How would you react if hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky sweated all over your dress pants during a live TV interview? What if heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks threatened to harm you if you didn't dance with his wife? These are just two of the occupational obstacles faced by Mark Hebscher during his checkered career in sports media. From covering Harold Ballard, the cantankerous owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, to helping lead a cultural revolution in sports broadcasting on the late-night program Sportsline, Hebscher tells stories of his 45 years in the business in his new book, Madness: The Rise and Ruin of Sports Media.
This is a compelling look at the evolution of sports journalism and how today's media coverage drastically differs from the days of newspapers and magazines. At the same time, it explores the effect that radio, TV, and later technology has had on sports coverage, and how men like Howard Cosell changed the way sports was reported on.
How did Wide World of Sports and Hockey Night in Canada become so ingrained in popular culture? What was it about Sportsline that made it mandatory viewing? Who were the athletes, sportswriters, sportscasters, reporters, and play-by-play announcers that fueled his desire to be a part of the sports media landscape?
In the end, Hebscher's encounters with the Great One, MC Hammer, Youppi!, Doug Flutie, and Doug Gilmour are more than mildly amusing … and his unparalleled knowledge of the sports media universe shines throughout.
From dealing with the cantankerous and cheapskate owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs to hosting radio hotline shows to anchoring a revolutionary late-night program, Sportsline, Mark tells unheard-of stories from his 45 years in the bizarre business of sports broadcasting.
As co-anchor of the wildly popular show Sportsline on Global TV, Mark Hebscher helped revolutionize the way sports is presented on television. He spent 45 years in sports media and is a foremost expert on everything sports. Mark resides in Toronto, ON.
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• UNTOLD STORIES OF SPORTS LEGENDS: Mark Hebscher recounts the good, the bad, and the shocking encounters he's had with sports legends over the nearly five decades of his career, including stealing a limousine meant for TSN reporters and being forced to dance with world heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks's wife at a bar.
• A HISTORY OF SPORTS REPORTING: Mark Hebscher's career reflects the evolution of sports media. Though he started in the '70s with television and radio, Hebscher adapted seamlessly to changing times, later embracing podcasting and digital platforms. He explores the transformation of sports journalism and highlights how the industry has evolved to remain relevant in an ever-changing technological landscape. A thrilling blend of sports history, industry insight, and business savvy - perfect for sports fans and professionals alike.
• PRAISE FOR THE GREATEST ATHLETE (YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF):
• "Mark Hebscher has brought to life George Washington Orton for all of us to enjoy with his book, The Greatest Athlete. Mark's research and writing skills combined with his finding so many historic pictures capture a person and a time that had escaped us. A job well done." - Jerry Howarth, veteran Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster
• "Always a fount of sports knowledge and trivia, Hebscher sets the record straight on a great Canadian athlete long overlooked or forgotten altogether. An entertaining and informative read. Mark's high-energy personality and unbridled love for sport shine through on every page." - Rob Baker, The Tragically Hip guitarist
