Table of Contents
Show with Tony Kornheiser
The Tony Kornheiser Show is one of the most popular radio shows. Tony Kornheiser, one of the most highly regarded and opinionated persons, hosts the show, which focuses on athletics but quickly devolves into politics, current events, and other hot topics in the entertainment world.
The radio show, which has been running since the early 1990s, has a diverse audience.
The radio broadcast is now technically available as a podcast.
The host, co-host, guests, and callers all have a lot to say, and Tony pulls out the best of them by getting right into the topic.
The Tony Kornheiser Show | Behind the Mic
Tony Kornheiser, also known as Anthony Irwin Kornheiser, began his career as a sportswriter for Newsday, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
He later became a television and radio broadcaster while continuing to write.
On July 13, 1948, the writer-turned-host was born in Lynbrook, New York, USA, while celebrating his birthday.
The podcast presenter is still as active and vocal at 71 years old as he was in his early days.
Tony is a writer, host, color commentator, and restaurateur in addition to being a writer and host.
ESPN executive John Walsh dubbed him the “most multi-talented man ever,” and his path to this point began as an editor for the school newspaper.
Tony Kornheiser, the only child of Estelle and Ira Kornheiser, attended George W.
Hewlett High School and went on to graduate from Harpur College, the latter of which had a crucial role in launching his media career.
The Newyorker, who graduated with an English degree, recalls his college years fondly.
The Tony Kornheiser Show | The Start
Mitch Levy was the show’s original producer, and it premiered on May 25, 1992.
Similarly, three months later, Gary Braun would take over the operator’s role previously held by Gregory Thomas Garcia.
Kornheiser established two ground rules early on in the show: no athletes would appear as guests since they were too cryptic.
Another guideline was that callers should skip the pleasantries and go right to the point.
Kornheiser lived by the motto, “Help your buddy, crush your opponent, and have free meals.”
Janet Elliott, a WTEM traffic reporter, used to sing the show melodies.
The WTEM delivered free delicacies via its sales representative, prompting Tony to remark that the show is all about free food.
On Thursdays, though, Andy Pollin would fill in for Kornheiser as he devoted his attention to the Washington Post.
Similarly, from late 1995 to 1996, Wanner Wolf would guest host the show until his transfer to New York City.
Kevin Kiley, Johnny Holliday, the Maryland Terrapins’ voice, Al Koken, and others have been added to the list of hosts.
Tony would take time in his later years to read communications from listeners.
Several co-hosts have worked alongside Tony throughout the years, including JeanneMcManus, Chris Cillizza, David Aldridge, Gary Braun, Liz Clarke, and Torie Clarke.
Years: 1998-2004 Tony Kornheiser Show | Over the Years
The Tony Kornheiser Show debuted on ESPN Radio for the first time on January 5, 1998.
Tony, on the other hand, was concerned that a new broadcasting network might alienate WTEM callers.
Furthermore, The Dan Patrick Show required a time slot, so Korheiser’s show was moved to a 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. time slot, which he describes as his favorite.
As a result, The Jim Rome Show was limited to a 2-hour time slot.
It exacerbated antagonism between the hosts of the shows even more.
Tony would respond with caustic humor, occasionally using “Smackdown,” “Clahhsic!” and “Epic!” to ridicule Rome.
Every day, the show would close with a part called Tony’s Mailbag, in which the presenter would read emails from the show’s listeners.
Denyce Graves later created alternate jingles for the part.
Despite the fact that the show was about athletics, Tony would occasionally wander into music, entertainment news, current affairs, and even talk about his dog.
Furthermore, Tony used to elicit fury from his bosses, coworkers, and even the primary audience who wanted to hear sports news, but as usual, the presenter would descend into sarcastic and witty humor ranging from roasting a chicken to the Packers’ victory or kvetching on aging, kids, and baldness.
Kornheiser would leave the mike on during commercial breaks to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look.
It was nicknamed “Internet Show,” and a few parts later, some irate listeners stepped forward to express their displeasure with the show as a whole. The segment was eventually canceled due to alleged racial remarks.
Years: 2004-2006
Tony returned to WTEM in late 2004 after his final stint on ESPN. Andy Pollin, Gary Braun, Keven Sheehan, and Marc Sterne all had accents that reminded Dick Van Dyke of Mary Poppins.
Moving on, Sports Talk broadcast the show from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET.
Throughout the show, a segment named “Andy Polley’s Happy Funtime Sports Extravaganza” addressed various sports scores. The segment, in particular, began after the 20-minute mark in the second hour.
The section began with traditional carnival music and random soundbites.
Hootie and Blowfish also provided unique music for Tony’s Mailbag section.
