Behind The Mic: Mike Tirico and Danika Patrick to Host 108th Indy 500; Noah Eagle Joins Roland-Garris Coverage Team
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and reports around the industry. In this week’s edition, NBCUniversal continues to bolster Olympic on-air talent; Aaron Taylor to join “College Football Today”; and more.
Noah Eagle to Call 2024 Roland-Garros Tennis Coverage Alongside Mary Carillo and John McEnroe Beginning This Weekend on Peacock and NBC
NBC Sports and Peacock present live coverage of 2024 Roland-Garros matches, beginning with the first round in Paris, France, this Sunday, May 26, at Noon ET exclusively on Peacock. On Memorial Day, Mon., May 27, Round 1 coverage begins at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock and continues with the Night Session at 3 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. Live coverage culminates with the women’s final on Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. ET and the men’s final Sunday, June 9, at 9 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
NBC Sports will present coverage on eight days of the French Open tournament with Peacock exclusively presenting three Night Sessions at 3 p.m. ET in Paris: Round 1 on Mon., May 27, Round 3 on Sat., June 1, and Rounds 3 or 4 on Sun., June 2.
Noah Eagle will make his debut as NBC Sports’ Roland-Garros play-by-play announcer alongside analysts Mary Carillo and John McEnroe, who teamed to win the mixed doubles title at the 1977 French Open. McEnroe is a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion.
Eagle, who last night won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent and will serve as the
play-by-play voice for Team USA men’s and women’s basketball games and medal round competition at this summer’s Paris Olympics, previously called Roland-Garros matches on-site in 2020 for Tennis Channel. He has handled play-by-play and served as a host for Tennis Channel since 2019.
Headlining the men’s competition is World No. 1 and defending Roland-Garros champion Novak Djokovic, who owns a men’s record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including three French Open championships (2016, 2021, 2023). Fourteen-time Roland-Garros champion and 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal, who said 2024 will likely be his final season, may be playing in his final French Open after missing nearly all of 2023 with a hip injury.
Also expected in the men’s field are World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who won the Australian Open, World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old who has won the U.S. Open (2022) and Wimbledon (2023) and fell to Djokovic in last year’s Roland-Garros semifinals, and 2023 Roland-Garros runner-up Casper Ruud. Sinner and Alcaraz both missed the Italian Open earlier this month with injuries.
On the women’s side, the field is headlined by World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam winner Iga Świątek of Poland, who has won the Roland-Garros title three of the past four years (2020, 2022, 2023), and World No. 2 and two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Świątek won her first career Grand Slam at the French Open in 2020 and has captured the two biggest clay-court titles this spring in Madrid and Rome. She can become the fourth woman to win four French Opens in the Open Era (since 1968) after Chris Evert (seven titles), Steffi Graf (six) and Justine Henin(four).
World No. 3 and 2022 Roland-Garros runner-up Coco Gauff, who won her first major title at last summer’s U.S. Open, highlights a strong field of American women expected to compete in Paris, including World No. 12 Danielle Collins, World No. 16 Madison Keys, World No. 24 Emma Navarro, and 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens.
In 2021, Peacock began exclusively live streaming a package of Roland-Garros middle weekend night sessions, expanding NBC Sports’ exclusive coverage of the Grand Slam event.
NBC Sports x Racquet: The French Connection Digital Series
NBC Sports and Racquet present a new digital series, The French Connection, focusing on the 2024 tennis crossover in Paris between Roland-Garros and the Paris Olympics. The show, hosted by six-time Grand Slam champion Rennae Stubbs and former World No. 11 Sam Querrey, will feature guest appearances and cover the latest headlines, biggest matches, and exciting names beginning with the run-up to the French Open all the way through the Olympics.
Click
here to listen to the first episode featuring NBC Sports’ Mary Carillo.
NBC and Roland-Garros: In 1975, NBC became the first American television network to provide coverage of the French Open when the network signed a three-year deal with the French Tennis Federation. The tournament was covered by CBS from 1980-82 and returned to NBC in 1983, where it has remained since. This is NBC’s 42nd consecutive year televising the event.
Aaron Taylor to Join “College Football Today” In-Studio for CBS Sports
Aaron Taylor will join CBS Sports’ COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY pre-game, halftime and post-game coverage on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+, joining Adam Zucker, Brian Jones and Rick Neuheisel. CBS Sports also is set to expand its post-game studio show this fall, remaining on the air until 7:30 PM ET. The announcement was made today by Harold Bryant, Executive Producer and EVP, Production, CBS Sports.
