Trail Blazers Overhaul Broadcast Operations Under New Ownership

On top of a battle for public funding for upgrades to the Moda Center, new owner Tom Dudon has slashed Blazers’ staff. This time on the broadcast side. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

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Since assuming control of the Portland Trail Blazers, owner Tom Dundon has applied intense scrutiny across the organization. Amid a contentious push for public funding to renovate the Moda Center, Dundon has enacted sweeping personnel reductions. Earlier this year, the franchise eliminated 70 front-office positions as a cost-saving measure. Now, the broadcasting department is facing a similar restructuring through layoffs and non-renewed contracts.

Veteran television analyst Michael Holton has departed after 19 seasons with the club. Statistician Tom Haberstroh, former ESPN anchor and Blazers television host Neil Everett, and television host Jamie Hudson have also been let go. Contracts for several other broadcasters have expired, with significant salary reductions anticipated for those remaining. The futures of television play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro and radio play-by-play voice Travis Demers remain uncertain, as both have contracts up for renewal.

The Trail Blazers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The reductions extend beyond on-air talent. The television production crew has been downsized, and the organization currently lacks a producer following Greg Fonseca’s departure for a role with NBA Broadcasting. Reports indicate that graphics capabilities will be scaled back, changes that could diminish the overall quality of the telecasts.

On the radio side, Demers’ status is unresolved. The team may opt for a television simulcast to cover radio broadcasts or have the radio team call road games remotely—a setup currently employed only by the Toronto Raptors. Television crews are typically required to travel for away games.

This approach mirrors Dundon’s strategy with the Carolina Hurricanes. After purchasing the NHL franchise in 2018, he dismissed the radio broadcast team, including Hall of Fame announcer Chuck Kaiton, in favor of a television audio simulcast after Kaiton declined an 80% pay cut. No NBA team currently utilizes a television simulcast for its radio broadcast.

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