Becoming a part of the media in the sporting world does not come easy. Many individuals wish to acquire a job in the sports broadcasting industry, but because of its competitiveness, only a small portion reach their goal. Steve Duemig, sports talk radio host for Clear Channel’s local a.m. station, 620 WDAE, did not set out to be a broadcaster. However, after a career as a professional golfer, Duemig found himself voicing his opinions over the Tampa Bay airwaves.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Duemig was a talented young golfer. Duemig explained his home state was not the ideal place to play the sport he loved.
“I decided that after a couple of big time snow balls, golf in the north was not going to be my cup of tea,” Duemig said.
With the few belongings he possessed, Duemig moved to Florida in 1977. He continued his professional golf career until 1991 while also getting a job as an Assistant Golf pro. In 1991, in what Duemig described as a “right place, right time” situation, his career changed direction. Then-owner of a retail golf business, Duemig was offered to advertise for one of the first all-sports radio stations without format, 910 WFNS in Brandon.
“They asked me to be an advertiser on a one-hour golf show on a Saturday morning and I told them ‘yeah, I would do that’, and we did; and after about three weeks, the guy who did the show left, [and] moved to New York. So, they came to [me] and asked me if I would want to do the show,” Duemig explained.
Duemig stayed with WFNS until 1997 when it was bought out and its format was changed from sports to music. Shortly after, Duemig received a phone call from 1250 WHNZ, which later became 620 WDAE. Duemig was asked to join the new station and help build its foundation.
Today, 620 WDAE “The Sports Animal” is the flagship station for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Rays and Buccaneers broadcasts, among others. Duemig has cemented his afternoon time slot on 620 for several years, and he is a popular listen on the long drive home in traffic. However, he does not credit himself for the success and popularity he has gained in the Tampa Bay area.
“I haven’t made myself popular,” Duemig said. “The audience and the listeners have made me popular.”
Along with his reputation and the devoted listeners who support him, there are also dedicated listeners who dislike Duemig, for whatever reasons. Duemig does not see that as a problem, however.
“Well I don’t let that bother me because the deal is- they’re still listening,” said Duemig. If they all hate you, they’re not gonna listen. If they all love you, it’s boring, so I don’t mind the mix at all.”
With Duemig being on air for just a few hours each day, a misconception about his job is that it is easy and not time consuming. Duemig says that belief is incorrect.
“A lot of people that think it’s an ‘oh, I wish I had your job, it’s a three hour, four hour job’- no. It’s an eight hour or nine hour job, if you want to do it right,” Duemig said.
Duemig detailed his work day, which begins at 7 a.m. with a cup of coffee and the local newspaper. He then goes online for the next five hours to read national newspapers and sports websites. Jerry Petuck, Duemig’s producer for over a decade, can vouch for Duemig’s hard work.
“I’ve never seen anybody with a work ethic like him,” Petuck said. “I’ve worked with talk show hosts and produced shows where the producer does all of the homework, [and] basically the two guys that are up there on the air are talking heads that have no idea what they’re talking about. Steve isn’t like that. Steve busts his butt and he strives to be the best.”
Relationships are a critical part of the media industry, as Duemig must maintain them with both the Clear Channel staff and professional athletes. As previously mentioned, Duemig has been working with the same producer for several years. He also has established close friendships with some of his fellow broadcasters.
“It was those relationships and the close knit-ness that I think helped mold and build this radio station,” said Duemig.
As for professional athletes, Duemig believes it is a matter of trust and respect.
“I give my opinions on how they’re doing their jobs, and I think from a player’s stand point, they know as long as you’re fair, they don’t have a problem with it,” Duemig said. “That trust factor is number one.”
Duemig is frequently referred to as the “The Big Dog” while on the air, and though he can sound intimidating and aggressive, his personality off the air shows otherwise.
“He could come across rude, he could come across crass. He’s real in your face and that’s what people expect to see when you meet him,” Petuck said. I’m not gonna say [it’s] all an act on the radio, because it isn’t; but when you first meet him outside of radio, it’s the total opposite. The guy’s a class act. At work, he’s a pro’s pro. Outside of work, he’s just a good guy.”
Whether on the radio or in person, Duemig has made it clear that he loves Tampa Bay and loves his job particularly because of its originality on a daily basis.
“One thing about sports talk radio is it’s never the same two days in a row, so it’s very difficult to get bored with your job, because sports changes on a daily basis,” said Duemig.
Duemig’s show airs on weekdays from 3-7 p.m. on 620 WDAE and also streams online at 620wdae.com.