The addition of Taylor coincides with CBS Sports’ first full season of carrying a marquee Big Ten matchup every Saturday at 3:30 PM ET, culminating with coverage of the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 7, from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Taylor, a former NFL offensive lineman and two-time All-American at the University of Notre Dame has been a mainstay on CBS Sports college football coverage since 2008, serving as the lead analyst for CBS Sports Network, along with select games on CBS. He also has been a longtime contributor to CBS Sports’ INSIDE COLLEGE FOOTBALL weekly studio show, regularly working alongside Zucker, Jones and Neuheisel since 2015.
“Aaron’s extensive football IQ has been integral to our coverage for many years, and we look forward to him joining Adam, BJ and Rick on Saturdays given their deep chemistry cemented over the years on INSIDE COLLEGE FOOTBALL,” says Bryant. “And as we extend our post-game coverage, Aaron’s personality and analysis will be a welcome addition with more runway to recap the most pivotal games and moments from earlier in the day.”
“BJ, Rick, Adam and I have so much respect for the sport and for the platform we’re given to break down all the exciting twists and turns that college football offers,” says Taylor. “It gives us the freedom to not take ourselves too seriously and have some fun at each other’s expense. I can’t wait to sit with those guys on Saturdays and be the one person at the desk who isn’t battling a receding hairline.”
Upon welcoming Taylor to the fold, the trio of Zucker, Jones and Neuheisel in 2024 will mark their 10th consecutive season together in-studio for COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY.
Earlier this month CBS Sports announced that it will air Notre Dame at Purdue on Saturday, Sept. 14 along with USC at Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 21 in its first full season of carrying a marquee Big Ten matchup every Saturday in the Network’s traditional 3:30 PM ET window.
The Network will announce additional details on its 2024 college football schedule, as well as its full roster of game and studio announcers at a later date.
Five-Time Paralympic Medalist Mallory Weggemann to Serve as a Host of NBCUniversal’s Coverage of Paris Olympics on CNBC and E!
Five-time Paralympic medalist Mallory Weggemann will serve as a host for NBCUniversal’s Paris Olympics coverage on CNBC and E!, becoming the first Paralympian to host Olympic coverage for NBCU.
Weggemann, a U.S. Paralympic swimmer, will host alongside Cara Banks, Laura Britt, and Trenni Casey, before attempting to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paralympic Games, beginning August 28.
This will be Weggemann’s third assignment for NBC Sports and first on the Olympics, following the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games, where she served as a reporter.
“Still in the midst of a decorated athletic career herself, we’re thrilled to have Mallory – also an accomplished broadcaster — bring her unique perspective to our coverage of the Games,” says Rebecca Chatman, Vice President and Coordinating Producer of NBC Olympics Production.
Weggemann has enjoyed a decorated 15+ year athletic career. In her Paralympic debut at the 2012 London Games, she won gold in the 50m freestyle S8 and bronze in the 4x100m medley relay. She has since competed at both the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics, winning three more medals (two gold) at the latter. Additionally, Weggemann is a 15-time world champion and twice has been named World Disabled Swimmer of the Year (2009, 2010).
This summer, Peacock is set to distribute Watershed, a new documentary co-directed by Weggemann and her husband, Jay Snyder, produced by their company, TFA Group. The film chronicles Weggemann’s training period for the Tokyo Paralympics through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their journey to parenthood, shining a light on their struggles with infertility and IVF when starting a family. Watershed will be available to stream on Peacock this summer.
“I am beyond grateful for the entire team at NBC Sports for supporting me as I realize two dreams – hosting during an Olympic Games, while simultaneously preparing to compete in the Paralympics. As a new mom, it is important to show my daughter that motherhood is a comma, not a period. As a disabled woman, I am also aware that this moment offers a path forward for others,” says Weggemann. “Far too often, stories of disability are told for us, not by us. That’s why when Jay and I began development on Watershed, one of our driving forces was to change that narrative. We are honored that our film has found a home in Peacock and hope it continues to serve as a beacon for others who find themselves navigating their own watershed moments.”
Weggemann is also an inclusion advocate on the Advisory Board of Disability for Delta Air Lines and in March 2021 published her first book, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance, detailing her personal and professional journey.
