For sports fans growing up in the 1970’s, Philadelphia was a cool place to be. A UHF signal and a snack were the essential supplies to watch the local teams on TV.
Jon Slobotkin was one of those fans. That experience led to his dream of a career in sports television. He would achieve that goal, and so much more in a story of reality far surpassing dreams. It’s been a 40+ -year journey filled with “‘pinch me’” moments for a life-long Philly fan turned media executive.
Slobotkin’s professional path began at age 16 when he interned with iconic consumer reporter Herb Denenberg at WCAU-TV, and then sports talk pioneer Steve Fredricks at WCAU Radio – all before college.
As a freshman at Temple University, studying at what is now the Klein College of Media and Communications, Slobotkin had the great fortune to meet its namesake Lew Klein, the media titan then supervising the school’s intern program. Klein’s importance in Slobotkin’s career would come full circle when his alma mater honored him with induction into the Klein College’s Hall of Fame.
Slobotkin’s internships led to a three-year stint at KYW Radio, which ultimately led him to PRISM TV, where he would spend the next 15 years. There he had the chance to work with a tremendously talented staff of co-workers and mentors – among them fellow PJSHOF members Larry Rosen and Marc Zumoff.
At the age of 22, Slobotkin produced his first live sports telecast, and fell in love with the role of live event producer. He would go on to produce more than 2,500 live events over his career, headlined by Phillies, 76ers, Flyers, and Big 5 college basketball telecasts.
Slobotkin moved to Comcast Sportsnet and helped launch the network that would become the definitive voice of Philadelphia sports on television. He was the first producer of the popular Daily News Live and was primarily the networks’ Phillies game producer from 1998-2005. He was privileged to produce with Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. Slobotkin was honored to preside over the final Phillies telecast from Veterans Stadium and the inaugural telecast at Citizens Bank Park, treating both as love letters to the sports fans of the City of Philadelphia.
Slobotkin left the producer’s chair to join the Comcast/NBC Sports management team, first as Executive Producer, then Vice President and ultimately Senior Vice President, his current position. In this role, he oversees content, programming, and production for networks that serve several Top 10 U.S. media markets including his beloved Philadelphia. As an executive Slobotkin has helped transform the industry with innovative editorial philosophies and production workflows. Long after moving to the executive suite, his dormant producer skills were called on to support NBC’s coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Slobotkin produced women’s basketball, including serving as producer and director for the U.S. gold medal-winning game that aired on the NBC broadcast network.
Slobotkin greatly appreciates the ‘village’ responsible for this amazing journey, serving as a constant reminder that life is very much a team sport. Special gratitude is owed Slobotkin’s parents, Margye and Neal, for instilling in him the courage and confidence to follow his dreams. Also, his brother Andy who taught him to be a Philly sports fan. He marvels at the love and support he’s received from his high school sweetheart, now wife, Jill. And he’s grateful to their children, Lee and Neal, for their constant inspiration, and motivation to show them what it looks like to love your work.
