Interview with Sportsnet's Jim Lang

Today we have an interview with Sportsnet Connected Reporter/Host Jim Lang. Lang has been with Sportsnet for a while now, and has covered a variety of events, some of which include the 1996 Grey Cup between Edmonton and Toronto, and the First two games of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Road Kill Sports: You have covered a ton of events in your Sportsnet career, what has been the most memorable so far?

Jim Lang: There have been a few - Super Bowl 40 in Detroit - Covering Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between Carolina and Edmonton....- the other one that stands out was the 2005 Memorial Cup in London during the Lockout.

RKS: Was there a definitive moment when you knew Broadcasting and Journalism was for you, or was it that things just added up and wound you up as a Sportsnet News (Sportsnet Connected) Reporter?

JL: I don't think there was one - definitive thing - it was more a case of that's how my career path took me....I honestly have enjoyed the entire range of jobs I have had at Sportsnet...there are all very challenging...

RKS: The Raptors, Leafs and Blue Jays havn't been known as front-runners in their respective sports in the last couple years, (And for the Leafs decades) but with the Raptors having a good chance at the NBA Playoffs, the Leafs just out of a playoff spot in the NHL (yet are doing great in some fans terms) and the Blue Jays with so many key players for 2007, do you
think there could be a Toronto Triple-Crown in the works?

JL: I doubt it - the Leafs are better than they were last year - but there have almost no hope of going to the Cup final...the Raptors are improved - but are a long shot to go to the NBA Final...the Jays might squeek in as a wild card - but I would be shocked to see them in the World Series....A Toronto Triple Crown seems to me more of a dream than reality...

RKS: You've been a host for Sportsnet News & Sportsnet Connected, as well as a reporter, for you what is the most enjoyable given the choice between Hosting and Reporting?

JL: I love both to be honest,....I like hosting because I don't spend so much time travelling and get to see my wife and kids more...I love reporting because I get to cover a lot of cool events and travel to some cool cities....

RKS: In your experience, who is the best Athlete Interviewee?

JL: For the most part - they are all good...Hockey Players - CFL and Lacrosse players are the best....

RKS: hat would be your choice of teams to cover, between Raptors, Leafs, Marlies, Blue Jays and Argos if you only had to choose one?

JL: Since I have covered both the Leafs and the Argos on a regular basis for a number of years - I would have to say the Leafs and the Argos....

RKS: You can hear Newscasters, Athletes, almost everyone who appears on TV talk about HDTV, good for those at home but bad for Broadcasters? Are you for or against HDTV, just because viewers can see if those on TV went to bed late the night before etc.

JL: To be honest - I don't own an HDTV....I have two young kids and all we watch is Tree House and other kids shows...my wife and I don't see a need to but an HDTV just to watch Dora! HDTV is the future - there's no stopping it....Whether I like it or not doesn't really matter - it's here to stay and pretty soon everything we watch will be in HD......

RKS: Thanks Jim!

Look for Jim every night at 6:30 and 10 on Sportsnet Connected!