ESPN is canceling Pardon The Interruption in order to expand the horrific talk show/game show Around The Horn.
PTI, which started in October of 2001, will go off the air in August. Supposedly hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon will both remain with ESPN.
Meanwhile the obnoxious factor will be doubled for Around The Horn. The shoutfest will expand to an hour and if you can't get enough of regulars like Jay Mariotti, Woody Paige and Bill Plaschke, ESPN plans to add such panelists as Skip Bayless, Mike Lupica, Colin Cowherd and Rick Reilly.
Under a new and improved format for Around The Horn, panelists will be scored on the volume of their arguments, with a decibel meter superimposed on the screen.
Such a crown jewel in the WWL lineup needs a charismatic host, so either Stuart Scott or Chris Berman will be in the lead chair when the show kicks off in September. After the panelists compete to see who can set the decibel meter off the loudest, the winner will get 10 minutes of face time at the end of the show to rant and rave about whatever. Of course the other panelists will get the chance to shout him down.