McCord and Kostis not Returning to CBS

[Holy Moses]

Two Immelmans as a replacement for McCord and Kostis doesn't sit well with me if they turn out to be two. They are decent at their jobs, but nothing incredibly special and different. If CBS said that McCord and Kostis got stale, I don't see how the Immelmans improve that staleness. Is Nobilo just assumed to be in one of the towers because he was doing a few tournaments already?

[bscinstnct]

> @"Holy Moses" said:

> Two Immelmans as a replacement for McCord and Kostis doesn't sit well with me if they turn out to be two. They are decent at their jobs, but nothing incredibly special and different. If CBS said that McCord and Kostis got stale, I don't see how the Immelmans improve that staleness. Is Nobilo just assumed to be in one of the towers because he was doing a few tournaments already?

 

It’s not McCord is stale. But his giggling, yucking, dumb jokes that make you like “shut up McCord” and change the channel, are contrary to the objective of encouraging viewership.

 

In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did a test, invited people into a room, played McCord, and noted how quickly they grimaced and yelled, “shut up McCord!”

 

God bless Gary, seems like a nice guy and had a good run. But I’d rather clean a toilet than listen to him.

 

 

 

 

[soregongolfer]

That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

[Holy Moses]

> @soregongolfer said:

> That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

 

She's nearly universally well-liked. In fact, you're the first I've heard that is not a fan of hers.

 

 

[soregongolfer]

> @"Holy Moses" said:

> > @soregongolfer said:

> > That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

>

> She's nearly universally well-liked. In fact, you're the first I've heard that is not a fan of hers.

>

>

 

No doubt she's very nice, but her segments are a waste of time for me. I want to see shots, not see stats and interviews.

[cbbaron]

> @"Holy Moses" said:

> > @soregongolfer said:

> > That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

>

> She's nearly universally well-liked. In fact, you're the first I've heard that is not a fan of hers.

>

>

She is very good seems like she does her research

 

[Holy Moses]

> @soregongolfer said:

> > @"Holy Moses" said:

> > > @soregongolfer said:

> > > That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

> >

> > She's nearly universally well-liked. In fact, you're the first I've heard that is not a fan of hers.

> >

> >

>

> No doubt she's very nice, but her segments are a waste of time for me. I want to see shots, not see stats and interviews.

 

There's issues with CBS' coverage, but for me her time on the air isn't one of them.

 

 

[bscinstnct]

> @soregongolfer said:

> > @"Holy Moses" said:

> > > @soregongolfer said:

> > > That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

> >

> > She's nearly universally well-liked. In fact, you're the first I've heard that is not a fan of hers.

> >

> >

>

> No doubt she's very nice, but her segments are a waste of time for me. I want to see shots, not see stats and interviews.

 

 

She takes like 3 minutes to interview the leaders. She looks cool in a ski hat too.

 

Not like those brutal Jake segments or that other guys syrupy drawn out pieces.

 

 

 

[Hawkeye77]

> @"Holy Moses" said:

> McCord and Kostis were offered the first two tournaments of 2020 that CBS does, but they declined.

 

But like McCord said, that was more for CBS looking good than Gary going out on his own terms. Of course he declined, good for him.

 

He had a good run, honestly I don't think two Immelmans I can hardly tell apart when they are talking is an improvement (but they have accents, lol).

 

I just don't get too worked up about who is saying what but agree with many that Euro Tour broadcasts are in general more enjoyable. I can watch an okay tourney and enjoy the ET approach to broadcasting making it better than just okay - an okay PGA Tour event with the same old stuff isn't a great listening experience for me, but I don't watch as much as I used to.

 

[pegleg]

"fewer commercials" ... you guys are comic geniuses! The PGA Tour is one big commercial - interrupted briefly by golf shots in between.

