Michael Barkann (born April 30, 1960) is an American sports host, anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Philadelphia. From 2011-2016, he co-hosted the "Mike and Ike" show on 94 WIP weekdays from 10am - 2pm.
Early years
Barkann grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey and attended East Brunswick High School, where he was an outstanding long-distance runner in spring track & cross country, graduating with the class of 1978.
He 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.
Broadcasting career
Early career
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 NBC Sports Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, starting in 1997.
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia / NBC Sports Philadelphia
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, former Eagle Brian Westbrook and WMMR's Kathy Romano. 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.
Notable moments at Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia / NBC Sports Philadelphia
Barkann was overcome with emotion when hosting a live postgame show the day Harry Kalas died in Washington. Barkann, through tears, called Kalas a "sound of summer" and the "soundtrack of our lives." Barkann said Kalas was a "great, great man," reported that "the voice is silent tonight." Barkann was also highly praised for his job hosting Kalas' memorial service, held at Citizens Bank Park.
Before going on air for Phillies Postgame Live, Barkann, along with former Phillies all-stars Ricky Bottalico and Darren Daulton, watched Game 4 of the 2009 NLCS from their set. When Jimmy Rollins hit a memorable walk-off double to the gap in right-center, Barkann and crew exploded. In footage captured by an idle studio camera and later released to the public, Bottalico can be seen saying "that's winning the game, that's winning the damn game" and Barkann throwing his hands in the air and yelling "this team is incredible, this team is unbelievable!" The video was used as part of the Phillies pregame montage shown on their video board at Citizens Bank Park during the 2010 postseason.
While working for KYW-TV, Barkann did a piece called "Birds Eye View" during which Coach Buddy Ryan allowed him to "try out" for the team. Barkann lined up at receiver with Randall Cunningham at QB. Troy West, the DB, lined up against Barkann, who Barkann later recalled "threw me ten feet in the air." When asked about Barkann's performance, Mike Quick said, "I thought he was going to be bad, but that was just sad."
National broadcasting career
Barkann's career has also included many national jobs. Most notably, he served as a field reporter for USA Network's coverage of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships from 1991 to 2008. In 2009, coverage shifted to ESPN and Barkann was left off the broadcast team.
Since leaving the Open, Barkann has covered the Billie Jean King Cup for HBO Sports. Held at Madison Square Garden and shown nationally on HBO, the event featured a final of Serena Williams against her sister Venus.