Sports Media Speaker Series

The College of Human Development, Culture, and Media proudly welcomes professionals from the sports broadcasting and journalism industries to participate in discussions on a variety of topics related to sports and media. Students from all disciplines benefit from the insight, analysis, and advice of the leading voices in the sports media industry.

Previous Events

Crossroads or Crisis? Panel Tackles the Pressing Issues in College Athletics

Monday, April 22, 2024

The Center for Sports Media and Center for Sports Management hosted an event to examine the issues facing college sports with five esteemed experts. The 75-minute discussion covered everything from NIL to unionization to the transfer portal to the myriad of lawsuits against the NCAA, allowing students to connect and learn with some of the most influential thought leaders in athletics.

The discussion, led by Center founder Bob Ley, featured former NBA player, congressman, Olympian and Rhodes Scholar Tom McMillen, Center for Sports Management Director college Grantham, The Athletic college sports writer Dana O’Neil, former New York Giants player and Seton Hall alum Leonard Marshall, and journalist/author Joe Nocera.

Seth Davis Talks About Mental Health and Sports

Monday, April 22, 2024

Renowned writer and broadcaster Seth Davis joined us for a special virtual talk regarding the intersection of sports and mental health. Davis co-wrote a book with former basketball star Rex Chapman: It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me: A Memoir (Simon & Schuster, 2024), which deals with anxiety, depression, addiction and many of Chapman’s mental health struggles during his career.

This talk was sponsored by the Center, and the discussion was moderated by CSM executive director B.J. Schecter.

You can watch the entire event here.

Author Jeff Benedict Goes Behind the Scenes with 'The Dynasty'

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Best-selling author Jeff Benedict gave students and guest an inside look at the reporting of the New York Times best-seller on the Patriots, "The Dynasty" and a 10-part docuseries on Apple TV. There was a screening of the final episode, followed by a Q&A between Benedict and CSM executive director B.J. Schecter and a book signing. The first 50 students in attendance received free books.

Read a recap of the event here.

Jeff Benedict

ESPN’s Doris Burke and Bob Picozzi '72 Highlight Panel

Friday, February 23, 2024

Professional basketball announcer and current analyst for ESPN and NBA on ABC, Doris Burke visited Seton Hall on February 23. She first debuted for ESPN in 1991 and rose to fame for her strong basketball knowledge. Her greatest accolades include being the first woman to serve as a TV analyst for a major men’s championship in the US, as well as her induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

At the event, she spoke with former ESPN and Fox Sports commentator, Bob Picozzi, a Seton Hall alumnus. Picozzi served as the play-by-play announcer for the Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team from 1999-2012. The team won six championships during that stretch, being an integral part of a dynastic run.

Covering the NFL 101, with Peter King

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Legendary sportswriter Peter King joined the Center for Sports Media to teach students on how to cover the National Football League (NFL). King is a journalist, podcaster and the architect of Monday Morning Quarterback franchise. He has been one of the most dominant voices in NFL coverage for decades. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated and he now writes and discusses the sport for NBC Sports. His MMQB podcast is a must-listen, and he’s been named Sportswriter of the Year three times.

Calling the Game: Kenny Albert on Versatility

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

A versatile play-by-play professional and a veteran in sports broadcasting, Kenny Albert comes from a family of sports broadcasters and has worked decades of NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB games as well as Olympic events. He visited Seton Hall to discuss the basics of the craft and take questions from the student audience. After the event, WSOU was able to interview Albert and take a deeper dive into his legendary broadcasting career, as well as garner advise for young sportscasters.

Stephen A. Smith

Thursday, September 7, 2023

The newly renovated University Center experienced a whirlwind of excitement as Stephen A. Smith, sports television personality and commentator/producer of ESPN's "First Take," graced the campus for a candid discussion. The event, attended by a select group of 75 students, offered attendees an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from one of the most influential voices in sports media.

Equity, Influence and the Next Generation in Sports with Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss

Thursday, February 16, 2023
With an audience that included students, faculty, visitors and members of the press, sports and equality icon Billie Jean King and her partner, sports industry leader Ilana Kloss, engaged in a Q & A at Seton Hall.

Alex Rodriguez: Beyond Baseball

Monday, April 4, 2022
Accomplished MLB player, MLB analyst, entrepreneur and owner Alex Rodriguez headlined the latest Sports Media Speaker Series event hosted by the Center for Sports Media within the College of Human Development Culture and Media. For the main event, Rodriguez was joined on stage with Bob Ley '76 and Bardia Shah-Rais '95. The trio led a wide-ranging conversation to learn more about the industry and how Rodriguez parlayed an outstanding career on the diamond into media, entrepreneurship, and professional sports team ownership.