It's hard to believe that Scott Palmer is entering his 22nd year as the sports anchor for the weekday 5 p.m. newscast on WPVI, amazingly with the same team - Marc Howard, Lisa Thomas-Laury and Dave Roberts.

For the last six years, the youthful-looking Palmer, 52, has been switch-hitting by also anchoring the weekend early morning news since the station reduced his 5 p.m. show sportscasts from two to one.

It's not uncommon for sportscasters to switch to news - Bryant Gumbel, Ukee Washington and Mike Dardis are just a few who made the switch.

As for the transition to news, Palmer said, "As Jim O'Brien once told me, 'You are just talking to the folks. It doesn't matter what you are doing (the late O'Brien made the even larger leap from weather man to news anchor), if the people like you and believe you, they'll listen to you.' "

Palmer and sports director Gary Papa arrived at WPVI in March 1981 when Steve Levy left his position as backup sports anchor to Don Tollefson to do news for WCAU. When Tollefson left Channel 6 a few years later, in a slight surprise, weekend sports anchor Papa was promoted to sports director over Palmer.

"Of course, when two people are applying for the same position, both can't get the job, but I've always considered myself fortunate to work at the best local TV station in the country," said Palmer, a native of Chicago.

Like most of Action News, the WPVI sports department is a model of stability. Besides Papa and Palmer, who have each been at the station for more than 20 years, weekend sports anchor Phil Andrews has been there for more than a decade, and sports producer/reporter Jack Brayboy has logged more than 15 years.

Palmer and his wife of 30 years, Kathryn, are the parents of Jennifer, 24, a school teacher in Phoenixville, and James, 19, a student at Ohio State. In his spare time, Palmer likes to tool around in his 1965 Mustang convertible.

Tune in to Tuna

Former NFL head coach Bill Parcells is joining the Sunday NFL Countdown show on ESPN this season. Parcells, 60, will appear with Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, Sterling Sharpe, Steve Young and Chris Mortensen on the pre-game show Sundays at 11 a.m. Parcells won two Super Bowls as head coach of the New York Giants. He also coached the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl and guided the New York Jets. Parcells spent a couple of seasons at NBC Sports between coaching gigs.

Welcome, Matt

Matthew McGeehan is the new sports producer on WPHL. McGeehan arrives from CN8 where he spent the last year. His other credits include WTXF, ESPN and WIP-AM. McGeehan will be reunited with WPHL sports anchor Mike Missanelli, who is the afternoon drive co-host on WIP-AM.

Honoring Harry

The Phillies have more in store for Harry Kalas, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame last week. Sunday, Aug. 18, is Harry Kalas Tribute Day. There will be a parade of former players led by Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Garry Maddox, John Denny, John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra, Robin Roberts and others. A dual Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn Bobbing Head Doll will be given to all fans 15 and over. The doll features both Harry and Whitey in their typical broadcasting outfits with their respective Hall of Fame dates printed on both sides of the base. Harry's greatest call as deemed by the users of www.phillies.com will be announced.

Laura Nachman covers television and radio sports for the Courier Times. Write her in care of the Courier Times, 8400 Route 13, Levittown, PA 19057, fax 215-949-4177 or e-mail [email protected].

August 02, 2002