Brian Kenny, Bob Costas and Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo Headline MLB Network’s MLB Now
For the first time, MLB Network will team up its Hall of Fame broadcasters Bob Costas, Brian Kenny and Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, when the trio anchors MLB Now on Thursday, May 23rd at 11 a.m. ET from Studio 21. Costas, Kenny and Russo will bring their baseball wit and wisdom to the 90-minute program as an array of topics are covered, including whether Shohei Ohtani should give up pitching, to who are the top players not in National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and what is the best way to build a championship team. Now in its 12th season with Kenny as the MLB Now host, Russo and Costas have contributed to the open forum show over the years, but this Thursday’s episode will mark the first time all three will be on the desk for an entire show together.
“I can’t tell you how much I value the knowledge, perspective, and experience of both Bob and Chris,” says Kenny. “But both are heavyweights in this game, and they know when they come on MLB Now, they will be challenged. With the big guys, it’s open sparring, no holding back. We have definitive ideas on baseball history, culture, tactics, rules changes, and the evolving competitive landscape. I expect robust debate, and a rollicking good time”. MLB Network’s MLB Central at 9 a.m. ET will lead into MLB Now, followed by the Seattle Mariners at New York Yankees matchup at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Kenny was inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. Examining the latest trends, analytics and decision-making in the game, Kenny has been at the forefront of MLB Now, coining the program, “the show for the thinking fan.” An MLB Network broadcaster since September 2011, Kenny was one of the award recipients of the 2017 SABR Baseball Research Award for his book “Ahead of the Curve,” plus he has been the Master of Ceremonies for the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day the last seven years.
On Thursday’s program, Costas says, “I am certain of only one thing. There will be no shortage of opinions.” Costas received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018. Costas continues to regularly call MLB Network Showcase telecasts as he has since the network launched in 2009. In addition to calling games, Costas has been part of multiple MLB Network series, most recently The Sounds of Baseball.
“Hopefully I’ll get a chance to break down the ’39 Yankees,” says Russo. “You never know with these two.” Russo, who has been the host of MLB Network’s daily program High Heat since 2014, was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022, for his longstanding work at WFAN-AM and SiriusXM. A lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, Russo’s signature style and delivery has echoed across MLB Network’s programming, including on Hall of Fame Election Day, Trade Deadline Day and during the World Series for more than a decade.
MLB Now, which has been live from the World Series, National Baseball Hall of Fame Election Week and the MLB Winter Meetings, features signature segments Digging In, Baseball-y Plays of the Day, and Managerial Check. Every offseason, MLB Now regularly presents the Top 10 Players Right Now at each position. MLB Network has also produced “Showcase” game telecasts over the years through the lens of MLB Now, featuring real-time data and game-relevant analytics.
Cara Banks, Laura Britt, Trenni Casey, Lindsay Czarniak, Carolyn Manno and Kathryn Tappen to Host USA Network, CNBC, and E! Coverage of Paris Olympics
Cara Banks, Laura Britt, Trenni Casey, Lindsay Czarniak, Carolyn Manno, and Kathryn Tappen will serve as hosts for NBCUniversal’s coverage of Olympic Games Paris 2024 on USA Network, CNBC, and E!, it was announced today. The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics is Friday, July 26 on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.
NBCU’s coverage on USA Network, CNBC, and E! is expected to include Team USA men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as swimming, gymnastics, and track & field, and much more. More programming details about coverage on these networks will be announced soon.
“We are excited to have an experienced group of hosts to present the most compelling stories, news, and interviews as we take viewers from event to event throughout the Games,” says Rebecca Chatman, Vice President and Coordinating Producer, NBC Olympics Production.
USA NETWORK, CNBC, & E! HOSTS:
Cara Banks (CNBC/E!)
- 2nd Olympics with NBC Sports, previously serving as a host on NBCSN for the Tokyo Olympics
- Joined GOLF Channel in 2015 and serves as host of GOLF Channel’s Golf Central pre- and post-round coverage and Golf Central Live From the Majors. Previously was a co-host of Morning Drive
- Interviewer and reporter for NBC Sports’ PGA TOUR coverage and has hosted Chasing Gold, Premier League coverage, and the Stifel Snow Show
Laura Britt (CNBC/E!)
- Making NBC Olympics debut
- Since 2018, has served as host and reporter for NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California, covering northern California sports including the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Oakland Athletics
- Previously, was host and reporter at Stadium (2017-2018) in Chicago and 120 Sports (2013-2017), and was a morning show anchor and sports reporter/anchor at FOX 40 (2010-12) in Jackson, Miss.
