Tania Eicoff

Studio Operator, Production Operations

In April 2011, I left my hometown of Randolph, MA and my job at a regional news station to join ESPN. As a former athlete and avid sports fan, the experience has been wicked awesome! Working as a studio operator I control cameras, monitor video levels, shade cameras/monitors, set up/break down the studio, and control lighting for shows that are based out of Bristol, CT. I received my bachelor's degree in sport management and communication at UMass Amherst (go Minutemen!) and am currently pursuing my masters in journalism at Quinnipiac University. I enjoy snowboarding, skiing, running, swimming, travelling, and all of the Boston sports teams. I hope you enjoy reading about the people I've met as much as I have enjoyed meeting them!

Recent Posts

posted by on April 18, 2013 12:00 PM

Inside WNBA Draft production

Editor’s note: Front Row contributor Tania Eicoff is a Studio Operator in ESPN’s Production Operations and worked on Monday’s WNBA Draft telecast.

Monday marked the third time ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. campus has been home to the WNBA Draft, the first aired in primetime.

About 100 ESPN employees worked on the event in some form, including many in Studio E (see the time lapse video transformation — and breakdown — of the work space into WNBA Draft headquarters above). continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, ESPN College Basketball, WNBAOnESPN

posted by on March 26, 2013 8:00 AM

I Follow: Jade McCarthy

ESPN's Jade McCarthy (Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images)

ESPN’s Jade McCarthy (Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images)

Editor’s note: I Follow is all about ESPN employees on Twitter: what they tweet, whom they follow and how you can interact socially with anyone and everyone.

Twitter Handle: @JadeMcCarthy
Following: 292
Followers: 2,316
(as of 3/25/13)

Jade McCarthy is a daytime anchor for SportsCenter. McCarthy hails from Newton, Massachusetts and received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Mount Holyoke College. She began her career at WGGB (ABC) in Springfield, MA. From there she worked at NBC’s Philadelphia affiliate (WCAU) and then spent one year at regional sports network, NESN, prior to joining ESPN in September 2012. continue reading…

Filed in: I Follow: Inside Twitter

posted by on February 2, 2013 8:00 AM

ESPN Brazil’s team a major part of ESPN International’s worldwide presentation of Super Bowl XLVII

Commentators Everaldo Marques (L) and Paulo Antunes on the set during ESPN’s coverage of Super Bowl XLVII
(Don Juan Moore/ESPN Images)

As we all know, the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens go head to head in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La. this Sunday at 6:30pm.

But did you know that ESPN International will air the Super Bowl around the world in more than 162 countries and territories?

ESPN

ESPN Brazil, in particular, has enhanced its NFL coverage in a country where about 90 percent of sports fans are futebol — or soccer — fans.

ESPN Brazil has been covering American football since 2005 and it has been growing in popularity ever since. Super Bowl XLVII marks the fourth consecutive year ESPN Brazil has covered the big game: Their on-air and production crew this year is the largest to date to make the trip north.

ESPN Brazil’s New Orleans’ team includes on-air journalists Everaldo Marques, play-by-play announcer and host of Semana NFL and The Book is on the Table (a rules-of-the-games series on NFL, NBA, MLB, and other big United States sports leagues), analyst Paulo Antunes and sideline reporter André Kfouri.

“In Brazil, American football fans watch all games. They don’t follow just one team,” Marques said. continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, ESPN at the Super Bowl

posted by on January 23, 2013 4:22 PM

I Follow: Michael Kim

Anchor Michael Kim on the SportsCenter set.
(Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)

Editor’s note: I Follow is all about ESPN employees on Twitter: what they tweet, whom they follow and how you can interact socially with anyone and everyone.

Twitter Handle: @MKimESPN
Following: 774
Followers: 8,073
*As of 1/23/13

Michael Kim anchors SportsCenter from 3-6 p.m. ET weekdays. Kim joined ESPNEWS, ESPN’s 24-hour sports news network, as an anchor prior to its Nov. 1, 1996, launch.

The Columbia, Mo. native and University of Missouri grad tells Front Row how he uses social media, his favorite people to follow and what he considers the biggest story of 2012.

