ESPN Confirms That ‘Pardon the Interruption’ Isn’t Going Anywhere
When the news broke that ESPN was canceling Around the Horn earlier this year, many wondered what would become of Pardon the Interruption (PTI).
For twenty-three years, Around the Horn and PTI anchored ESPN’s afternoon programming. During that time, Pardon the Interruption became an institution in its own right, revolutionizing sports media and making former Washington Post sportswriters Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon household names.
Photo: ESPN
For a generation of viewers, Pardon the Interruption has become a daily ritual, and the idea of Tony and Michael not appearing on ESPN at 5:30 PM ET is unfathomable.
Credit: ESPN
Thankfully, PTI isn’t going anywhere.
Tony and Michael Have Signed New Extensions
As Pardon the Interruption comes up on its 24th anniversary, Puck is reporting that ESPN has reached contract extensions with Kornheiser and Wilbon that will see the show continue for at least three more years. According to network executives, the duo is still as popular as ever.
“I look at them as the hosts of the original sports personality show,” ESPN President Burke Magnus told Puck. “They’re still as relevant and as powerful as they’ve ever been. And, by the way, they also attract a very diverse audience. By no means are they weak in the young demographic.”
How Long Will PTI Air?
With Kornheiser now 77 and Wilbon 66, it remains to be seen how long the two hosts want to continue their daily show.
Washington D.C. – January 14, 2020 – DC Studios: Pardon the Interruption set. (Photo by Randy Sager / ESPN Images)
If ESPN has its way, however, PTI will continue for years to come.
“There was never a moment when we weren’t completely committed to continuing PTI, frankly,” Magnus continued, “for as long as they want to continue ‘PTI.’”
Photo: ESPN
