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SportsTrail Blazers new owner Tom Dundon slashes broadcast team, veteran analysts let go
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Under new owner Tom Dundon, the Portland Trail Blazers are making significant cuts to their broadcasting team, following earlier layoffs of 70 front office employees. TV analyst Michael Holton (19 seasons), statistician Tom Haberstroh, and hosts Neil Everett and Jamie Hudson have been let go or had contracts not renewed. Several other broadcasters face deep pay cuts. The TV production crew has also been reduced, losing its producer Greg Fonseca to NBA Broadcasting. The status of play-by-play announcers Kevin Calabro and Travis Demers is uncertain. The team may adopt a TV simulcast for radio broadcasts, a move Dundon previously made with the Carolina Hurricanes. No NBA team currently uses a TV simulcast.
Source report
Under new owner Tom Dundon, the Portland Trail Blazers have come under scrutiny on multiple fronts. Beyond the contentious battle for public funding to upgrade the Moda Center, Dundon has taken a chainsaw to the club's staff.
Earlier this year, the Trail Blazers made significant cuts to the front office, laying off 70 employees as part of cost-cutting measures. Now, the Blazers' broadcasting department is being hit, either through layoffs or contracts not being renewed.
Key Personnel Changes
- Michael Holton — TV analyst, let go after 19 seasons with the Blazers broadcast team
- Tom Haberstroh — statistician, let go
- Neil Everett — former ESPN legend and Blazers TV host, let go
- Jamie Hudson — TV host, let go
- Several other broadcasters' contracts have lapsed, with deep pay cuts expected in some cases
The status of TV play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro and radio play-by-play announcer Travis Demers remains unknown, though both have contracts up for renewal.
A request for comment from the Blazers was not immediately returned.
Production Team Also Affected
The cuts extend beyond on-air talent. The TV production crew has also been reduced:
- The Blazers are currently without a Producer after Greg Fonseca left to take a job with NBA Broadcasting
- Graphics will reportedly be reduced
These changes could affect the quality of broadcasts.
Radio Implications
While the status of Travis Demers on the radio side remains unclear, the Blazers may consider:
- Using a TV simulcast for radio broadcasts
- Having radio call road games remotely (TV talent is required to travel)
Dundon's History with Broadcast Cuts
When Dundon purchased the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018, he notably let the radio broadcast team go — including Hall of Fame and longtime radio announcer Chuck Kaiton — in favor of airing a simulcast of the TV broadcast audio. This occurred after Kaiton refused to take an 80% pay cut to stay with the team.
League Context
No NBA teams currently use a TV simulcast for radio. Only the Toronto Raptors' radio team does not travel with the team for road games.
Source
Forbes - BusinessWestern
Part of this Story
Portland Trail Blazers Under Tom Dundon Make Dramatic Cuts to Broadcast Team