Michael Barkann
| Michael Barkann | |
|---|---|
| Born |
April 30, 1960 Jersey City, New Jersey, United States |
| Occupation | Sportscaster |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Barkann (2 children) |
Michael Barkann (born April 30, 1960, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States) is an American award winning sports host, anchor and reporter for Comcast SportsNet. He was also the co-host of the "Mike and Ike" show on 94 WIP on weekday mornings from 10-2.
Barkann is a graduate of Syracuse University, class of 1982. He graduated with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Barkann went to East Brunswick High School in New Jersey where he was an outstanding long distance runner in spring track & cross country, graduating with the class of 1978.
Barkann started his career at NBC News in Washington, D.C. as a desk assistant. From there he went to New Jersey Network in Trenton, working at first off-camera. On February 11, 1983, after the region was hit with a big blizzard, the station asked Barkann to contribute to the telecast, filing a weather report. It was his first time on air. Soon after, Barkann hosted a program called Weather Watch, which led to him doing the weather for the news broadcast. Several years later, Barkann started doing backup sports for the network, at age 26.
A few months later, Barkann moved to KYW-TV in Philadelphia as a sports reporter. Barkann spent five years at KYW-TV but did not have his contract renewed, leading him to a job in Boston, where he became sports director at WLVI-TV. However, five years in, Barkann received "an unbelievable opportunity" and returned to Philadelphia, beginning his current role as host/reporter at Comcast SportsNet, Philadelphia in 1997.
On October 1, 1997, Barkann brought the network on the air as host of Daily News Live. The success of Barkann's Daily News Live sparked many other SportsNet affiliates to establish similar programs.
Throughout his career, Barkann has hosted Eagles Post Game Live, which currently features former Governor of Pennsylvania and former Mayor of Philadelphia Ed Rendell, Hall of Famer (Writer's Honor Roll) Ray Didinger, and former Eagle Brian Westbrook. Barkann also hosted Monday Night Live and a program called Spotlight, which are both now off the air. Barkann also hosts the Postgame Live programs for the Phillies, Flyers and Sixers whenever the team is in or near the playoffs.
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