Broadcaster Dan Hellie has joined NFL Network to host its signature show, "NFL Total Access," beginning Aug. 5. Hellie joins the net after seven years at DC-based WRC-NBC, where he served as Sports Dir (NFL). In DC, Dan Steinberg noted Hellie "had other job offers, both inside and outside sports." Hellie said, "NFL Network came through with an opportunity I just thought was too good to pass up." In addition to "NFL Total Access," Hellie is expected to "host remote shows for the network, from the Super Bowl to the Draft to the NFL Combine" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 7/10).
MOUTH OF THE SOUTH: In Atlanta, Ken Sugiura reported new FS South play-by-play announcer Wes Durham "for his first broadcast" on the net will call the Florida Int'l-Maryland football game on Aug. 31. Durham will "do 14 ACC football games a year along with another 40 or so basketball and baseball games." He will "appear on broadcasts on regional sports networks throughout the ACC footprint." Durham will "continue his duties as play-by-play voice for the Falcons, a job he has held since" '04 (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 7/11).
CALLED UP TO THE MAJORS: In Providence, Tim Britton noted Aaron Goldsmith is in his "first year as the No. 2 radio voice for the Mariners," and although he "continues to refine his broadcasting style, Goldsmith hasn't found himself changing it just because he's now in the major leagues." After years doing games for the Triple-A Int'l League Pawtucket Red Sox, the travel is "undoubtedly easier" for Goldsmith and he can "focus on his broadcast during the day instead of putting together game notes or helping operate a team's social media account." Goldsmith said broadcaster Rick Rizzs "is the perfect guy for me to work with." He added, "Broadcasting can be a very territorial profession. He's taken me under his wing and helped me with everything" (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 7/11).
HOMETOWN PRIDE: In Minneapolis, Rachel Blount notes Twins announcer Dick Bremer has lived in Minnesota nearly his entire life and "wears his provincialism proudly." Twins Senior Dir of Corporate Communications & Broadcasting Kevin Smith said, "Dick is a consummate pro, but I don’t know if he’d be as good if he wasn’t broadcasting his hometown team. In Minnesota, we like our local things and people, and Dick is about as local as you can get" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/9).
THE PEACHTREE REPORT: In Atlanta, Chris Vivlamore reported Hawks radio announcer Steve Holman "recently agreed to a multiyear contract and will return for a 29th season" (AJC.com, 7/11). Meanwhile, Atlanta's WZGC-FM host Rachel Baribeau has left the station "after eight-plus months" to join Raycom Sports and "will be working with the new ACC Network" (ACCESSATLANTA.com, 7/8).
