Michael Barkann facts for kids

Michael Barkann, born on April 30, 1960, is an American sports host and reporter. He is well-known for his work with NBC Sports Philadelphia. From 2011 to 2016, he also co-hosted a popular radio show called "Mike and Ike" on 94 WIP.

Early Life and Education

Michael Barkann grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey. He went to East Brunswick High School, where he was a talented long-distance runner. He graduated in 1978.

After high school, he attended Syracuse University and graduated in 1982. He earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. This education helped him start his career in broadcasting.

Broadcasting Career Highlights

Starting Out in Broadcasting

Barkann began his career at NBC News in Washington, D.C., working as a desk assistant. Later, he moved to New Jersey Network in Trenton. His first time on air was on February 11, 1983, when he reported on a big blizzard. This led to him hosting a show called "Weather Watch" and doing weather reports for the news. When he was 26, he started doing backup sports reports for the network.

A few months later, Barkann joined KYW-TV in Philadelphia as a sports reporter. He worked there for five years. After that, he moved to Boston to become the sports director at WLVI-TV. In 1997, he got a great chance to return to Philadelphia. He started his current role as a host and reporter at NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Working at NBC Sports Philadelphia

On October 1, 1997, Michael Barkann helped launch the network as the host of Daily News Live. This show became very successful and inspired other sports networks to create similar programs.

Throughout his time at NBC Sports Philadelphia, Barkann has hosted many popular shows. He is known for hosting Eagles Post Game Live, which features famous sports figures like former Governor Ed Rendell and former Eagle Brian Westbrook. He also hosts the Postgame Live shows for the Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers during their playoff runs.

Memorable Moments at NBC Sports Philadelphia

One emotional moment for Barkann was when he hosted a live show after the death of beloved Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. Barkann was very sad and called Kalas the "sound of summer" and the "soundtrack of our lives." He was also praised for hosting Kalas's memorial service at Citizens Bank Park.

Another exciting moment happened before a Phillies Postgame Live show. Barkann and former Phillies players Ricky Bottalico and Darren Daulton were watching Game 4 of the 2009 NLCS. When Jimmy Rollins hit a game-winning double, they all cheered loudly. A camera captured their reaction, and the video was later used in the Phillies' pregame show.

When Barkann worked for KYW-TV, he did a fun segment called "Birds Eye View." During this, Coach Buddy Ryan let him "try out" for the team. Barkann lined up as a receiver, but a defensive back named Troy West tackled him hard. Former player Mike Quick joked that Barkann's performance was "just sad."

National Broadcasting Work

Michael Barkann has also had many national broadcasting jobs. He was a field reporter for USA Network's coverage of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships from 1991 to 2008.

He has also covered the Billie Jean King Cup for HBO Sports. This event featured a final match between tennis stars Serena Williams and her sister Venus.

Barkann has reported for CBS on major events, too. He covered the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, in 1998, and in Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994. In Lillehammer, he reported on speed skater Dan Jansen, who won a gold medal. In 1992, he was a reporter at the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, France, also covering the Dan Jansen story.

His career also includes covering the Final Four and Fiesta Bowl for CBS, as well as Big 5 Basketball events. In 2009, Barkann hosted the finale of Being John Daly for the Golf Channel. He was also a commentator for the XFL football league.

Notable National Broadcasting Moments

At the U.S. Open, Barkann was known for his fun interview style. One of his first stories was about a hot dog stand that players could smell during their matches. He even interviewed the hot dog vendor!

In 1992, Barkann interviewed Barbra Streisand, who was rumored to be dating tennis player Andre Agassi. Barkann asked her what she liked about Agassi's playing. Her answer made big news because it was the first time she talked publicly about their relationship.

In 2007, Barkann interviewed comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. He asked them what the funniest thing they had seen at the Open was, and Seinfeld jokingly replied, "not you."

At the 2008 Open, Barkann asked tennis player Novak Djokovic to do his famous impersonations during an on-court interview. Djokovic did impressions of Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal. This made him an instant hit on YouTube, getting over a million views.

Personal Life and Charity Work

Michael Barkann lives in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Ellen. Ellen helped start The Philadelphia Sports Group, which helps athletes and sports media members with their careers. Their daughter, Emily Barkann, is an Emmy award-winning journalist and a White House correspondent.

Barkann has given eulogies (speeches at funerals) for his friends and colleagues, including former MLB catcher John Marzano and Daily News columnist Phil Jasner.

In early 2013, Michael and Ellen Barkann started the Barkann Family Healing Hearts Foundation. This foundation helps families in the Delaware Valley who are going through a tough time because of a sudden illness or the loss of a loved one. They hold a yearly Golf Outing and a Holiday Hearts program, which has given thousands of dollars to families.

Awards and Recognition

Michael Barkann has received many awards for his work, including:

• Named Pennsylvania's Sportscaster of the Year multiple times: in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007.
• Won several Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for his work as a sports reporter, host, and for outstanding talk programs.
• Received five Philadelphia Sports Emmy Awards.
• Honored by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of ALS in 2010.