March Madness broadcaster to miss Thursday games, hopes to return Saturday
By David Wasson
Published:
March Madness is a hectic atmosphere for every participant, and that includes a broadcaster who is already set to miss some action.
Play-by-play host Brian Anderson, who worked with Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley during Tuesday’s First Four games on TruTV, will miss his assigned games Thursday in Buffalo.
Anderson, who clearly sounded hoarse while trying to corral Vitale and Barkley during the First Four doubleheader of Texas-NC State and Howard-UMBC, was set to call four games Thursday: South Florida-Louisville at 1:30 pm ET on TNT, North Dakota State-Michigan State at 4:05 pm ET on TNT. Howard-Michigan at 7:10 pm ET on CBS and Saint Louis-Buffalo at 9:45 pm ET on CBS.
The Athletic reported Wednesday evening that veteran Westwood One broadcaster Jason Benetti will fill in for Anderson on Thursday, and that Anderson is hopeful to be back in action Saturday. Benetti will be alongside color commentator Jim Jackson and sideline reporter Allie Laforce.
Benetti will be spelled on Westwood One’s radio broadcasts by Pat McCarthy for the first three games in Buffalo, with Sam Neidermann taking over to call the nightcap.
The NCAA enjoys a massive $8.8 billion contract with CBS Sports and Turner Sports (TNT Sports) for the NCAA Tournament that runs through 2032. This partnership, which extended in 2016, offers all tournament games live, with 2026 marking the first year broadcast rights fees topped $1 billion annually.
Which teams will play their way into the Sweet 16 this weekend? Kalshi is taking action on predictions to play next weekend!
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