 

Try to count how many times "FedEx" is said during a single golf season. 18 minutes of commercials per hour of television (2 minutes more than when I was a kid). A vast sea of logos on hats, bags, shirts, grandstands... various "sponsored by" throughout. Where do you think the millions in prize money comes from - ticket sales??

 

I'll miss McCord and Kostis - because they had unique personalities, were real "golf" people, and because they were often able to give insight without the Johnny Miller put-downs.

 

That said, most of the golf I watch is with the sound muted and music playing. U.S. broadcast is ludicrous with nonstop over-commentary and sensationalism. Give me 1000 Gary McCords over the Dan Hicks and Terry Gannons of the field - Where. Every. Word. Gets. A. Pause. For. Effect! Give me the European Tour broadcasters who take a breath every once in a while.

[musclefront]

Very happy McCord is gone. He tried so hard to not be funny at all.

[grm24]

> @"Darth Putter" said:

> > @Sixcat said:

> > > @MountainGoat said:

> > > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > > @redfirebird08 said:

> > > > > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > > > > @"Holy Moses" said:

> > > > > > > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > > > > > Personally, I believe this is the opening act of what will be wholesale changes for CBS Golf prior to coming back in January. More changes will follow!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > What changes are you expecting?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I don't expect changes in the booth. Nantz will be there until he decides not to be. Faldo will be there at least through his current contract. The PGA Tour has made no secret, they are looking at alternative ways to distribute content. Given the ever-changing nature of content viewing, it's becoming more and more important to stream in order to remain relevant. The PGA Tour is discussing the possibility of renewing with CBS if Viacom will turn TruTV or another channel into the "PGA Tour Network." https://awfulannouncing.com/golf/pga-tour-to-begin-bid-process-for-rights-deals-all-of-which-are-up-after-2021.html

> > > > > >

> > > > > > In a nutshell, I believe CBS will begin changing the way broadcasts are produced in an effort to win the PGA Tour over. Otherwise, the PGA Tour may buy Golf Channel and CBS will be frozen out altogether. Especially considering NBC is ahead of the game (see link provided).

> > > > > >

> > > > > > https://www.pgatour.com/company/2019/10/07/live-streaming-every-shot-live-during-the-players-championship-2020.html

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > I think they should just buy Golf Channel. That's a better move than creating a 2nd golf network.

> > > >

> > > > This interview on the Shotgun Start is more in-depth and informative than I could ever be. The interview begins at the 27:30 mark.

> > > >

> > > > http://shotgunstart.libsyn.com/an-interview-with-john-ourand-of-sbj-on-pga-tour-tv-rights-negotiations

> > >

> > > Interesting interview. The piece of this that confuses me is the desire of the Tour to own a broadcast company, like the Golf Channel. The Tour is a non-profit organization. How does a non-profit own or have an ownership stake in a profit-making business?

> > >

> >

> > It'll be interesting to see how the Tour decides to go into the new world of broadcast/streaming content. But MLB, NFL, SEC, ACC, PAC12, BIG all have their own networks and are all non-profit leagues. It's nothing new, really. I just don't completely understand how it's done from a profit/compliance standpoint.

> >

> > The most interesting part of the interview to me was how the Tour openly stated how unhappy they were with Golf Channel to Mr. Ourand. The quote was something to the effect of "the Tour has the perception, Golf Channel is printing money off the backs of PGA Tour licensed content. Why can't we keep our content for ourselves and distribute it as we see fit?" I'm paraphrasing, of course!

>

> The part I found interesting (and the part that will cause RAGE in this forum) is that the tour is happy with how NBC and CBS broadcast golf. Yes, all those commercials, interviews with sponsors, Konica Minolta Biz Hubs, updates on the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, and everything else that get comments every week. The tour is happy with the broadcasts.

>

>

> We might know in the next 90 days or so how the tv future of golf will look. I think NBC is still the front runner. They could net most of it, make an ownership deal with Golf Channel and have content ready for their new Peacock service next spring. CBS or Fox would take the parts of the season NBC can't fit.

