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10 Questions with ... Steve Hartman
September 22, 2009
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NAME:Steve HartmanTITLE:Nationally Syndicated Radio HostSHOW:Myers and HartmanCOMPANY:Fox Sports RadioBORN:Hollywood, CARAISED:Los Angeles, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
After graduating from UCLA, I worked at KABC/Los Angeles for three years as an assistant producer for the station's afternoon sports show. I then spent four years as the media relations/publications director for the Los Angeles Raiders. I also served as editor of Rampages magazine, writing opinion and feature pieces about news concerning the L.A. Rams. In February 1989, I began my sports radio career at KFOX in Los Angeles, and a year later, helped launch XTRA (now AM570 KLAC), the first all-sports station in southern California. With the merger of FOX Sports Radio and AM 570 KLAC in 2009, I teamed up with Chris Myers for the "Myers & Hartman" program. In addition to working in radio, I've been the weekend television sports anchor for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles since 1998.
1. You started in radio out of college, but you got back into it after working with the Raiders. What made you decide to do radio as your primary career (along with your TV work)?
My choice to work in radio came out of necessity, rather than choice. When I left the Raiders, I went into the only non-sports job of my career and I HATED it. It was by chance that Bud Furillo offered me an opportunity to be his sidekick (for NO pay) on KFOX Radio in February 1989. The rest is history.
2. It's become a comic staple of your show that you're branded as a "Laker Hater" or a bandwagon jumper because you're not an unquestioning Laker supporter like, say, Vic "The Brick" Jacobs. Seriously, do you think it's fair for fans to call you a hater for your criticism of the team? Do you think the majority of fans like or dislike criticism of the home team?
My original nickname was "Homer" Hartman because many people perceived that I was a big "homer" for local teams. My opinion is that you're not truly a fan unless you're willing to be critical of your favorite teams when they perform poorly. Most fans don't like suck-ups, even for the local teams.
3. You've worked with a string of co-hosts, like the late Chet Forte, Bill Werndl, Mychal Thompson, and now Chris Myers. How do you see your role as co-host with Chris now -- what do you bring to the table for the show, and how does that complement Chris?
I think my ability to work with other people sets me apart from other hosts. I've worked with a diversity of personalities and I've always allowed them to be themselves. I adjust to make the show work.
4. You've covered a lot of major sports events over the years -- if you had to pick one as the most memorable, which would it be?
The 1995 Final Four was special for me because UCLA won the National Championship, and I had perfect seats for the title game. Go Bruins!
5. Who have been your favorite athletes, as a fan and as an interviewer/reporter?
I have many favorite athletes, but Magic Johnson stands at the top of the list. For sheer entertainment, Magic stands alone. He's also a great guy who always has a kind word.
6. Of what are you most proud?
I'm most proud of my role as husband and father. Professionally, I'm most proud that I've stayed alive in this business while being myself. There is no greater compliment than when people tell me I'm just the same in person as I am on the air.
7. What adjustments have you had to make in going national, other than working with a new partner? Do you feel the need to back off the L.A. local material, or can you make Laker/Dodger/UCLA/USC talk work for a national audience (and how)?
The biggest adjustment in going national is backing off the local scene, but I enjoy the diversity of doing a national show. That doesn't mean we don't talk local -- you have to share you personal experiences. The transition has been easier than I thought it would be.
8. As an L.A. native, what do you think the biggest misperception of the market as a sports town is among people in the rest of the country? Why do you think "Beat L.A." is such a universal sentiment outside Southern California?
Everyone is jealous of Los Angeles and they should be. We have everything here, except the NFL, but USC and UCLA fill that void nicely. If you lived on the east coast or middle America, wouldn't you be jealous of L.A.?
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without:
...a hug from my kids.
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
The best advice I've received came from my father who told me to stay in sports because it was my passion. I've had the great luxury of never having a "job" in my life.The worst advice came from a consultant who told Chet Forte and me to drop the "Loose Cannons" moniker because it was stupid. We ignored him and went on to great success. I think that guy is flipping burgers at a local Wendy's.
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