Today we’d like to introduce you to Rommel Thorpe
Hi Rommel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
WE originally started as just a podcast called “4th & 15 with Mel and Smooth” in November of 2019. My friend Ronnie Henighan and I loved to talk about sports. In April of 2021, we went from being strictly a podcast to an all out sports media company. As of today we are still the only African-American owned and operated independent sports media company in the city. We kept the podcast going and bridged the gap and started Broadcasting live sports such as football, basketball, and soccer. We have built working partnerships with the Cleveland Crunch professional indoor/arena soccer team, as well as a working partnership with the Pro football Hall of Fame. A partnership in which we cover two events each year( the hall of fame induction ceremony and the HBCU classic). We have broadcasted High school football in the inner city and have broadcasted games for the Cleveland Muny league. We also broadcast Pro advancement football games as well as Juco football. On the broadcasting side we are dedicated to bringing a quality to our viewers and quality with our podcasts as well. I have a great group of staff members behind me, Those being Rico Mcgee, and Brothers Ken and Andrew Straub. In April we will be going into our fourth year and look forward to continuing to bring sports to an even bigger audience with a different take and perspective than what you see in the main stream sports media.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In all honesty, No it has not been a smooth road. We have faced adversity being a small and independent company that the main stream doesn’t have to face. We tried to help the Cleveland public school sports scene but was booted after one season. we also do not get to cover the big major sports teams directly such as the Browns, Cavs, and Guardians, But we still give our takes and opinions and inform our audience about the happenings and news in the world of sports.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We as a company specialize in everything sports. From sports talk to live broadcasting.
I like to look at the 216 sports network as the best group of men in sports you don’t know about. Each of us (myself, Ken, Rico, Andrew) have played sports at a level past high school and give out take, opinions, and perspectives based on that. We are known for being the guys that “get it out the mud” as they say. we work hard and cover all the sports and topics with an unbiassed opinion.
I am most proud of the fact that as a company we have grown and have still been able to help bring attention to the sports scenes in the city that don’t normally get attention. We also try and help give others who want to try and get a career in sports media by having internships that gives them an idea of what they will be seeing on a everyday basis depending on the sport.
What sets us apart from others is that we give our perspectives and thoughts on our shows from a unbiased and unfiltered point of view. Our live broadcasts are compelling and energetic and also informative during the games. We are the ESPN of the inner city (if i can say that and don’t get in trouble lol).
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 years, god willing we will be the top independent sports media company in the city. We hope to create more opportunities not only for ourselves but for others as well. The goal is to be the number one sports media company in the city one way or another. Through our hard work we will get there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @216_sports_network
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4thand15withMelAndSmooth#
- Twitter: @216network
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@216sportsnetwork
