You Are Looking Live!: How The NFL Today Revolutionized Sports Broadcasting

You Are Looking Live! is a book about the genesis, success, and magic of a live television show that launched four magnetic personalities to stardom in 1975. It was the first NFL studio show to go live and the first to have both a Black and female co-host. The show became so popular that it dominated the ratings and won its timeslot 18 straight years, until CBS lost its NFL package to Fox. The four personalities had their own battles, which became even more famous for them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

You Are Looking Live! is a captivating documentary that delves into the origins, triumphs, and enchantment of a groundbreaking live television show that captivated the nation in 1975. This remarkable program not only showcased the excitement of the country but also catapulted four charismatic individuals to fame: Brent Musburger, Phyllis George, Irv Cross, and Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder. It stands as a testament to the essence of American culture and the pioneering spirit of the time.

What made this show truly exceptional was its groundbreaking nature. It was the first NFL studio show to go live, and it also featured a Black and female co-host, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. The four hosts, known for their fierce competition and dynamic personalities, engaged in lively debates and brought the thrill of the game to viewers' homes.

America embraced these four hosts with open arms, eagerly tuning in to witness their captivating performances. The headlines they generated were nothing short of sensational, from Brent and The Greeks infamous fight at Peartrees to Phyllis's tumultuous marriage to the man who produced The Godfather, only to divorce him two months later for the next governor of Kentucky. The shocking firing of Musburger on April Fools Day, 1990, added another layer of intrigue to the show's history.

The NFL Today, the show that spawned from this phenomenon, became an instant sensation. It not only dominated the ratings but also held its timeslot for an astonishing 18 consecutive years, from 1975 to 1993, until CBS lost its NFL package to Fox. The show's popularity transcended geographical boundaries, captivating audiences on the East Coast and the Midwest alike. Fans on the West Coast cherished the opportunity to start their days with the lively and informative program.

Looking back, these four hosts, like any family, faced their own challenges and conflicts. However, their struggles only added to their fame and mystique. They became household names, beloved by millions for their unique contributions to the world of sports broadcasting.

In conclusion, You Are Looking Live! is a captivating exploration of the genesis, success, and magic of a live television show that forever changed the landscape of sports broadcasting. Through the stories of Brent, Phyllis, Irv, and Jimmy, the documentary sheds light on the trials and tribulations of these four iconic personalities, showcasing their enduring impact on the world of sports and popular culture.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493061419