455. Remembering Sports Phone (976-1313)

Before there were podcasts, iPhones, or even sports radio, there was Sports Phone. Originally based in New York, Sports Phone was a phone number someone could call and hear an announcer give what is commonly known as a sports update. Many of those anchors went on to have incredible broadcasting careers and got their start working for Sports Phone.

Media veterans Scott Orgera and Sports Phone alum Howie Karpin joined the show to discuss the story behind Sports Phone. Their book, 976-1313. : How Sports Phone Launched Careers and Broke New Ground features never-before-told tales of triumph and tragedy, a mix of hilarity, inspiration, and regret from the broadcasting hopefuls and sports junkies that comprised the brains and voices behind the pioneering operation.

In this episode, they talk about the many anchors who worked for Sports Phone and the countless number of callers who would call in to get the scores. They also discussed how gambling enhanced the volume of callers, despite it not being legal as it is now.

For more information on the book, visit https://9761313.com/ and get the book here: https://a.co/d/hJKgYJ6