(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The city of St. Louis has long been regarded as one of the nation’s foremost havens for sports intellectuals. But with such a lofty distinction comes the need for outstanding journalistic coverage on a mass scale.
Whether it’s via print, radio, television, or any one of the many forms of the digital movement, as is the case with patrons in any city, St. Louis fans rely heavily upon local media personalities to quench their thirst for sports knowledge, as well as feed the need for a little good-natured controversy and debate.
That is not to say, however, that some don’t manage to pull it off better than others. This list is a biased look at the difference between the two.
Television
Steve Savard - A former NFL linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys, Savard is an imposing figure in front of the cameras, with his broad shoulders and wide frame being matched only by his penchant for smooth diction and a captivating delivery.
Savard could easily land a more prestigious position in a more lucrative market, but the St. Louis native has chosen to stay true to his roots. After an all-conference career at Northwest Missouri State University, Savard had his professional football dreams cut short because of injury, leading him to pursue his second love—journalism.
Now a six-time Emmy Award-winner, Savard—the sports director at KMOV-TV, St. Louis’ CBS affiliate, as well as the play-by-play voice for Rams radio broadcasts—is widely seen as the hands-down best sportscaster in the city.
Honorable Mention: Malcolm Briggs - former KSDK-TV sports personality
Rene Knott - Situated blocks away from KMOV, on Market Street in downtown St. Louis, is KSDK-TV, where Knott continually outdoes himself to set a new standard in journalistic ineptitude on a daily basis. Appointed the sports director in 2004, Knott has spent the past five years failing to fulfill the expectations set forth by his predecessor, long-time KSDK veteran Mike Bush.
A seasoned television personality with considerable experience, including a stint as lead sports anchor at Washington D.C.’s WJLA, Knott seldom goes a newscast without tripping over his lines or making a folly of the St. Louis sports scene with his dry commentary.
Of course, this assessment is purely subjective, but it’s alarming how the same NBC affiliate whose sports department produced two ESPN-worthy personalities (Trey Wingo and Matt Winer) could tolerate such mediocrity.
Dishonorable Mention: Frank Cusumano - current KSDK-TV sports personality
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