In Atlanta, Tim Tucker notes Matt Stinchcomb and Andre Ware have signed contracts to "join the new SEC Network" as game analysts. SEC Net also announced that former CBS Sports reporter Tony Barnhart and Longhorn Network reporter Kaylee Hartung "have joined the lineup." Barnhart will "contribute to the SEC Network's studio programming," while Hartung will be "part of SEC Nation, the network's traveling pregame show" (AJC.com, 7/14).
THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER: GOLFWEEK's Martin Kaufmann cited sources as saying that Golf Channel "Morning Drive" host Holly Sonders "left the channel July 10 after turning down a new contract offer." Sources said that Sonders is "expected to take a job with Fox Sports covering golf and serving as a sideline reporter on NFL games." Kaufmann noted Fox is "building its golf production and talent team in anticipation of airing" USGA events beginning in '15. A Golf Channel spokesperson said that Sonders was "in the midst of contract discussions with Golf Channel and 'we didn't come to terms'" (GOLFWEEK.com, 7/11).
WE'RE THE MILLERS: BROADCASTING & CABLE's Tim Baysinger profiles NBC Sports Group President of Programming Jon Miller, noting he has been "instrumental in the acquisition of numerous properties" for NBC Sports, from the EPL and F1 to "several others that make up the 9,500 yearly programming hours for NBC Sports and NBCSN." NBC Sports Group Chair Mark Lazarus: "Jon’s experience and passion for developing properties, partnerships and events has made him an invaluable member of our team and one of the most respected executives in the industry." Baysinger notes most know Miller "as one of the architects of the NHL’s Winter Classic." He said that the idea "started when NBC lost the rights to college football’s Gator Bowl, which left a scheduling hole on New Year’s Day" (BROADCASTING & CABLE, 7/14 issue).
NEWSPAPER TRANSACTIONS: Matt Pentz has been hired by the Seattle Times to cover the Sounders and the NWSL Reign. Pentz was a sports reporter at the Longview Daily News "the past 21 months covering high-school sports" (SEATTLETIMES.com, 7/14)....Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Richard Skinner will "join the Bengals beat along with Paul Dehner Jr." for the paper (CINCINNATI.com, 7/13)....The Detroit News' Tom Markowski is leaving the paper after 35 years "of covering primarily high school sports" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/14).