 

Why would NBC make an ownership deal on golf with Comcast when Comcast already owns both NBC and Golf Channel?

[grm24]

> @MountainGoat said:

> > @redfirebird08 said:

> > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > @"Holy Moses" said:

> > > > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > > Personally, I believe this is the opening act of what will be wholesale changes for CBS Golf prior to coming back in January. More changes will follow!

> > > >

> > > > What changes are you expecting?

> > >

> > > I don't expect changes in the booth. Nantz will be there until he decides not to be. Faldo will be there at least through his current contract. The PGA Tour has made no secret, they are looking at alternative ways to distribute content. Given the ever-changing nature of content viewing, it's becoming more and more important to stream in order to remain relevant. The PGA Tour is discussing the possibility of renewing with CBS if Viacom will turn TruTV or another channel into the "PGA Tour Network." https://awfulannouncing.com/golf/pga-tour-to-begin-bid-process-for-rights-deals-all-of-which-are-up-after-2021.html

> > >

> > > In a nutshell, I believe CBS will begin changing the way broadcasts are produced in an effort to win the PGA Tour over. Otherwise, the PGA Tour may buy Golf Channel and CBS will be frozen out altogether. Especially considering NBC is ahead of the game (see link provided).

> > >

> > > https://www.pgatour.com/company/2019/10/07/live-streaming-every-shot-live-during-the-players-championship-2020.html

> > >

> >

> > I think they should just buy Golf Channel. That's a better move than creating a 2nd golf network.

>

> The Golf Channel is already owned by NBC Sports Group.

 

Comcast owns GC (since 2003) and NBC. When Comcast bought NBC they moved GC under the NBC Sports umbrella. NBC didn't buy GC. Comcast still calls all the shots.

 

 

[Darth Putter]

> @grm24 said:

> > @"Darth Putter" said:

> > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > @MountainGoat said:

> > > > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > > > @redfirebird08 said:

> > > > > > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > > > > > @"Holy Moses" said:

> > > > > > > > > @Sixcat said:

> > > > > > > > > Personally, I believe this is the opening act of what will be wholesale changes for CBS Golf prior to coming back in January. More changes will follow!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > What changes are you expecting?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I don't expect changes in the booth. Nantz will be there until he decides not to be. Faldo will be there at least through his current contract. The PGA Tour has made no secret, they are looking at alternative ways to distribute content. Given the ever-changing nature of content viewing, it's becoming more and more important to stream in order to remain relevant. The PGA Tour is discussing the possibility of renewing with CBS if Viacom will turn TruTV or another channel into the "PGA Tour Network." https://awfulannouncing.com/golf/pga-tour-to-begin-bid-process-for-rights-deals-all-of-which-are-up-after-2021.html

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > In a nutshell, I believe CBS will begin changing the way broadcasts are produced in an effort to win the PGA Tour over. Otherwise, the PGA Tour may buy Golf Channel and CBS will be frozen out altogether. Especially considering NBC is ahead of the game (see link provided).

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > https://www.pgatour.com/company/2019/10/07/live-streaming-every-shot-live-during-the-players-championship-2020.html

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I think they should just buy Golf Channel. That's a better move than creating a 2nd golf network.

> > > > >

> > > > > This interview on the Shotgun Start is more in-depth and informative than I could ever be. The interview begins at the 27:30 mark.

> > > > >

> > > > > http://shotgunstart.libsyn.com/an-interview-with-john-ourand-of-sbj-on-pga-tour-tv-rights-negotiations

> > > >

> > > > Interesting interview. The piece of this that confuses me is the desire of the Tour to own a broadcast company, like the Golf Channel. The Tour is a non-profit organization. How does a non-profit own or have an ownership stake in a profit-making business?

