Molly Qerim, who rejoined ESPN in July 2015 as interim host of First Take, has been named full-time moderator of the show. Later this month, she will expand her profile with a role as a contributor to ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike weekday morning program that also airs on ESPN2, where, during the final two hours of the four-hour show (8 - 10 a.m. ET), she will present a variety of content including news and breaking news updates. She will also focus on the hottest trending topics on the sports social scene and will host a short segment late in the show highlighting the segments coming up on that day's FIRST TAKE program.
First Take is televised daily on
ESPN2 from 10 a.m. - noon, immediately following the simulcast of Mike & Mike. Qerim works with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith who discuss the notable topics of the day. Mike & Mike, now in its 16th year, is hosted by Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic.
"Molly is smart, resourceful and engaging," said Marcia Keegan,
ESPN vice president, production, who oversees First Take. "From day one, she has worked hard, been very prepared and is always asking for more information. She's a team player who collaborates very well with Skip and Stephen A."
Qerim stated, "I'm ecstatic to continue working with Skip and Stephen A. and look forward to contributing to Mike & Mike. These gentlemen are some of the best in the business. It's an honor be on their team and back home with ESPN."
Viewership on the Rise
Viewership for both shows continues to rise. Over the past six months, Mike & Mike viewership is up 13% to 215,000 people from the same time period last year, according to Nielsen. Men18-49 has grown 19%.
FIRST TAKE viewership has grown 11% to 388,000 people during the same time period, with Men 18-49 up 15%.
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