Engage with sports media industry leaders and hands-on experiences when you explore the latest topics in sports journalism, broadcasting, digital media, communication and content creation at Klein College’s 14th annual Sports Media Summit.
Hosted by the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media, come see a panel of today’s sports media pros, a keynote speech from ESPN analyst Tim Kurkjian and even interactive experiences with Klein College’s student media outlets that will immerse attendees in the world of sports media. This event is the perfect kickoff for your sports media career!
Free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided.
Schedule
8:30 - 9 a.m. Arrival and registration for prospective students
9 - 10:30 a.m. Breakout session tours of OwlSports Update, Temple University Television, WHIP Radio and The Temple News with interactive live broadcasts, newscasts, content creation and more hands-on media experiences!
*The 9 – 10:30 a.m. session is designed for prospective students or current Temple students who are not involved in the sports media major or certificate programs. The purpose of these breakout sessions is to offer students a taste of Klein College’s sports media opportunities.
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Current sports media students and Temple community members arrive for all to enjoy.
Hear from a panel of sports media professionals with different roles across the industry.
Noon - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker Tim Kurkjian – ESPN
Meet our Speakers
About Tim Kurkjian
Tim Kurkjian joined ESPN in March 1998 as both a reporter for Baseball Tonight and a senior writer. Known for his passionate storytelling and insight, he continues to provide analysis through his writing and regular appearances on Baseball Tonight and SportsCenter. Kurkjian is also a staple in ESPN’s Little League World Series coverage and has served as a regular analyst in the booth, including for Monday Night Baseball and Wednesday Night Baseball.
Kurkjian was named the 2022 BBWAA Career Excellence Award winner, presented annually to a writer “for meritorious contributions to baseball writing.” He began covering baseball as the Texas Rangers beat writer for the Dallas Morning News where he worked from 1981 to 1985. Kurkjian then covered the Baltimore Orioles for the Baltimore Sun beginning in 1986 before moving on to Sports Illustrated in 1989.
His journalism career began with the Washington Star in 1978 following his graduation from the University of Maryland in the same year. He also worked briefly for the Baltimore News American in 1981 prior to covering the Rangers.
About Alison Grove
Alison Grove has garnered her reputation as the go-to expert in the space of complex, large-scale and high-profile civic events when she led the sponsorship and volunteer program for the Republican National Convention in 2000, organizing 15,000 regional volunteers. She later served on the Host Committees and Chaired the Volunteer Committees for both the 2015 Papal Visit and World Meeting of Families and the Democratic National Convention to Philadelphia in 2016. Most recently, she helped co-organize and win Philadelphia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, a five-year effort aligning public agencies, transport hubs, local tourism boards, and sports teams, among others, to bring global visibility to the region.
Alison has served as the strategic advisor and creative marketing force for a number of regional and collaborative efforts, including the creation of the Plant One Million tree campaign for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; The Philadelphia Orchestra, where she developed and implemented public-private partnerships to fund the Orchestra’s China Cultural Exchange program; and community organizations, including the Chestnut Hill Business District, where she developed and promoted the popular Harry Potter Festival.
About Sage Hurley
Sage Hurley, KLN ’22, currently works as the Senior Digital Club Reporter for the Philadelphia Union. After spending her first year post-grad as an Editorial Associate for the Philadelphia Eagles, she moved into an expanded role in Major League Soccer at the Union, becoming a club storyteller across multiple platforms. 2026 marks her fourth season working in soccer, and it’s shaping up to be a momentous one as the team is coming off a trophy-winning campaign with the FIFA World Cup taking place this summer in the United States, with six matches hosted in Philly.
About Ali McCann
Ali McCann, KLN ’19, began her career in Minor League Baseball and later moved into sports betting media, where she developed a love for professional golf. She is now a host with Golf Channel, appearing on The Drop and contributing across golf and sports media platforms as an on-air host in the golf space.