How does Twitter enhances your role as an ESPN anchor?
The connections you get to make with the viewers help me to understand where their interests are and what stories we need to emphasize. Also, I’m hopeful that it helps them get to know me better and makes them want to watch the show. I pretty much use Twitter as a headline service. Everything seems to break on Twitter first these days. There have been more than a few times that I have been on the set scanning my timeline when something crosses and I’m able to give the control room a heads-up on something we might want to report.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? continue reading…

Filed in: I Follow: Inside Twitter

posted by on October 19, 2012 12:05 PM

ESPN baseball analyst Doug Glanville becomes a multi-tool media member

ESPN analyst Doug Glanville. (Photo by Rich Arden / ESPN)

Doug Glanville used to walk softly and carry a big stick in his nine Major League Baseball seasons with three different teams (registering 1,100 hits in 1,115 games). But in his post-playing days, Glanville has discovered another idiom: the pen is mightier than the sword. And so is the microphone.

As an MLB analyst for ESPN, Glanville has become known for his keen insight and easy delivery of analysis and anecdotes. As an author and writer for the New York Times and ESPN.com, Glanville combines writing chops with informed perspective.

In this Front Row interview, he discusses his transition into writing, what he likes about explaining baseball to fans and thoughts on an ideal World Series match-up.

What is your favorite part of being an analyst for ESPN?
It’s the ability to reach so many different types of people and to have exposure to many other athletes from other sports as well. I enjoy talking with (guys like) Tedy Bruschi and Herm Edwards. At the same time, being able to have a forum to share the experience of the game and my passion for it is important.

What made you want to start writing? continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes

posted by on October 2, 2012 12:30 PM

From the field to the studio, Herm Edwards loves talking football

 

Herm Edwards has been in NFL circles for the better part of three decades. He played 10 seasons (1977-86) and worked his way through the ranks as an assistant before serving as a head coach from 2001-08. Now in his fourth year as an NFL analyst, Edwards is seen on a variety of ESPN shows each week, including SportsCenter, NFL Live, NFL32 and Audibles. In the interview below, he discusses how he made the transition to television and how he approaches his job.

Editor’s Note: In addition to appearing on ESPN’s NFL shows, Edwards was interviewed by filmmaker Billy Corben for the 30 for 30 documentary Broke which premieres tonight (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) as the ESPN Films’ Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning series returns. The video above offers a preview of the film, which explores the roads to fortune in American sports and eventually, the many detours to bankruptcy. 

How did you translate what you learned on the field to what you do now?
You look into the camera and you’re trying to tell the viewer a story. You want to do it in the simplest forms though; you don’t want to get too technical because everyone that you’re speaking to is not a former football player or coach. You talk to a lot of fans but you’re also talking to the players and the coaches. I think there’s a fine line that you walk to explain what you see through your eyes. We’re not critics, we’re analysts. It’s always easy to tell a story and compare it to things sometimes when you see football being played.

What is your favorite part of your job now?
It’s talking about football during the season. Football fans are so passionate about the game. When you step up and are in front of the camera, they see the game through your eyes. Throughout my career I’ve been a coach and a player, so I’ve seen different perspectives of the game. I like explaining to fans what I see.

Fans seem to love your catchphrases and your personality. With such a busy schedule, how do you always seem to have so much energy? continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes

posted by on July 4, 2012 12:00 PM

Heroes Work Here: Rafael DelValle

ESPN's Rafael DelValle

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of Independence Day, Front Row spotlights an ESPN employee who also is a military veteran. Today’s profile is Rafael DelValle, an ESPN security specialist. A 29-year U.S. Army veteran (1980-2009), the former Master Sergeant earned two bronze stars, a meritorious service medal and five Army commendation medals among other citations.

He accompanied ESPN and the ABC, Marvel and Disney partners to our recent Veterans Career Expo in NYC in May. There, he socialized with veterans seeking jobs and talked about his experiences and shared career advice that might help them land a position with a good employer.

Hometown: Bristol, Conn.

Heroes Work Here initiative poster.

Favorite Sports Teams: Giants, Yankees and Knicks

Where did you serve and what were your responsibilities?
I served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada), Operation Golden Pheasant (Honduras), Operation Just Cause (Panama) and Operation Desert Shield.

My responsibilities varied over the years. In my last year of service, I was a Senior Advisor for battalion level and regional support brigades.

Why did you choose to work for ESPN?
ESPN is a global company and they have a great concept to serve sports fans everywhere. There will always be sports. I spoke with a few friends through networking and found out there were a few jobs open. So I applied and got hired.

How does your military background help you with your current role? continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes

posted by on May 28, 2012 10:00 AM

Heroes Work Here: Paul Cushing

Paul Cushing, Senior Vice President of Media & Information Technology

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

In honor of Memorial Day, Front Row will spotlight some of ESPN’s employees who are also veterans. Today’s profile is Paul Cushing.