Trenni Casey (CNBC/E!)
- 5th assignment with NBC Olympics, previously serving as a reporter in Sochi, Rio, PyeongChang, and Tokyo
- A host and reporter with NBC Sports Boston since 2012, she currently hosts Arbella Early Edition weeknights at 6 p.m. ET, featuring discussions with the best voices in Boston sports
- Previously worked for MLB Network, ABC Sports, and Big Ten Network
Lindsay Czarniak (USA Network)
- 5th assignment for NBC Olympics, previously serving as a host for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, co-host of the On Her Turf show on Peacock for the Tokyo Olympics, sportsdesk reporter at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and reporter at the 2006 Torino Olympics
- Previously, served as host, anchor, reporter and correspondent for NBC Sports, ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS, and CNN
- Her podcast, Lunch with Lindsay, features discussion with major figures in sports, music, and entertainment
Carolyn Manno (USA Network)
- 7th Olympics assignment for NBC Olympics and fifth as a host. Previously was a CNBC host for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Olympic Channel host for Tokyo Olympics, an NBCSN host for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics, freestyle skiing reporter at 2014 Sochi Olympics, and a multi-event reporter at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Served as a sled hockey reporter (2022) and studio host (2021, 2018, 2016 and 2014) for NBC Sports’ Paralympic coverage
- This past season, served as host for Big Ten Women’s Basketball on Peacock. Previously worked across numerous NBC Sports events, including NFL, NASCAR, and horse racing
- Currently a reporter and host at CNN, host of American Kennel Club’s digital streaming platform, and appears on WNBC in New York.
Kathryn Tappen (USA Network)
- 6th assignment for NBC Olympics, after hosting on USA Network at the Tokyo Olympics, serving as a hockey host for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, and 2014 Sochi Olympics, and as the beach volleyball reporter at the 2016 Rio Olympics
- Tappen, who joined NBC Sports in 2014, is the sideline reporter for Big Ten Saturday Night – primetime Big Ten Football on NBC and Peacock
- Currently serves as host for NHL Network and reporter on Turner Sports’ NHL coverage and “The Match”
- Previously, Tappen was the sideline reporter for Notre Dame Football on NBC (2014-21) and hosted studio coverage in South Bend. She also was a host on NBC’s NHL coverage for eight seasons and has served as a sideline reporter on NBC’s regular season and postseason NFL games (including Super Bowl LVI).
Mike Tirico and Danica Patrick Return to Host NBC Sports’ Coverage of 108th Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge
With less than two weeks to go, NBC Sports has announced its team of race and studio commentators for its comprehensive coverage of the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 26, on NBC and Peacock.
Host Mike Tirico and studio analyst Danica Patrick return to NBC Sports’ Indianapolis 500 coverage for the sixth consecutive year, contributing to pre-race, in-race, and post-race coverage. One of the most versatile voices in sports, Tirico will be the primetime host of NBCUniversal’s coverage of this summer’s Paris Olympics and is the play-by-play voice of Sunday Night Football among other assignments. Patrick, one of motorsports’ most popular personalities, is a former INDYCAR and NASCAR driver who became the first woman to lead laps and earn a top-five finish in the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and boasts six career to-ten finishes in the event.
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and former Indy 500 competitor Jimmie Johnson will join NBC Sports’ pre-race and race coverage alongside Tirico and Patrick. After the broadcast, Johnson will fly to Charlotte Motor Speedway to drive in the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600, becoming the first person to complete the broadcast-driver double. Previously, Johnson contributed to NBC Sports’ studio coverage for The Greatest Spectacle in Racing in 2021.
For the sixth consecutive year, “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” will be called by NBC Sports’ lead INDYCAR play-by-play voice Leigh Diffey and analyst Townsend Bell, with analyst James Hinchcliffe in his third consecutive year of duty. Bell and Hinchcliffe have 21 Indy 500 starts between them.
Marty Snider, Dillon Welch, Dave Burns, and Kevin Lee will serve as pit reporters. Former NASCAR driver Jeff Burton and Kim Coon will serve as roaming reporters throughout the broadcast, sharing the history and atmosphere of one of the most iconic raceways in the United States.
Coverage of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season continues tomorrow with Indy 500 Practice at Noon ET exclusively on Peacock. Click here for more information on NBC Sports’ comprehensive coverage of INDYCAR’s famed Month of May schedule.
