1989). "Callers, Guests Play Starring Role on Wilson Show". The Enterprise (MA.). p. E-2.
  22. ↑ Kenyon, Paul (April 29, 1993). "Wilson's Reign as Sports Talk-Show King Comes to a Close". Providence Journal (R.I.). p. E-1.
  23. ↑ Craig, Jack (April 28, 1993). "Hockey Fan's Weren't in Driver's Seat; Wilson a Free Agent". Boston Globe (MA.). Retrieved March 26, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  24. 1 2 3 Dick, Bob (January 3, 1992). "Wilson's Audience Taking Hike". Providence Journal. p. C-01. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  25. 1 2 Griffith, Bill (July 26, 2005). "As ESPN Arrives, Wilson Signs Off". Boston Globe (MA). Retrieved March 26, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  26. ↑ Buckler, Matt (December 17, 2001). "ESPN Radio Has Been An Earful". Journal Inquirer (CT). p. 1 (lift-out section).
  27. ↑ Martin, John (August 26, 1994). "Chuck Wilson Moves to ESPN Radio". Providence Journal (R.I.). p. D-13. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  28. ↑ Greenidge, Jim (June 27, 1996). "Large Skates to Fill". Boston Globe (MA). p. C-17. Retrieved March 26, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  29. ↑ "New York Festival Awards - 2001". Awards Year-by-Year. NewYorkFestivals.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  30. ↑ Donaldson, Jim (March 10, 2010). "A Voice of Reason Above the Din of Sports Talk". Providence Journal (R.I.). Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  31. ↑ Reynolds, Bill (March 4, 2005). "ESPN Radio Leaves Talk Show Host Speechless". Providence Journal (R.I.). p. D-1. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  32. 1 2 Brown, Maury. "Radio Personality Chuck Wilson Returning to ESPN Radio". BizofBaseball.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  33. ↑ Gambill, Brent. "Baseball Beat". Baseball Beat - Chuck Wilson. BaseballBeat.com. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  34. ↑ "4eProductions company page". 4eProductions.com. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  35. 1 2 Deitsch, Richard. "Media Awards -2011". Best National Radio Voices; December 28, 2011. SI.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  36. 1 2 "Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame - Class of 2011". Class of 2011. rirhof.org. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.