Newy Scruggs, the widely favored face of NBC5 sports coverage, has carved a unique space for himself in the Dallas sports media landscape. However, his journey has been one of constant evolution, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. This article delves into Scruggs' career, his approach to sports broadcasting, and his commitment to continuous learning.
From Savannah to Dallas: The Making of a Sportscaster
Scruggs' love affair with broadcasting began unexpectedly at the tender age of 11 in Savannah, Georgia. As a member of the Savannah Community Choir, he was captivated by the director's radio talk show. This early exposure sparked a passion that would eventually lead him to a successful career in sports journalism.
His journey wasn't a direct path. Growing up as an Army brat, Scruggs experienced frequent moves, from Wiesbaden, Germany, to Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Hood in Killeen, and finally back to Savannah, Georgia. This nomadic upbringing instilled in him a sense of adaptability and a unique perspective on the world.
Early Career and the Road to Dallas
While contemplating a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, he was advised to consider a smaller school where he could gain immediate hands-on broadcast experience. It was during his time at a smaller school, where his Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers gave him the nickname Newdawg, and by his senior year, he was a video photographer for a local affiliate.
In 1993 upon graduation, Scruggs landed a job as a sports reporter at an Austin station, KVUE. By December 1994, he was off to Cleveland as a weekend sports anchor. A year later, he landed a job as lead sports anchor at the UPN affiliate in Los Angeles.
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The UPN station was the ninth-rated broadcast in town. The ratings climbed, and he launched a Sunday-night sports show in 1997. He won Associated Press awards for best sportscasts in 1998 and 1999. He began filling in as guest host for nationally syndicated radio talker Jim Rome, whose show was broadcast from L.A.
Despite the allure of Los Angeles, Scruggs missed Texas and good Mexican food. He feared settling down in Dallas, getting married, and having a kid.
In April 2000, despite what Scruggs says was “the worst interview I’ve ever had,” Channel 5 hired him.
The "Newy Factor": Redefining Sports Broadcasting in Dallas
When Scruggs arrived in Dallas in 2000, he was met with skepticism. Some of this was due to the competitiveness of the market and the way Channel 5 promoted him. However, as it became clear that Scruggs was more than just bluster, he earned his share of respect.
Scruggs' success has been attributed to his relatability and his ability to connect with viewers on a personal level. Unlike some of his counterparts, Scruggs comes across as someone you could argue with at the bar. This approach has resonated with a younger audience, leading to what some have dubbed the "Newy Factor."
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Contrasting Styles: Newy Scruggs vs. Dale Hansen
Scruggs' style stands in contrast to that of Dale Hansen, the longtime Dallas-area ratings champion. While Hansen is known for his opinionated and sometimes controversial commentary, Scruggs adopts a more approachable and inclusive style. Scruggs is young, 33, and black. Hansen is old, 56, and white. Scruggs is an Army brat who isn’t used to being in one place too long and is kind of freaked out that he’s been in Dallas four years already. It’s what made him reluctant to sign his new contract, which has slightly more than four years left on it.
Hansen will talk hours with you about the local media scene, ratings, how race or gender or age factors into hiring decisions but seems bored by sports discussions that last more than a few minutes. Scruggs says he doesn’t care about analyzing the Dallas sports media landscape and his place in it, but he will-I’ve seen him-talk Drew Henson vs. Vinny Testaverde with a zoned-out college kid who recognizes him during lunch at his favorite pizza joint.
Hansen replaced a legend, Verne Lundquist. Scruggs replaced a legendary joke, Scott Murray, who stepped down in 2003.
Hansen will heap praise but can’t help but sound smart-ass even when he does this. Scruggs, by the way, does take his shots at players and owners. But he does it with that big grin, not a Hansen smirk.
Hansen, however, is a controversial figure even within his own station. He would tell you it’s precisely this quality that made him No. 1 all these years, albeit precariously of late. He shrugs off the criticisms of himself as a bomb-thrower who doesn’t go to games or comb the locker rooms by pointing out that this is exactly why he can be straightforward when it comes time to criticize a player, coach or owner. It is what makes him unique. And, although he doesn’t say it, you know when he points out that Scruggs, Laufenberg and Channel 4’s Mike Doocy (whose shows run at different times than his competitors, which makes comparisons tough) do things “I think are pretty weird sometimes,” what he means is, they’re soft, I’m tough.
