SI.com's Richard Deitsch wrote it has "been refreshing to read and hear the words" of former USWNT player Michelle Akers during Women's World Cup coverage on SiriusXM. Akers and Glenn Crooks "appear before and after games" on the satellite radio provider's coverage. Akers is "a generation removed from the current group of players and she's been a voice of realism when it comes to the performance of the team" under coach Jill Ellis. Akers is "a perfect example of how experience can provide viewers and listeners with quality insight" (SI.com, 6/29).
FIRST TIME, LONG TIME: In Boston, Chad Finn reports Kirk Minihane, one of three hosts on WEEI’s "Dennis and Callahan" morning program, was "suspended for Monday’s show as punishment for an on-air argument Friday with midday cohost Christian Fauria." Fauria, a former NFLer, "initiated the conflict on-air by reacting angrily to Minihane’s previous assertion that Fauria would not be on the radio" had he not played pro football. Entercom Boston VP & Market Manager Phil Zachary said that he "does not consider it a suspension, though multiple WEEI personnel are calling it that" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/30).
DAYS OF THUNDER: VARIETY's Cynthia Littleton reported producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are "putting pedal to the metal in a deal with NASCAR to develop a scripted series set against the backdrop of the auto racing franchise." The plan is to "craft a drama series that draws on stories of the drivers and teams in the nation’s most popular motor sports brand." Burnett and Downey "will exec produce the series" with NASCAR VP/Entertainment Marketing & Content Development Zane Stoddard. The pair are "just starting to shop for a writer to tackle the concept." The series will be "produced through Burnett and Downey’s United Artist Media Group banner" (VARIETY.com, 6/29).
THIS IS THE VOICE: NBC Sports Group has tapped country singer Blake Shelton to perform "Bringing Back The Sunshine" within the opening theme of its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series coverage this season on NBC and NBCSN. "NASCAR on NBC" debuts this Sunday at 7:00pm ET with the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona (NBC).
