Dei Lynam Sports Broadcaster Media Award
by Larry Gallone
“
T
he sports broadcasting business has changed quite a bit. With Twitter and Instagram and the way people take in information – it is changing every day.” And Dei Lynam would know. Her career is filled with stories, highlights, special interviews and several awards. In Philadelphia, we are most familiar with her work in basketball broadcasting as an analyst, color commentator and play-by-play announcer. During her career, Lynam traveled to China to interview Yao Ming, was mentioned by Allen Iverson at his Hall of Fame induction and received various Emmy Awards. She was awarded a National Emmy for her work in developing and transitioning the NBA entertainment slogan from “NBA action – it’s fantastic” to the phenomenally successful “I love this game.” Another highlight Lynam points to is her first color commentating for the Sixers, which also happened to be Kobe Bryant’s last game in Philly. Lynam was born here but moved around the country as part of being a coach’s family (her father is Jim Lynam). She attended UCLA with a psychology major and began working in broadcasting doing sports updates and games. Her career progressed to include jobs with NBA En-
Q&A Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? A: I wanted to work in sports. I loved being around my Dad and his jobs. I didn’t know if I wanted to coach or be in sports information or broadcasting, but in high school I became a huge fan of Gayle Gardner on ESPN and later Hannah Storm doing the NBA pregame for the networks. By the time I got to UCLA, I knew I wanted to be in sports broadcasting. Q: What was your first job? A: Kentucky Fried Chicken when I was a sopho-
tertainment, agent Arn Tellem who is now vice chairman of Palace Sports & Entertainment and owner of the Detroit Pistons, and as a sports anchor in Wisconsin. She’s covered figure skating and such prominent skaters as Michelle Kwan and Brian Boitano. Lynam was also on the St. Joseph’s University bench in 1981 for one of the most famous games in college basketball history. The Hawks, coached by her dad, upended the heavily favored and number one in the country DePaul University in the NCAA tournament. Injured Hawks player Mark Dearborn even let her have his seat on the bench. She was keeping stats during the game. Lynam and her husband of 26 years have lived in Center City since 1998. They are avid golfers and juggle their schedules as they raise their two sons. A tireless worker, she always enjoyed searching, understanding and digging deeper into the sports she covers. “Everything is quick these days, but I do believe the longer format is coming back.” Her advice to aspiring broadcasters is to “have sharp skills, be a good writer, be a good listener. What comes from good listening is the ability to ask another question to get more detail for the story. While the format may change, the skills to develop the story will always be needed.”
more in high school. My first job after graduating college was working for Arn Tellem.
Q: What was your favorite pastime as a kid?
A: I don’t think I had a favorite pastime other than being active. We lived on a cul de sac and after school we would drop off our book bags and go outside to meet the other kids in the neighborhood. We played kickball, football and pick-up basketball in the neighbor’s driveway. My friend Robbie always picked me as his teammate even though I was the only girl; we were a great twosome on the hoops court. Q: What’s the best advice
anyone ever gave you?
A: I am sure it came from my father because he has given me great advice all my life. We have had so many great conversations throughout about a lot of meaningful topics. I have always tried to emulate the way he treats people with such kindness and genuine interest in who they are as people.
Q: What’s the best advice you ever gave?
A: Enjoy the journey; don’t wait until you get to the destination. Q: Favorite song from way back that always makes you smile?
A: “Living Inside My Heart” by Bob Seger
Q: What is your best memory from summer 2017? A: Getting accepted into a Master’s Program in Sports Management and Leadership.
Q: What do you consider your happy place/your favorite place in the whole world? A: Rolling Green Golf Course. It’s a beautiful place to walk and play 18 holes. Q: Who is your Philadelphia-based idol? A: My dad. Q: What lesser known landmark would you recommend a tourist visit in Philly? A: The Dream Garden at the Curtis Center followed by a walk to
the Ranstead Room.
Q: Tell us something no one knows about you. A: A few people know, but likely have forgotten that I ran a marathon, despite having never run more than eight miles prior to the 26.2-mile race. Q: What’s your favorite home-cooked meal? A: My mom’s Christmas dinner spread. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and applesauce. If we are talking about my own cooking, I love my chopped salad with veggies from the Fitler Square Farmers Market.
| rowhome magazine | 31
October / November / December 2017