In California, Michael Lev writes it is "hard to do funny," but FS1's Katie Nolan "can do funny." Her "No Filter" videos for FoxSports.com are "superb -- clever, biting and self-deprecating," and Fox Sports "recognized that she deserved a bigger platform." They are "giving her one in the form of a new half-hour TV show" called "Garbage Time with Katie Nolan," which will be "in that same spirit but also will include guests and field segments." Lev: "I hope it’s a hit ... If not, I’m certain it won’t be the last we see of Nolan" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 2/24). In N.Y., Phil Mushnick wrote FS1 "can’t get enough" of Nolan. But he added, "Last we checked, young Nolan’s smug delivery and crude content included a self-satisfied ditty in which she rhymed Jets with Tourette’s" (N.Y. POST, 2/22).
STRIKING THE WRONG CORD: GOLFWEEK's Martin Kaufmann wondered if "anyone other than Gary McCord" believes that the CBS golf analyst "is funny." McCord "giggles at virtually everything that comes out of his mouth, yet I can’t recall the last time he said anything remotely amusing." While McCord is a "pleasant fellow and good company," he seems like a guy who "shows up in the booth having done minimal preparation, then relies on a string of tedious one-liners to make it through each show" (GOLFWEEK.com, 2/22).
VITAL VITALE: In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote ESPN's decision not to use Dick Vitale in last week's North Carolina-Duke game for the first time in 35 years "was not worth all the whining and emotion it produced." The presumed conclusion is that ESPN "values Jay Bilas more than Dickie V," which is "fine if you like you like perceptive, but dry, analysis from Bilas." Raissman: "This is a guy who speaks down to his audience. A man who has the sense of humor of a toothpick. If it’s emotion you like, if you are into someone who combines showmanship with astute analysis, someone who leaves his guts on the broadcast table, then Vitale is your guy" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/22).
BETTER CALL PAUL: Former Washington Post columnist Jason Reid and radio personality Chris Paul will form a new morning drive program on ESPN Radio 980 DC called "The Man Cave with Chris Paul and Jason Reid," which will debut March 16. Reid also will join ESPN.com as an NFL columnist (ESPN). In DC, Scott Allen noted Reid "spent four years as The Post's Redskins beat writer." Airing every weekday from 6:00-10:00am ET, "The Man Cave" will be a "blend of sports, entertainment and comedy" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 2/20).
NOTES: SI.com's Richard Deitsch reported NBC's Liam McHugh, who hosts the net's NHL and Notre Dame football coverage, has signed a contract extension through '20. Deitsch: "Look for McHugh to have roles at the 2016 and 2018 Olympics in addition to his current gigs." Meanwhile, ESPN "extended the contract of investigative television reporter John Barr, a frequent contributor" to "Outside The Lines" (SI.com, 2/22)....Celtics.com digital host and reporter Emily Austen will "join the Sun Sports TV crew broadcasting Rays games serving as the in-game reporter, replacing Kelly Nash" (TAMPABAY.com, 2/21)....Sporting KC has hired KSHB-TV reporter Kacie McDonnell "to be the new host of its pregame and postgame shows and to conduct in-game interviews from the sidelines during locally televised matches" in '15 (K.C. STAR, 2/24).