> > > >

> > >

> > > It'll be interesting to see how the Tour decides to go into the new world of broadcast/streaming content. But MLB, NFL, SEC, ACC, PAC12, BIG all have their own networks and are all non-profit leagues. It's nothing new, really. I just don't completely understand how it's done from a profit/compliance standpoint.

> > >

> > > The most interesting part of the interview to me was how the Tour openly stated how unhappy they were with Golf Channel to Mr. Ourand. The quote was something to the effect of "the Tour has the perception, Golf Channel is printing money off the backs of PGA Tour licensed content. Why can't we keep our content for ourselves and distribute it as we see fit?" I'm paraphrasing, of course!

> >

> > The part I found interesting (and the part that will cause RAGE in this forum) is that the tour is happy with how NBC and CBS broadcast golf. Yes, all those commercials, interviews with sponsors, Konica Minolta Biz Hubs, updates on the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, and everything else that get comments every week. The tour is happy with the broadcasts.

> >

> >

> > We might know in the next 90 days or so how the tv future of golf will look. I think NBC is still the front runner. They could net most of it, make an ownership deal with Golf Channel and have content ready for their new Peacock service next spring. CBS or Fox would take the parts of the season NBC can't fit.

>

> Why would NBC make an ownership deal on golf with Comcast when Comcast already owns both NBC and Golf Channel?

 

The PGA Tour would buy part of Golf Channel and they would be partners with NBC/Comcast.

 

Like the way the the Big 10 owns nearly half of the Big 10 network and the rest is owned by Fox.

 

[burritos4breakfast]

> @"Darth Putter" said:

> Gary McCord with further details.

>

> Keep reading to the end for the Cronkite part.

>

> https://www.golfdigest.com/story/gary-mccord-speaks-outloudlyabout-being-dropped-from-cbs-golf-team-bottom-line-they-fired-me

>

>

> Immelmans (both) and Love possibly moving in

 

ew immelman and his freshening breezes suck. no thx

[soregongolfer]

> @bscinstnct said:

> > @soregongolfer said:

> > > @"Holy Moses" said:

> > > > @soregongolfer said:

> > > > That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

> > >

> > > She's nearly universally well-liked. In fact, you're the first I've heard that is not a fan of hers.

> > >

> > >

> >

> > No doubt she's very nice, but her segments are a waste of time for me. I want to see shots, not see stats and interviews.

>

>

> She takes like 3 minutes to interview the leaders. She looks cool in a ski hat too.

>

> Not like those brutal Jake segments or that other guys syrupy drawn out pieces.

>

>

>

 

Oh, they can get rid of all of those too. Haha. Especially now in an era where we get 18 minutes of commercials per hour.

[ANGC Caddie]

CBS golf coverage has sucked since Frank Chirkinian left. Replacements aren't going to give us a better broadcast, they need new blood in production. Kostis was "captain obvious" and McCord stopped being funny years ago. I wish Baker-Finch was going with them

[wam78]

CBS is doing a terrible job at keeping viewer's engagement lately. And it's not just with golf. If any of you guys are college football fans as well, the amount of commercials during games makes the coverage last almost as long as a super bowl. It's getting absolutely ridiculous with how bad it is. Currently they are showing equal amount of minutes in a half for commercial and game coverage. Same thing with golf and so on.

 

As for McCord, I think it's time to move on. It would be great to get more insight like they do from Bones or other caddies that can talk more strategy. Anyway, will be interesting to see who replaces them.

[Man_O_War]

so Kostis and McCord are being replaced by the Immelman brothers. That's watching paint dry with the SA accents.

[redfirebird08]

They announced DL3 as a full-time guy today. Wonder if he will be in McCord's spot or walking the course like Kostis.

[QuigleyDU]

> @redfirebird08 said:

> They announced DL3 as a full-time guy today. Wonder if he will be in McCord's spot or walking the course like Kostis.

 

I don't think this is an upgrade.... Love DLIII as a player but I think he will be pretty dry.