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Hansen points out, that view is especially prevalent in the TV biz, because often people are hired for superficial reasons. Everyone interviewed for this story points out that they know someone hired because she was a pretty face, or because he was a genial older father figure, or a redhead or looks good in red or whatever subjective reason a station manager finds.
Navigating the Dallas Sports Media Landscape
Scruggs' success has also sparked discussions about race and representation in the Dallas sports media landscape. While he acknowledges that his race may be a factor in his appeal to certain audiences, he emphasizes that his talent and work ethic are the primary drivers of his success.
“You just can’t get caught up in that stuff, trying to figure out people’s motives, why you’re hired, if people see past your skin color,” he says. “You end up chasing your tail. You’d go crazy.
Hansen will heap praise but can’t help but sound smart-ass even when he does this. “Do I like it that some black players will talk more openly to Newy or to Jean-Jacques [Taylor, the Cowboys beat writer for The Dallas Morning News]? No. Makes me mad as hell. I don’t think it’s right. But I also think it’s legitimate when athletes say they’ve been tired of never seeing anyone in the locker rooms who looked like them, that the people who cover them are always white. That’s changing, and it’s important. I’d be lying if I said that hiring people of color or a woman wasn’t something I take into consideration when I hire people, and Channel 5 would be lying if they said, ‘Oh, Newy’s black?
Scruggs' rise to prominence has not been without its challenges. He's faced criticism and skepticism, but he's remained focused on his craft and his commitment to providing quality sports coverage.
Embracing Change and Continuous Learning
Scruggs' commitment to continuous learning extends beyond the realm of sports. In recent years, he enrolled in a program at TCU to enhance his skills in areas outside of broadcasting. This decision was driven by a desire to broaden his skill set and prepare for potential career changes.
“I think many times people who are high achievers like to say, ‘I'm always trying to continuously learn,’” Scruggs says. “But how dedicated are we truly to that statement. I felt I needed to be better at following that up. A lot of us like to say, we will be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Scruggs survived his brush with the grim reaping news director. “I had to figure it out; I needed a toolbox. You need a toolbox in case you have to pivot,” Scruggs says.
He recalls with gratitude one of his classmates traveling from Waxahachie one day simply to walk him through Word.
Metformin for Weight Loss: A Personal Journey?
While not directly related to Scruggs' career, discussions about weight loss and health have become increasingly prevalent in the public sphere. The use of medications like metformin for weight loss has garnered attention, with some individuals exploring it as an alternative to more conventional approaches.
Metformin, a treatment for diabetes that works mostly by preventing the liver from making sugar, isn’t new and has been used to help people lose weight for at least 20 years. While it was first shown to help peoplewith prediabetes or diabetes, it is also effective at helping people with normal blood sugar lose weight.
Some patients have read about metformin as an anti-aging drug based on animal data, and there are studies ongoing to see whether this is true in humans.
Overcoming Obstacles and Maintaining Perspective
Scruggs' journey has not been without its obstacles. He's faced job insecurity, industry pressures, and the ever-present fear of being replaced. However, he's maintained a grounded perspective and a strong work ethic.
“I can’t sleep at night because I’m always worrying about how can I make sure I provide for my family. You can’t feel too secure in my job, no matter how you’re doing. We’re in the replacement business. Ratings go down, management changes, you never know. It could all end tomorrow.
The day before our interview, Scruggs got a call from a video photographer at Channel 8, a longtime friend. He’d just been laid off and was crying. He was a single father with two kids and no job. This bothered Scruggs, because a friend was in need. (He said he would throw as much work his way as possible.) But also because it tapped into the fear that Scruggs says still drives him.
The Importance of Family and Perspective
Despite his success, Scruggs remains grounded and focused on what matters most: his family. He recognizes the sacrifices his parents made and the importance of providing for his own family.
“You know, my parents grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, at a time when that was the worst place for a black person to live in America,” Scruggs says as he sips his drink, long after he’s finished his pizza, after the tables full of college kids have left and the din has diminished. “Back then, you never saw black faces on TV. So when I told them I wanted to be a sportscaster, they weren’t too happy. They didn’t understand.