Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:03 am GMT
In a bid to rejuvenate its programming, FS1 launched a revamped version of “Speak” on September 3, 2024, featuring Joy Taylor joined by new co-hosts Keyshawn Johnson and Paul Pierce. This new format aims to build on the momentum from a successful 2023, as the show previously garnered significant attention and viewership during the NFL season.
New Dynamics with Keyshawn Johnson and Paul Pierce
Joy Taylor discussed her transition into the co-hosting role, explaining, “Paul and Keyshawn have known each other for a very long time, so they’re getting to know me, [and] I’m getting to know them.” She emphasized the importance of building chemistry among the trio while navigating the dynamics from the duo’s previous show, “Undisputed.” This show was shelved following Skip Bayless’ departure in the summer, leaving Johnson and Pierce seeking a new platform to share their insights.
Goodbye to “Undisputed” and Hello to “Speak”
For Taylor, who has been with FS1 since 2016 and was instrumental in the launch of “Undisputed,” the transition comes with a mix of nostalgia and opportunity. Reflecting on her time on “Undisputed,” she remarked, “I’m proud to have been a part of that launch and what it did, not just for the network but for sports television.” Having witnessed the evolution of sports commentary, Taylor is keen on shaping “Speak” into a platform that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Joy Taylor’s Background in Sports
Taylor’s passion for sports is deeply rooted in her upbringing, where she was surrounded by women who fervently followed various sports. Recounting her childhood, she said, “My grandmother and my aunts lived together, kind of like ‘Golden Girls.’” Her athletic prowess led to recruitment for soccer and track in college, eventually allowing her to compete in track at Barry University.
From Journalism to Opinion
Holding a degree in broadcast journalism, Taylor began her broadcast career in radio before finding her way to FS1. Her aspiration to become a prominent sports personality has guided her career choices. She expressed, “I always want to be a personality. I really positioned myself and my career to be in an opinion scene; it’s always what I wanted to do.” Despite her strong opinions, Taylor makes a clear distinction about her role: “I’m a trained journalist, but not practicing.”
A Shift in Perspective on Journalism
In her commentary on journalism, Taylor reinforced the importance of unbiased reporting as a pillar of democracy. She stated, “We assume that the audience knows the difference. We have our biases, but the job of a journalist is to tell history from the most unbiased place. It’s a cornerstone of democracy, society, and it’s to be taken very seriously.” While she engages in journalistic practices, Taylor prefers to define herself within the realm of opinion rather than traditional journalism.
Strong Viewer Engagement and Performance Metrics
The retooled “Speak,” which airs from 5 PM to 7 PM, has seen significant viewer engagement. It averaged 132,000 viewers from September 2023 to January 2024, marking its best performance to date during an NFL season. This figure represents a remarkable 47% increase from the previous year. “Speak” achieved its second-best year in viewership in 2023, reflecting a 30% increase over 2022. This steady climb in ratings serves as a promising indicator for the new lineup under Taylor’s guidance.
Looking Ahead: The Future of “Speak”
As the new season unfolds, the co-hosts aim to create a compelling and dynamic program that caters to the evolving interests of sports fans. With the synergy between Taylor, Johnson, and Pierce, FS1 is poised to maintain its foothold in the competitive sports television market.
If you want to stay updated on sports talk, “Speak” offers exciting conversations and strong opinions that connect with what’s happening in sports right now.
