2013: Time for Change
Happy New Year!! I can hardly believe 2012 is now in the rearview mirror. Sometimes it seems as though time moves faster and faster and the days pass more and more quickly until I want to slam on the emergency brake. It’s entirely fitting, though, as I stand on the gas to go full speed ahead for the new year. So many changes in store, so many adjustments to my lifestyle, so many new challenges await. But I’m thrilled for this new open door, and I’m diving in headfirst!
After almost nine years at ESPN Radio, I’ve accepted a full-time position with the brand new CBS Sports Radio Network launching across the country on January 2nd. I’ll be hosting my own four-hour shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. What an amazing creative opportunity — 12 hours per week to tackle the biggest topics, welcome a variety of guests, and interact with sports fans from coast to coast! I’ve always loved working nights and weekends because mine is the job to share and analyze events and stories as they break. I enjoy the immediacy of the information, and I’ve spent years honing the ability to react in the moment. It’s one of my favorite things about radio: the adrenaline jolt that comes with being the voice that delivers breaking news and scores. There may be chaos all around me and a producer may be yelling in my ear; there may be new details bombarding me from all sides. But my job is to filter quickly and then communicate what I know accurately with a sense of urgency. All this while staying relatively calm on the air. Ha! Most of these moments happen nights and weekends, so I can’t wait to get started at CBS Sports Radio the first Friday night in January.
In addition to my weekend shows, CBS will use me to fill in for Dana Jacobson weekday mornings as well as other time slots on the network. Throw in a few evening anchor shifts, and it’s a total package. I’ll choose diversity and variety over routine any day! A job that requires me to wear different hats and show off my versatility is right up my alley. To morph from a solo talk show host to a co-host to an anchor keeps me engaged and challenged and focused. Within the confines of a full-time job, I maintain the freedom to juggle several different roles. Perfect!
The best part is I don’t have to give up my play-by-play aspirations as I jump to CBS. I’m thankful to the network for recognizing my desire to broadcast basketball on both radio and TV. Not only did CBS Radio make a way for me to finish my season with the Hartford Hawks, but CBS Sports Network will use me an analyst for several TV games this winter. I’ve never asked for more than an opportunity to prove myself; and CBS is offering an unbelievable platform to showcase my knowledge, experience, and passion for the game of basketball.
The nine years at ESPN Radio changed me. There is no way to adequately describe the impact on my life and my career. I barely recognize the host who filled in for the first time in 2004. From the outside, the job may seem like a breeze. All you do is sit down and talk about sports for a few hours. But hidden from view are the constant pressure, the stiff competition, the glass ceiling for women in sports radio, the politics, the never-ending scrutiny, and the absence of any job security. These last nine years were the toughest of my career; but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m stronger, tougher, more confident and armed with a wealth of experience. I believe in myself and my abilities because they’ve been tested and shaped by years of adversity.
As I launch this next phase of my career and my life, I would be honored if you’d join me on this ride. As my first CBS show approaches, I’ll let you know when and how to listen; and I’ll continue to share the journey on Facebook, Twitter (@ALawRadio), and this blog. Thank you so much for all your support, encouragement, and prayers. They’re invaluable, and clearly, they work!
Bring on 2013! Let’s attack the new year with a vengeance!! Wooooo!
December 29, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Wonderful! I can’t wait to listen. You will be amazing!
December 29, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Awesome! I hope for nothing but the best for you! God Bless!!
Dan
December 29, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Congrats on the new gig Amy !!!
December 29, 2012 at 1:22 pm
So excited to hear this news. I love listening to you on ESPN, and will continue to listen to you on CBS. Your smile comes through on the radio, and that’s what makes you the best there is. Plus you love the Lord…and that helps too;-)
December 29, 2012 at 1:34 pm
CBS Sports Radio does not have an affiliate in Los Angeles. Oh, the humanity! Please confirm that your dulcid tones will be streamed on the internet. If so, what’s the web address? Best wishes on your new gig!
December 29, 2012 at 1:38 pm
New beginnings…necessary endings…new paths!! Excellent!!
December 29, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Sounds like CBS is going to give you an opportunity ESPN refused to give you….stay strong in your faith. There are alot of people who support you and will not let you fail….congratulations
December 29, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Awesome news!!! Great things come to great people. I have been a fan of yours since my 3rd shift nights as an auditor at a hotel. Continue to listen now. I wish you the best of luck. You ROCK!!!!
December 29, 2012 at 2:06 pm
So happy for you and so proud to know you!
December 29, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Congratulations, Amy! Well-deserved. Good luck in new chair in 2013. ESPN.Radio’s loss is CBS’s gain. Love your passion and enthusiasm for sports!
December 29, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Congratulations on your new and exciting gig! CBS Sports Radio Stock just went up with the addition of YOU to their staff.
Where can we find CBS Sports on the radio dial?
Exactly when is your very first broadcast ? (date and time please).
As many have already mentioned, we love your passion and enthusiasm, and your unique perspective. And please keep your play-by-play ambitions alive…you will make a great play-by-play broadcaster.
Godspeed Amy!!!
December 29, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Congratulations, Amy. Couldn’t be happier for you. Good luck and stay in touch…
December 29, 2012 at 6:43 pm
Amy Congratulations on the move. Wishing you so well in your new endeavors. I did 15 years on air in MS and here in FL, and went to college with John Cox, who currently does PBP for Southern MS sports. Those were the days! God Bless you, and Happy New Year!
December 29, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Looking forward to hearing from a true professional . Congrats Amy !
December 30, 2012 at 7:08 am
Best of luck, I know you will do an outstanding jpb
December 30, 2012 at 8:33 am
All the best to you Amy. Your enthusiasm and love for what you do comes shining through with every broadcast. Good luck.
– Henry (just a fan)
December 31, 2012 at 3:26 am
Congratulations on the new job!
April 20, 2013 at 5:36 am
Amy Lawrence you have a great radio show After Hours. What is you radio schedule?
670 AM
April 20, 2013 at 3:05 pm
It changes a lot, but After Hours is scheduled for 11p-3a PT (2-6a ET) Friday and Saturday nights and then 10p-2a ET on Sundays. Thanks for the kind words!
May 4, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Hi, Ronald.
Thanks for the kind words and for inquiring about my schedule. The hours will change a lot during the summer when I fill in for other hosts on their shows, but “After Hours with Amy Lawrence” airs Fridays & Saturdays from 11p-3a PT (or 1-5am CT). Sundays, we’re on the air at 9p CT.
May 1, 2013 at 9:15 pm
AMY– YOU ARE WONDERFUL— ARE YOU ON THE AIR IN HOUSTON?
GUY
May 4, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Thanks so much! You can check cbssportsradio.com for a list of our affiliates across the country or to listen on-line anytime. You can also download our app at radio.com! Thanks for asking.