Best TV Sports Anchor

A few years ago, when WXIA-TV/Channel 11’s FRED KALIL made his return to the Braves clubhouse at Turner Field following his recovery from surgery to remove a brain tumor, he found himself surrounded by players and coaches. Their concern about his welfare was obvious and quite genuine, even for a member of the media. Kalil’s sincerity comes across in person and on camera. He’s the pick of both the readers and our editorial staff for a simple reason: In an age where sports anchors are increasingly shrill and believe that smart-ass repartee is more important than offering solid information, Kalil remains a refreshing change of pace. He gives us substance over style. less...

Sports anchors seem to have a lifecycle: Many so-called professionals never get past the goober stage: They muff players’ names, hype stories and play the homer so hard they make viewers gag. Toward career’s end, however, some sports anchors envelop themselves in a cynicism that burns through in the form of dour disinterest. Between those stages, there’s prime time. The lucky anchors who live here show off their depth of knowledge, know how to polish their presentations and manage to harness their enthusiasm to share it credibly with fellow fans. WGCL’S STEVE TAYLOR has extended those middle years remarkably well. He manages each week to communicate his love of the games with authority and good humor. less...

Kalil stands out for always being on point and for offering the most perspective — the whys — to his broadcasts. He can be serious or funny when it merits, doesn’t fawn over the home teams, and he beefs up score reporting with background info and news. We love Chuck Dowdle’s Southern drawl on WSB and his plaintiveness over bad plays, management or teams, but Fred’s the man. less...