Today, August 20th, 2020 is National Radio Day. It’s time San Antonio Black-owned sports radio show, “The Sports Grind”, received their flowers.
In case you didn’t know, The Sports Grind is the only sports radio show in San Antonio with two black hosts. They have the longest tenure in San Antonio sports radio, boasting 16 years on the airwaves and counting. The show is hosted by Calvin Casey, Rudy Jay, and Salami.
Hearing Black voices on sports talk is a rarity. When it comes to diversity in sports media, over 80% of sports columnists, reporters, and editors are white.
Sports Grind co-host Rudy Jay says the diversity in sports talk needs to change. “Considering there are so many Black athletes in major sports, its only right especially in these times you have Black people in the media that can relate to where [these athletes] are coming from.”
Sports talk radio fill-in Gylon Jackson adds his thoughts on the importance of the Sports Grind being on the airwaves, “The Sports Grind is important because it offers a diverse perspective that is often not heard in sports talk radio. Rather than complaining about not getting a seat at the table, they built a successful show that has spanned over the last 16 years.”
So, what has been the key to the Sports Grind’s longevity and success?
Avid Sports Grind listener Kansas City Rob shares his beliefs regarding their accomplishments, “I think what attributes to their longevity and success is that these guys keep it real. They don’t pull any punches and people like that. Listeners don’t want to hear sugar-coated or fake sports talk. They have an instant connection with local and out of town listeners. In my opinion, the Sports Grind is the best damn sports talk radio show in the country!”
Here’s a brief history on The Sports Grind:
The Sports Grind started in 2004 on radio station 930AM The Answer (KLUP). The show made its way to the Ticket 760 AM a few years later.
They have been able to cover credentialed events such as the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. They also cover local teams like the San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets, UTSA, etc. They’ve also been able to send a few of their listeners to the Super Bowl.
Recently, Rudy Jay asked Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich how he was doing after a difficult year. His question prompted Popovich to provide a genuine answer, making national headlines.
Another listener, Kelvin Williams, explains the importance of The Sports Grind on the airwaves. “To see these guys day in and out for years give quality commentary in sports and social issues has really been big for the African-American community here in San Antonio. Many people look up to those guys for their contributions to sports talk radio in the city and as a listener proud to say that’s a show I don’t miss…Calvin, Rudy and Salami thank you for the years of consistent sports talk radio.”
In a sports talk radio world that is predominantly white, The Sports Grind has been able to sustain longevity and maintain its presence as a powerhouse in San Antonio sports radio. It’s time for them to start being celebrated instead of being snubbed.
Cheers to you, Sports Grind.