Hometown: Omaha, Neb.

ESPN's Heroes Work Here initiative was put into practice this year.

Current title: SVP Media & Information Technology

Length of time at ESPN: 18 years

Favorite Sports Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Nebraska Cornhuskers, New York Yankees

What branch of the military were you in and how long were you enlisted for?
I spent 22 years in the U.S. Navy, enlisting directly out of high school in Omaha, Neb., in 1969 and served my first tour of duty in Vietnam.

Where you stationed and what did you focus on?
In 1970, I was assigned to the USS Sand Lance, a nuclear submarine, in the Atlantic serving as a Navigation Quartermaster. By 1972, I went to the Mare Island Naval Training Command studying advanced electronics, digital theory and computer design and programming. The following year I went to the Fleet Weather Central in Norfolk, Va., as the computer maintenance supervisor responsible for satellite and weather processing computer systems. In 1980, I was in advanced naval submarine out of Groton, Conn. In 1981, I was assigned as the Systems Management Division Officer at the Fleet Combat Warfare Center, based in Virginia Beach. In 1987, I was named Chief, Systems Management Division, at the Joint Electronic Warfare Center in San Antonio, supporting the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

I retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1991, after serving in the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia, supporting General Norman Schwarzkopf’s staff. I was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Colin Powell, for exceptional service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Why did you choose to work for ESPN? continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, How I Got Here

posted by on May 25, 2012 9:30 AM

Heroes Work Here: Rosetta Ellis

Rosetta Ellis, Associate Principal Counsel

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

This week, in honor of Memorial Day, Front Row will spotlight some of ESPN’s employees who are also veterans. Today’s profile is Rosetta Ellis.

Hometown: Rahway, N.J.

ESPN's Heroes Work Here initiative was put into practice this year.

Current title: Associate Principal Counsel

Length of time at ESPN: February 2011

Favorite team(s): Mets, Giants, Knicks and Devils

Law School: University of Virginia

What branch of the military were you in and how long were you enlisted for?
I was in the Army for three years.

What was your title/rank and where were you stationed out of?
I was a Unit Supply Specialist and Unit Armorer. My Rank was Specialist E-4. I was stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., Louisiana, Germany, and also in Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

What did you want to do after you served?
I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. However, I knew that I wanted to take the skills that I acquired in the military and use them in civilian life. continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, How I Got Here

posted by on May 24, 2012 4:51 PM

Heroes Work Here: Chris Forando

Chris Forando, director of employee learning and development

Editor’s note: In March, the Walt Disney Company and President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced an important new initiative to recruit and hire military veterans across all segments of the company.

“Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” is Disney’s pledge to find career opportunities for 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has launched a national campaign to encourage all employers to hire veterans. Additionally, employees will be encouraged to serve veterans organizations through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.

Wednesday, the Walt Disney Company played host to more than 400 guardsmen, reservists and veterans at its Burbank studio lot for the first of three Career Expo events this week. The Expo began with a ceremony during which Iger signed the Statement of Support for the Employer Support of Guard and Reserves (ESGR).

Mike Hill — Air Force veteran, SportsCenter anchor and ESPN Radio co-host — emceed the New York City Expo on Wednesday and spoke to ESPN Front Row about the event. Current employee veterans and recruiters from ESPN, the Disney-ABC Television Group, Disney Consumer Products, Marvel and others were present at the event.

This week, in honor of Memorial Day, Front Row is spotlighting some of ESPN’s employees who are also veterans. Today’s profile is Chris Forando.

ESPN's Heroes Work Here initiative was put into practice this year.

Hometown: Granville, N.Y.

Current Title: Director of Employee Learning and Development

Length of time at ESPN: July 2011

Favorite Team: Detroit Red Wings

What branch of the military were you in? How long were you enlisted for? What was your title?
I spent 12 years of active duty in the Coast Guard as a Lieutenant Commander. At the academy, I was the Director of Learning and Development. The last seven years there, I was an associate professor for organizational behavior and leadership development at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.

Were you only working in Connecticut?
No, I spent two years as a fisheries patrol officer in the Bering Sea in Alaska. I also spent three years in Washington, D.C. doing research and development. After that I was transferred to Connecticut to the Coast Guard Academy.

Why did you choose to work for ESPN? continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes, How I Got Here