[dlygrisse]

> @Ferguson said:

> I wonder waht > @ebrasmus21 said:

> > > @Badds said:

> > > But will the Konica Minolta BizHub contract be renewed?

> >

> > Surely you’re referring to the Konica Minolta BizHub Swing Vision Camera?

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Without permission from CBS, Kostis tried to film his daughter's wedding ceremony with the KMBSVC and let's just say it didn't go well.

>

> The daughter is now having marital problems.

 

Well, when your father tries to analyze your marriage in super slo-mo these things will happen........

Kostis has really bad hair.

[dlygrisse]

> @WillyE said:

> Personally, I don’t care for the CBS telecasts. I really enjoy European PGA telecasts. They know golf, and know when to keep it zipped. CBS could learn something from those folks.

 

I disagree, that may have been true in the past but the Euro broadcasts I have seen lately are total snooze fests. I mean I fall asleep watching them after about 20 min.

 

I little personality and humor is a good thing, alot becomes overbearing, which is what is happened to McCord and Feherty. They were trying too hard. Golf is difficult because they have a lot of hours to fill, and they run out of things to talk about. They feel the need to fill dead air time with mindless drivel and intellectual observations like "Peter, he's left himself with a lot of work on this one"

[bladehunter]

I have already said I’m a McCord Fan. So there’s that. Lol

 

I guess I can see why it’s tome for them to move on. The viewership is getting younger and slower. Some of gary’s jokes aren’t being grasped correctly , as they are maybe considered off color or containing ancient context at times. Cool. But why fire them both ? Why not allow them to retire. Forcibly if need be. But with a touch of appreciation for the 30 plus years of WORK. Between this and them turning completely on Charlie Rose in favor of a female who’s admitted to doing worse to her husband .... , CBS simply is a disappointing display of all that is wrong with TV/news today.

[Hawkeye77]

> @bladehunter said:

> I have already said I’m a McCord Fan. So there’s that. Lol

>

> I guess I can see why it’s tome for them to move on. The viewership is getting younger and slower. Some of gary’s jokes aren’t being grasped correctly , as they are maybe considered off color or containing ancient context at times. Cool. But why fire them both ? Why not allow them to retire. Forcibly if need be. But with a touch of appreciation for the 30 plus years of WORK. Between this and them turning completely on Charlie Rose in favor of a female who’s admitted to doing worse to her husband .... , CBS simply is a disappointing display of all that is wrong with TV/news today.

 

I'm guessing it may have to do with getting some larger contracts gone/trimming "fat", repositioning "talent" and looking "fresh" for contract talks now and in the near future, but it's the entertainment business so who knows.

 

 

[Hawkeye77]

Doubt any of the new guys will be able to go off on a two hour long on again off again discussion about coots.

[Ghost of Snead]

> @redfirebird08 said:

> They announced DL3 as a full-time guy today. Wonder if he will be in McCord's spot or walking the course like Kostis.

 

DL3 will most likely be in McCord's spot - they'll need a swing analyst for Kostis' position ... maybe CHIII if he can beak away from Sky Sports.

[the bishop]

> @soregongolfer said:

> That's too bad. I like both of those guys. They need to get rid of Balionis. That's wasted time right there.

 

Guess we know Paulina Gretzky's WRX handle now. Lol.

[larciel]

A bit of a side question and suggestion.

 

Why did Holly Sonders fail so miserably and disappear? She was like the goddess of golf one time.

[jvincent]

> @QuigleyDU said:

> > @redfirebird08 said:

> > They announced DL3 as a full-time guy today. Wonder if he will be in McCord's spot or walking the course like Kostis.

>

> I don't think this is an upgrade.... Love DLIII as a player but I think he will be pretty dry.

 

McCord had definitely worn thin.

 

I'm willing to give DLIII a shot. He may be duller than grass growing or he may have a lot of valuable insight. It will probably take him a few tournaments to find his groove, so let's see how it goes.