Every good television sports presentation requires the talent and hard work of those who are never seen or heard on the air, and whose names don’t always appear near the top of the credits. This is especially true at an Olympics where thousands of such people are unheralded but are certainly indispensable. Bob Steinfeld has been part of significant productions at the local, national and international level. Here are his stories of decades in sports TV.
Bob’s memoir is a game-changer for anybody who craves tales about the athletes and sports he’s covered. Those experiences will keep you riveted to his book. Bob’s commitment to storytelling and excellence will give you a glimpse into why he has those 10 Emmys sitting at home. . . . . If you love sports, you will love 3… 2… 1…We’re on the Air!
Bob shares his incredible behind-the-scenes experience from the elite level of journalism and broadcasting. He captures the challenges and true struggles that go into producing the best of the best from professional sports to the Olympic Games. His book captivates our hearts and minds as it conveys the quest for excellence. Bob’s advocacy for gender equity in sports is one of the many inside stories he reveals from his memorable lifetime in television.
A wonderful read. Bob gives you insight behind the scenes with legendary sports stories and sports icons.
I have known Bob for almost 35 years as a decorated sports television producer. He made an immediate impression on me with his steady hand, gracious personality, and a keen sense of how to navigate a large crew through a broadcast. 3….2….1… We’re On the Air takes us into the production truck for an authentic look at how it all comes together. Just writing that title gets my energy and excitement up. I just wish it was more frequently Bob’s voice that was counting down into my headset! Nothing but respect!
I first met Bob Steinfeld when he was a young man and I was still thin and had hair. We shared a couple of adventures back then. He’s had a terrific career in sports television production. I know you will enjoy reading his stories and listening to his advice.
I stepped into the booth for my first college football broadcast having no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, the voice in my headset was ‘The Doctor’ himself, Bob Steinfeld! Bob’s level of preparation and leadership is top notch and continues to drive me to this day. Reading 3…2…1… We’re On The Air! brought me back to that day with the rush of excitement I felt then. This peek behind the production curtain is a must for anyone that enjoys watching their favorite sports on TV.
What a career you’ve had!!! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for some of these stories. Loved the interaction with Timmy Duncan.
Great chapter on the Spurs! By the way, as you’ll read in the book, don’t ever buy Bob a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the golf course!
Bob has been on the inside as a television producer who has worked across the landscape of sports, and he has so many wonderful stories to tell. Not to give too much away, but the Cal Ripken story is particularly fun. You’ll enjoy his book a lot.
Bob Steinfeld was one of my first producers. His guidance help shape my career, and our time together coincided with the rise of the San Antonio Spurs’ dynasty. Many of those David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich moments are included in this book. They are treasured memories for me, and I know you’ll enjoy reading them as well. Great stories and great lessons both in life and broadcasting for announcers, producers and sports television fans.
Very much enjoyed reading it. One of the good guys, Bob has had a front-row seat to both the evolution and revolution of sports television over the past 40 years. From the nascent days of sports on cable television to the heights of the Olympic Games, Bob has lived every sports junkie’s dream.
Bob’s career spans decades over time and is a great resource to learning what this crazy TV business is all about. You see Bob walking the hallways or coming to the broadcast table to say hello and you smile. His passion is contagious!
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
What great memories! What a career! I really love the book!
If you want a front-row seat to the adventurous odyssey of becoming a sports television producer, here’s your VIP admission ticket. In “3… 2… 1… We’re On the Air!,” Bob generously takes us by the hand and walks us through the corridors of his early internships, cub reporter roles, and finally his high-octane television producing career. It’s a world bursting with ambition, high stakes, home runs, air balls, penalties, and ultimately, championships.
I found myself smiling at the pages as Bob described his fumbles and faux pas, because I know the delicate balance we creatives attempt to strike when voicing our opinions while still maintaining our professionalism. You want the job, but not at the expense of your personal dignity. I also know that the worlds Bob has traveled in his five-decade career are universes that millions might watch on TV, but will never actually have a ‘view from the truck.’ That privilege alone is worth the price of admission.
Outstanding! Dr. Robert Steinfeld is truly a television legend who has brought creativity and fun to every show. Plus, unlike the rest of us in the truck, he’s a snappy dresser! I can’t wait to read the rest of his memoir.
Bob Steinfeld tells fascinating stories from his career producing the widest possible range of television sports across the past four decades. His experience and insights will undoubtedly be helpful for young professionals just embarking on their careers.
Oh, the places I’ve been, as I’ve telecasted sporting events with Robert Steinfeld designing the coverage. Hundreds of them, maybe thousands. Everything from Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout game to indoor soccer championships to Texas-Oklahoma football to boxing matches held at the Fort Worth stockyards. He always came so prepared, so focused. For Robert, any event became an opportunity to craft another story, whatever that story might be. All of us who worked with him over the years feel privileged to have been at his side. “3… 2…1…,” I miss those years.
Really great start to the book.
I appreciate your expertise in leading the broadcast!