The Tony Kornheiser Show aired for two years, until April 28, 2006.
It was primarily to alter Tony’s sleep schedule as he took on the post of color analyst for ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
Similarly, Kornheiser stated that his reign was both fun and noteworthy.
Years ranged from 2007/2008 through 2009/2016
After receiving offers from both WTEM and WTWP, the American host felt compelled to travel to Washington, D.C.
Finally, the decision was made to partner with WTWP, and “The Tony Kornheiser Show” began airing on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on February 20, 2007.
Furthermore, Kornheiser considered WTWP due to its ties to the Washington Post, as the host had been a member of that organization since 1979.
Following a brief stint at WTWP, Tony Kornheiser’s show was moved back to WTEM, and word spread via Twitter.
The show went live on September 8, 2009, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., which was nearly identical to previous times.
Marc Nigel, a longstanding collaborator, was retained as a producer.
Tony and Marc (as Nigel) welcomed two rotating co-hosts in each iteration, with places designated as a man chair and a chick chair for the two visitors.
With the typical conversations, a cast of interesting characters made the evening vibrant and fun.
The following are some famous guests:
- Turner Sports’ David Aldridge (co-host).
- WTEM co-host Gary Braun and Vice President of Braun Films & Video, Inc.
- The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza (co-host).
- Former Pentagon spokeswoman Torie Clarke (co-host).
- Marc “Nigel” Sterne (producer), an English immigrant Kim Burton, wife of Gary Braun, and former WASH-FM radio personality
- Arch Campbell, a former ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C.
- The Huffington Post’s Howard Fineman
- Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman
- The Washington Post’s Tracee Hamilton (co-host).
- Sue Palka, a FOX affiliate meteorologist in Washington.
- Adam Ferrara is an actor and comedian best known for his roles in Rescue Me, Nurse Jackie, and Top Gear.
- Bill Simmons is a former ESPN and Grantland executive.
To begin, loyal fans had to wait nearly 24 hours before the broadcast became accessible as a podcast.
Nonetheless, worried viewers flocked to the show’s aid, launching a #FreeMrTony campaign and filing a complaint with the broadcaster on a regular basis.
Show with Tony Kornheiser
Finally, the host, overjoyed and relieved, stated on March 23, 2015, that there would be no further delays.
Tony chose to make the show entirely podcasted for his convenience.
Although the format stayed the same, the playtime was decreased from 80 minutes to 60-70 minutes.
Beginning on September 6, 2016, the broadcast was turned into a podcast.
Simultaneously, Michael, Tony’s son, helmed to executive produce the show and was most likely in charge of the show’s social media account and website with a subscription option.
Likewise, the now-podcast show has partnered with IMG, a sports talent agency, and digital Media, an on-demand audio startup.
Old and new fans can listen to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, ART19, and Google Play.
The podcast will begin at 11 a.m. ET.
The Tony Kornheiser Show: Guests and Quotes
Guests
The podcast has a variety of guests, usually repeats, but also some newcomers on occasion.
The following are lists of former and present guests who have been on The Tony Kornheiser Show:
- The Washington Post’s Ann Hornaday (Movie Reviews)
- The Washington Post’s Barry Svrluga
- ESPN’s Michael Wilbon
- CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora
- Bob Ryan, retired from The Boston Globe (Kornheiser dubbed him “The Quintessential American Sportswriter”)
- The Washington Post’s Marc Fisher
- ESPN’s Ron Jaworski (Football picks)
- WTOP’s Joe Barber (Movie Reviews)
- ESPN’s Norman Chad
- Comcast SportsNet’s Tarik El-Bashir Washington
- Stephen Hunter has left The Washington Post (Movie Reviews)
- ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
- New York Daily News reporter Mike Lupica
- ESPN and ABC Sports’ Brent Musburger
- ESPN’s Rachel Nichols
- The Boston Globe’s Dan Shaughnessy
- The Washington Post’s Fred Barbash
- Golf World’s Ron Sirak
- The Washington Post’s Mark Maske
- The Washington Post’s Dave Sheinin
Also, read Vergil Ortiz Jr, Park Sang-young, Mahiedine Mekhissi
Quotes
Aside from the show, the most remembered component was the smart and amusing catchphrases or references derived from movies, presentations, or other forms of entertainment media.
- Harry, clean out the mouse cages and bring the pee samples upstairs:
- Radio Death Star
- Please measure my penis and allow me to board the plane.
- Wear white La Cheeserie if you’re riding your bike tonight!
- Network for the Elderly (OPN)
- Phil’s mother
- The Refugee Safeway
- Playing with Phil’s Mother
- Inform Michael that this show stinks.
