Jim Rome

Host, Jim Rome Is Burning

Seasoned television and radio sports talk authority Jim Rome hosts Jim Rome is Burning, a 30-minute talk show on ESPN every weekday afternoon (4:30 p.m. ET). One of the top opinion leaders of his generation Rome's unique style has made him one of the most compelling and influential forces in the sports broadcasting world. The program originates from Los Angeles and features opinion, Rome’s “rants,” debate and guest appearances by some of the biggest names in sports.

Known for his aggressive, informed and rapid-fire dialogue, Rome's "tell it like it is" approach has earned him the title of "the King of Smack.” His unique style has spawned a legion of admirers -- "clones" -- who have adopted his vernacular.

Rome has served as host of The Last Word with Jim Rome on Fox Sports Net since 1997. Prior to that, he was host of ESPN2’s Talk2, a nightly live, one-hour call-in program (1993-94). During that time he also appeared as a contributor on ESPN’s UpClose with Roy Firestone. Rome will continue to host his nationally syndicated radio program, The Jim Rome Show, a.k.a The Jungle.

He has appeared in The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler; played himself in Two for the Money with Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey; made a cameo alongside Michael Jordan in Space Jam; appeared in Blink 182's music video and appeared on HBO's Arli$$; and released a CD, Welcome to the Jungle, which features memorable sound bites from frequent callers and the hip music regularly used on his radio show.

Rome began his radio career at KTMS, Santa Barbara as the traffic and local sports reporter. He left KTMS for San Diego’s all-sports station, XTRA Sports 690. It was during a temporary stint on a late-night show for the station that Rome debuted his now famous “smack” style. In 1996, the show went national with a syndication deal with Premiere Radio Networks.

Rome was graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1987, with a degree in communications.

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