Rob Simpson’s Book Dedication
I was honored to have former student Rob Simpson dedicate his latest book to me and another former student Ric Blackwell. His book, No Heavy Lifting, Globetrotting Adventures of a Sports Media Guy, recounts some of his wildest adventures not only in the zany world of radio and TV broadcasting, but other crazy experiences told in a way only Simmer can do! Rob is a hoot and his stories make for a really fun book to read. Rob started his broadcasting career as a sophomore at Bloomfield Hills Andover High School when he enrolled in my radio broadcasting intro class entitled Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting (aka FORBs). After that one semester class, he took my advanced radio class entitled WBFH Staff and worked on our low power, non-commercial, educational FM radio station (WBFH, 88.1 aka The Biff). His senior year (Class of 1982), I selected him to be our Operations Manager, the number one student broadcaster at the station, responsible for the efficient operation of the station, great management training for a high school student. He co-hosted a sports talk show and did play-by-play of our high school’s sports. On the side, he and Ric worked at a commercial radio station in the Detroit area, helping produce a sports talk show hosted by Ron Cameron. He and Ric also were fortunate to receive press passes to cover the Detroit Pistons who played in the Pontiac Silverdome at that time. He has stories to tell about his high school radio career…read all about it in Chapter 3, the Growling, Chapter 6, The Peewee Press and Chapter 14, The Swamp! Thank you Rob for the dedication…SO PROUD!
Rob Simpson with his collection of press credentials!
Book dedication page…so honored!
A must read…The Growling chapter, The Peewee Press chapter, the Swamp chapter…all contain stories of his days working on our high school FM radio station…the launching pad for his memorable career in radio and TV broadcasting!
A media pass used by the Peewee Press to cover the Pistons vs Milwaukee game on December 5, 1981 in the Pontiac Silverdome.
Rob was in town for a book signing and stopped by the Biff to say Hi…2012.
Rob at the HockeyTown Cafe signing his book The Winged Wheel with Ken Kal, radio voice of the Red Wings, and Ken Daniels, TV voice of the Red Wings (Dec. 1, 2012).
Rob has created a Personalized Broadcast Consulting business for those that want to improve one’s broadcasting skills - TV, radio, play-by-play, reporting and on-cam's. Details at simmerpuckmedia.com.
From his website: “Among other things, "Simmer" has been a weatherman in Hawaii, a news reporter in Florida, a national radio host in New York and Toronto, and a sports commentator and play-by-play man for multiple TV networks in two countries.
FULL TIME
Rob has worked full time for NESN, MSG, NHL Network, Sirius XM, and AMI-TV while also working regular side gigs over the years for NBC, CBS, PAC-12 Network, FOX Sports, Rogers Sportsnet, TSN, CBC and local affiliates. He's also had 4 books published regarding sports and media. He's pragmatic, creative and thorough in critiquing and helping others reach their goals.
PLAY BY PLAY AND COMMENTATING
Along with his full time, Simmer remains a go-to for TV networks in both countries as a play-by-play man and analyst, handling "one-timers" with the utmost preparation and professionalism. Learning two new rosters every game? He'll show you how to handle it and how to present yourself.
REPORTING AND ANCHORING
This isn't just sportscasting. If you're a reporter or host looking to improve your writing and on-camera skills, you've arrived at the right place.”