Bob Costas: Broadcasting Legend | Full Interview

[@StroMedia]

I used to work as a video editor second shift and I'd come home late at night and watch "Later with Bob Costas" on NBC. The production values were so simple but the storytelling always came through. That is where I became a huge Bob Costas fan. I have stacks of VHS tapes of old Later episodes. I'll never forget his interview with Elie Wiesel.

[@AtOddsAlways]

This is a phenomenal interview. Thanks you!

[@GrahamBensinger]

0:00 - It’s been a long time coming! 2:11 - Mindset for broadcasts 5:14 - Photographic memory 8:51 - Preparing questions for interviews 10:28 - Writing Football in America commentaries on the spot 11:59 - Lack of punctuality 15:13 - John Madden’s broadcast audition partner 16:28 - Relationship with Howard Cosell 19:20 - First Olympics experience 22:13 - Face of NBC’s sports division 24:00 - Career stepping stone 24:41 - What it takes to host the Olympics 26:05 - The art of a good interview 27:02 - Impact of pursuit of excellence on personal life 28:02 - Turning down significant offers 31:22 - "You ever think of broadcasting?" 33:36 - Getting arrested and suspended from school 36:28 - Feeling awkward as a child 37:25 - Becoming a bookie 40:28 - Father's gambling addiction 42:41 - Moving across the country 44:44 - Father's criticism 46:23 - Father's death 49:10 - Mother's car accident 51:22 - What Bob learned from his mom 54:49 - Bob Costas on Mark McGwire 57:00 - Costas' Ted Williams interview nerves 59:35 - Contentious Vince McMahon interview 1:03:04 - Bob Costas recalls OJ Simpson Bronco chase 1:08:50 - Goosebumps during '96 Olympic games 1:13:30 - Leaving NBC 1:23:30 - Dynamic with Dick Ebersol 1:25:36 - Staying in touch with important life figures 1:27:05 - Responding to thoughtful criticism from fans 1:28:09 - Mickey Mantle Sleepover 1:30:19 - Stan Musial's decency 1:33:10 - How long is this interview? 1:34:33 - Bob Costas cancer center 1:37:34 - Still working and turning 70

[@timorenzzuartz5177]

Bob, outside of his splendid talents, is such a noble and well loved man. St.Louis is proud to call him their very own, as well as you, Grahm.

[@tomjones5650]

Very intriguing sit down. 😊

[@nancyericson4263]

When Bob spent the better part of the late Sept. Brewers game on-air with Bob Uecker, it was one of the best things I ever listened to. I didn't want the game to end.

[@mfeist365]

Damn good job Graham. Costas has been a part of the fabric of sports for quite some time. A great example of persistence and preparation as always. Well done sir.

[@AdamShaiken]

I happen to genuinely enjoy chicken salad and found this to be an epicurious delight. Thanks GB.

[@kellywoloshin5900]

I hear Bob bringing out his inner Howard Cosell in how he says a few phrases and comments. So funny.

[@RickCT2000]

Bob Costas is a national treasure!!!

[@thomaswolf723]

Concerning Costas’s memory, some time ago I remember Costas giving an interview where he said that he once memorized the lyrics to the theme songs of most of the TV westerns during his boyhood.

[@Bryan8329]

I’m not a sports guy. I just don’t have the interest, from an early age I just knew I didn’t have the patience to invest in competition on that level. I have learned since to appreciate the effort and innovation within these games, and have become more interested in documentaries about sports. His contributions to the Ken Burns documentary series on baseball, really made me appreciate him where before I thought he was a little too high and mighty before, but understanding his relationship to the game and the people within it comes out in how articulate he is about it. That series features the voices and talents of many of the game’s legends, many a Hollywood legend in voiceover, but it was his love of the game I could see a little bit of myself in.

[@bc2647]

Yessssss..you did it Graham

[@balloonmanalvinpitts]

GREAT JOB and Congratulations!! I met Bob Costa in Atlanta at Hank Aaron's birthday party.

[@joshdotson9828]

Nothing was better than Costas on Sunday Bulls games on NBC

[@markpolinsky5560]

Saint Louie Twosome....Awesome ! Thanks men ! A former St. Louisan.

[@travisquinney1739]

Obviously he isn't a Trump supporters so I'm out😂😂😂