Returns define compelling year of TV sports

A launch and some notable returns defined TV sports in 2013.

Fox Sports 1 became a reality Aug. 17 and the all-sports network has slowly started to create niche for itself. Thankfully, the overdone "fun" promotional approach for FS1 has been toned down and changes and tweaks to the flagship program, "Fox Sports Live," should continue for months to come. It's getting better.

It's good for sports fans to have options and once FS1 builds some consistency and, more importantly, gets better live content -- which could happen a bit more during college basketball season -- the network will become a slightly better rival (as much as it can) for the all-sports standard and cultural icon, ESPN.

Personality returns helped define 2013, with Keith Olbermann going back to ESPN for the nightly "Olbermann," atop the list. ESPN also welcomed back Jason Whitlock and Paul Finebaum returned after a hiatus from sports-talk radio to an even better opportunity -- going to ESPN himself. He got back on satellite radio and landed increased assignments for college football on ESPN and, next season, with the SEC Network. He might've had one of the better years of any sports personality, going from out of work (or at least of the air) to high-profile assignments.

It could more more of the same for Finebaum in 2014, and that might be the case for TV rookie Tim Tebow as well. Despite his lack of experience, ESPN announced Dec. 30 that Tebow would have a prominent role on the SEC Network in 2014. The network also said the former Heisman Trophy winner will work the Jan. 6 national championship game between Auburn and Florida State.

Before 2014 arrives (and in the borderline-sports-but-certainly-ratings-firendly category, expect the coming year to include another highly rated daredevil stunt of some sort by Nick Wallenda on the Discovery Channel), here's a look at the best of 2013:

Best Studio Show: "College GameDay"

For degree of difficulty alone (the show originates from a different college campus each week) "GameDay" deserves credit. But the show is much more than a traveling circus. It comes with a standout host (Chris Fowler, see below) and a strong mix of entertainment and information. Plus, "GameDay" must cover more each week than other programs of its ilk and it does it well. Even adding an hour this year did not seem to bog down the program. Plus, regular behind-the-scenes adjustments and more of a social media presence only helped the show improve.

Best Studio Host: Chris Fowler 

He handles duties on "GameDay" and tennis coverage for ESPN, and does both well. He's intelligent, entertaining and sincere. He makes sure colleagues get a chance to share their insights and makes sure fans get the information they want. His contract with ESPN comes up soon, though, and he wants to get more play-by-play assignments. From a selfish standpoint, here's hoping ESPN somehow keeps him in house -- maybe by passing "GameDay" to clearly capable Rece Davis and giving Fowler some strong college football game assignments. He's young enough, and good enough, to merit a top play-by-play gig.

Best Play-by-Play Team: Mike Breen/Jeff Van Gundy/Doris Burke

They're an engaging and informative trio for ESPN on the NBA, and they make games worth watching. Breen and Van Gundy bring a nice mix of familiarity and fun to broadcasts, providing a "feel" that translates well for viewers. With Burke an ever-prepared reporting presence, broadcasts with the trio never want for anything. While mid-season NBA games might be so-so in terms of meaning, the broadcast team always delivers.

Best Play-by-Play Man: Mike Emrick

He's the voice and energy of the NHL. So much talent exits behind the mic across so many sports that it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. The distinctive and well-prepared Emrick does that every time he goes to work.

Best Color Commentator: Jon Gruden

Sorry, I buy the schtick and silliness. He's fun to hear and watch on "Monday Night Football" and the other opportunities ESPN has provided for him, especially those film sessions leading up to the NFL Draft. There's no doubt he's well prepared. Sure, he's a personality, maybe the Dick Vitale of the NFL in the eyes of some critics who want someone a little less animated are cartoonish, but he connects with viewers and knows his stuff. That's what matters most.

Best Sideline Reporter: Michelle Tafoya

Less BS or better reporting helped the many professionals in this line of work -- and they have the toughest job in TV sports -- rise above the typically inane, two- or three-questions walkoff interview that typically defines the role. Tafoya had big news moments on "Sunday Night Football" this year, with a big-tme weather delay in Denver and the health of Texans coach Gary Kubiak in Houston, and she consistently did her job well. No surprise there, and those things were enough to put her slightly head of several others in the group.

Best Insider/Expert: Jay Bilas

Not. Even. Close. Not because Bilas consistently broke news or shared strong opinions (he did more of the latter than the former), but because he made a difference. He shared an opinion. He took a stand. And he was right every time he pointed out the NCAA's failings. As well as the failings of NCAA president Mark Emmert. Notably, Bilas, working for ESPN but making guest appearances on other outlets and harnessing the power of social media with his Twitter account, pointed out the hypocrisy of the NCAA selling student-athlete goods on its website. Appropriately, the NCAA pulled those online sales options. Best of all, though, Bilas was correct with his criticisms and the rabbit-eared NCAA president eventually made the criticisms personal. To his credit, Bilas did not get pulled into that and was left looking better as a result. (Of course, he looked better from the start.)

Newcomer of the Year: "College GameDay" offered a look -- and standing segment -- for a longtime off-camera talent, Chris Fallica, and those segments with "The Bear" were a hit. Including him helped make the show more personal and connect with viewers. He's been with "GameDay" for 17 years as a senior researcher, so he always came armed with information. It's something that should, and will, continue because it works. As a caution to competitors, though, it's not something easily repeatable because of the man himself. Just as all officiating experts are poor copies of Fox Sports' Mike Pereira, there's only one behind-the-scenes bear.

TV Feature of the Year: "Carry On"

Again, a return story. ESPN revisited a feature it had initially aired in 2009, expanded on the story and produced a compelling, emotional and informative piece that made an impact in so many ways. When it first aired late this past summer, it was the longest feature segment ever on "SportsCenter." It's simply a great piece.

TV Moment of the Year: Alabama-Auburn

CBS Sports delivered on TV with appropriate pictures while play-by-play man Verne Lundquist complemented those shots with his work as a failed Alabama field goal became the decisive Auburn touchdown. It was TV at its best during the most important college football game of the season until that point.

TV Story of the Year NFL: Another power play, along the lines of the work one by Bilas. Television continually exposed poor NFL officiating. From the Week 1 to Week 17, whether it was a game between contenders or just teams going through the motions, officiating was inconsistent and sometimes incomprehensible. Those mistakes were always visible on TV, though. And it would be great if someone the problems that were exposed to could lead to changes ... just as the work of Bilas' prompted changes, too.