BJ Schechter, who has served as interim executive director of Seton Hall University’s Sports Media Center since January, has been officially named executive director of CSM.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome BJ Schechter as executive director of the Sports Media Center,” said Dr. Brian Crabble, dean of the School of Human Development, Culture and Media. “In just a few months, he has charted an ambitious future for the Center, opening up new avenues and possibilities for our students. His expertise, passion and vision for the future of sports media will ensure the Center’s reputation for excellence and innovation is known far beyond the bounds of our campus. With BJ at the helm, Seton Hall’s Sports Media Center is sure to be in great hands.”
The Sports Media Center, located in the School of Human Development, Culture, and Media, was established to highlight the critical intersection of sport, media, and society. Established in 2021 with a $2 million gift from executive founder and ESPN icon Bob Rae (Class of 1976), the Center’s mission reflects Rae’s pioneering work on the long-running ESPN show “Outside the Lines,” which won multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards during his tenure. The Center’s activities provide students with an interdisciplinary foundation of academic training and theory with practical experience in the rapidly evolving sports media industry, while simultaneously drawing the attention of experts and scholars to the industry’s impact on contemporary social life.
“BJ’s incredible experience, vision and leadership have elevated the Sports Media Center,” said Ray ’76. “He is passionate about providing the next generation of sports professionals with the values and skills they need, which is evident in his many initiatives. Just as importantly, his insistence on high standards and aggressive goals has positioned the Center to enrich the student experience now and into the future.”
Schechter brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent decades in the sports media industry, including a stellar career at Sports Illustrated. Under his guidance, the Center has continued to grow, host high-profile events and provide students with unparalleled opportunities to network with industry leaders and gain hands-on experience.
Schechter with Bob Picozzi and Doris Burke during a visit in February.
In February, the Center hosted ESPN’s Doris Burke and Bob Picozzi (Class of 1972) where the broadcasting legends shared their experiences and insights from over 65 years in the industry, giving students a rare opportunity to learn about Burke’s journey as a pioneer in sports broadcasting.
In March, the Center hosted renowned author Jeff Benedict for an exclusive screening of “The Dynasty,” a documentary adaptation of the best-selling book about the unprecedented success of the New England Patriots. Following the screening, Schechter moderated a Q&A session, during which Benedict shared his insights into the world of sports journalism and the creation of “The Dynasty.”
Given the center’s role as a forum for important discussions, Schechter partnered with the Stillman School of Business in April to host a panel discussion called “Crossroads or Crisis? Addressing College Sports’ Most Pressing Issues.”
Ray moderated the panel, which featured notables such as Dana O’Neal, Leonard Marshall and Joe Nocera. The discussion covered major issues facing college sports, including NIL, unionization and the ongoing legal challenges facing the NCAA. Charles Grantham, director of the Center for Sport Management, also led a discussion with former Congressman and NBA player Tom McMillen.
On the same day, Scheckter hosted a special online discussion on sports and mental health with Seth Davis, a participant in his Sport and Exercise Psychology graduate class. Davis, co-author of It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me: A Memoir, shared his perspective on the mental health challenges athletes face, based on his work with former basketball player Rex Chapman.
Schechter further expanded the center’s reach this summer with the launch of its first-ever Sports Media and Business Academy. Partnering with the department of Continuing Education and Professional Development, this college-prep program blends academic instruction with real-world experience in a week-long course, introducing high school students to the intricacies of the sports industry. Over the five days, Schechter hosted 10 industry experts, including Peter King, John Fanta, Matt Loughlin, Charles Grantham, Len DeLuca, Bob Boland and Devon Corneal.
“Working with students to think about what’s next in the media industry is important for industry veterans and newcomers alike,” Schechter said. “We’re building something special and important at Seton Hall University – combining classroom learning and academics with experiential opportunities. With great change comes great opportunity, and with the Sports Media Center we’ve only just scratched the surface of what we can do and the impact we can make.”
Category: Athletics