Hannah Storm headed to ESPN

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: May 13, 2008 - 12:16 PM

ESPN's plans to expand its "SportsCenter" franchise has given Hannah Storm an opportunity to return to sportscasting.

Storm, who spent five years (2002-2007) as a host on CBS' "The Early Show," will join the all-sports network this summer as a host for the network's new live weekday morning "SportsCenter." She will be on set from 8 to 11 a.m. each weekday beginning in August.

ESPN executives announced Tuesday that it plans to replace "the current wheel of re-aired 'SportsCenter's" by going live with the show from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday starting on Aug. 11. That also marks the opening week of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

ESPN has run encore presentations of "SportsCenter" each weekday morning since January 1996. This new nine-hour block of live shows will have three teams of two main show anchors as well as an update anchor.

The network also plans to launch SportsCenter.com in August in order to provide viewers the ability to interact with the show and its commentators as well as other fans.

"These live SportsCenters will answer fans' call for greater immediacy and interactivity," ESPN executive vice president Norby Williamson said in a statement. "Going live will allow us to put a fresh perspective on the previous night's games and cover breaking news during the day."

Storm had an extensive amount of experience in sports broadcasting before joining CBS. She was at NBC Sports from 1992 to 2002 and worked on a variety of events, including the Olympics, Major League Baseball coverage, Wimbledon and the NBA. Before joining NBC, she hosted "Sports Tonight" on CNN from 1989 to 1992.

"We are thrilled to add Hannah's experience, enthusiasm and personality to our new SportsCenter," Williamson said. "She connects with viewers who recognize her credibility and passion as a journalist."