Whit Watson Whit Watson

009 Davey Finch, Hall of Fame CBS Camera Operator

Davey Finch worked as a camera operator for CBS Sports for over 40 years, and he is indisputably one of the best ever at his craft. In 2010, he was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, the first camera operator to be so honored. His fellow inductees that year included Pat Summerall and John Madden. In this episode, you’ll hear about Davey’s introduction to TV, his big move to Hollywood, and how he sees what he sees. Think about what you do for a living. Picture that one person who does it better than anyone else. Now: imagine that nobody ever has a bad word to say about that person. That’s Davey Finch.

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008 Mike Eaby, Coordinating Producer, Westwood One Sports

From humble origins -- a boxing match in Pittsburgh in 1921 -- live sports on the radio has evolved into an everyday part of our lives. In this episode of Media Credentials, I speak with Mike Eaby, the Coordinating Producer at Westwood One Sports, one of the largest sports radio networks in the United States. Mike oversees radio production for the NFL, NCAA basketball, NCAA football, golf, and a wide variety of other events each year. We discuss how he started out in college radio, his experience at the Olympics and the Masters, the rise of satellite radio and streaming broadcasts, and how it's never been easier to listen to the game.

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007 Sellers Shy, Producer, PGA TOUR on CBS

CBS has been televising professional golf for nearly 70 years, and in that time, the network has employed exactly three lead golf producers. Sellers Shy is the third. A two-time high school golfer of the year in his native Tennessee, Sellers oversees more than 20 weeks of PGA TOUR coverage in addition to his duties with college football and the NFL. We discuss his path to CBS, his relationship with three-time major winner Dr. Cary Middlecoff, what he learned from television legend Frank Chirkinian, and the innovations that CBS is bringing to golf. What struck me about this conversation is how grateful Sellers is for his opportunities, and how proud he is to work with the CBS Sports team.

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006 Tracey Veal, Manager, Media Relations, PGA TOUR

If you're a media member -- or hope to be -- Tracey Veal is the PGA TOUR's gatekeeper. She approves media credentials for the Tour's biggest events, including the PLAYERS, the Presidents Cup, and the FedEx Cup Playoffs, among others. She also coordinates with local tournament teams to make sure the logistics are squared away before every event, and administers the Tour's media credential website. Fascinating interview that goes deep into the symbiotic relationship between the Tour and the media, and how "media" is defined in an age when anybody with a phone can call themselves a reporter. Plus, stories from her 22-year hitch in the Coast Guard prior to entering the corporate world.

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005 TV Golf Production, with Lina Bustos Elias of Golf Channel and PGA TOUR LIVE

On this episode, we meet Lina Bustos Elias, a multitalented producer for Golf Channel and PGA TOUR LIVE. Lina left her native Colombia at the age of 17, moving to the US with a golf scholarship to Georgia State. After a stop at CNN Español, Lina arrived in Orlando at Golf Channel, and has forged a career that combines her love for the game with her willingness to adapt to an evolving industry. You'll hear about the many roles she plays as a producer, her favorite memories from a 15-year career in golf broadcasting, how women are represented in the industry, and how her language skills have opened new doors.

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Whit Watson Whit Watson

004 Florida Citrus Sports and College Football in Orlando, with Sam Gardner, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

On this episode of Media Credentials, my guest is Sam Gardner. Sam is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Florida Citrus Sports, the non-profit that stages the Citrus Bowl, the Cheez-It Bowl, the Camping World Kickoff game, and a plethora of other events in Central Florida. Though football might be the focus, it turns out Sam has no off-season. We talk about the year-round impact of Florida Citrus Sports, and his perspective as a journalist turned media relations guru. Plus some favorite bowl game memories, from Boomer Esiason, to Fred Taylor, and beyond.

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003 2023 Masters Preview

A quick preview on the eve of the 2023 Masters. My experience with the tournament, an examination of the 18 LIV players in the field -- including six former champions -- and some history for the contenders. Plus, sleeper picks and a pick to win.

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002 Making TV Magic, with Tye Eastham, VP of Broadcasting, Orlando Magic

On this episode of Media Credentials, an interview with Tye Eastham, VP of Broadcasting for the Orlando Magic. We cover his path from Indiana University to the NBA, his longevity with the franchise, and the process of producing live basketball. We also discuss how remote production has changed the industry, and what may come next. Plus, why the Magic are worth the price of NBA League Pass, and the story of how Tye and I scored an exclusive interview with Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight (really).

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Whit Watson Whit Watson

001 Hi Hello

As the title suggests, this is my brief introductory episode, as we set the stage for what comes next on Media Credentials. I give a (very short) summary of my career in sports broadcasting and relentlessly pitch my website. Also, some frequently asked questions: what's Tiger Woods like? What's your favorite PGA Tour stop? What's the deal with those notecards?

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