# Welcome to March Madness: The guests are CBS's Andrew Catalon and Steve Lappas

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sports-media-with-richard-deitsch-1023610/welcome-to-march-madness-the-guests-are-cbs-s-andrew-catalon-and-steve-lappas
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sports-media-with-richard-deitsch-1023610/welcome-to-march-madness-the-guests-are-cbs-s-andrew-catalon-and-steve-lappas.md
Podcast: [Sports Media with Richard Deitsch](https://stenobird.com/podcast/sports-media-with-richard-deitsch-1023610)
Published: 2026-03-16T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/tracking.swap.fm/track/v9Uiw3bGr54f6BVZKSyc/traffic.megaphone.fm/CAD3003274549.mp3?updated=1773590837
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/tracking.swap.fm/track/v9Uiw3bGr54f6BVZKSyc/traffic.megaphone.fm/CAD3003274549.mp3?updated=1773590837
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Duration seconds: 2373

## Resource

CBS broadcasters Andrew Catalon and Steve Lappas discuss the intense preparation and evolving landscape of the NCAA Tournament. They explore the impact of gambling on broadcasting and the changing dynamics of mid-major upsets.

## Highlights
- Main idea: The chemistry of a long-term broadcasting partnership relies on mutual respect and shared preparation routines
- Practical takeaway: Effective tournament prep involves building player profiles months in advance to handle the high-volume schedule
- Failure mode: The increasing age of mid-major rosters may reduce the frequency of classic 'Cinderella' upsets
- Trend observation: The integration of gambling data into sports media is becoming an unavoidable cultural shift for announcers
- Professional insight: Success in live broadcasting often comes from leveraging deep relationships with coaches and production staff

## Topics

NCAA Tournament, Sports Broadcasting, CBS Sports, March Madness, Sports Media, College Basketball, Sports Betting, Live Production

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Chemistry of a Long-Term Duo: Reflecting on over 350 games worked together and the dynamics of a play-by-play and analyst partnership.
- 3:40 — Preparing for the Tournament Chaos: How broadcasters manage the massive workload and prepare for games before brackets are even released.
- 12:40 — The Impact of Coaching Relationships: The value of production meetings and direct insights from coaches in enhancing a live broadcast.
- 17:40 — Gambling and the Evolution of Sports Media: Discussing the rise of point spreads and the challenges of integrating betting culture into live commentary.
- 20:10 — The Future of March Madness Upsets: Analyzing how roster age and talent distribution might change the era of the underdog.
- 26:10 — The Logistics of Game Day: Managing player notes and the physical demands of calling multiple games in a single day.
- 34:10 — Broadcasting Bucket Lists: A look at dream matchups and the legendary broadcasters who shaped the industry.

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## Transcript

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