In a striking shift in its broadcasting philosophy, CBS Sports has unveiled a new internal directive encouraging on-air talent to “Be Yourself,” following a wave of public reaction to a controversial interview conducted by longtime golf reporter Amanda Balionis with PGA Tour star Rickie Fowler.
The Interview That Sparked a Conversation
The now-viral interview took place during the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this month. Fowler, who had just completed a strong comeback round, was approached by Balionis for a quick post-match chat. While the golfer appeared relaxed and open, many viewers were taken aback by the perceived awkwardness of the interaction—specifically, the tone and line of questioning from Balionis.
Critics pointed to the overly polished and seemingly scripted nature of the exchange, with some alleging it lacked authenticity and emotional depth. Social media exploded with commentary, sparking both criticism and support for Balionis. A trending hashtag, #LetAmandaBe, emerged as fans debated whether sports reporters should prioritize journalistic neutrality or bring more personality and spontaneity into interviews.
CBS Responds: “Be Yourself”
In response to the public discourse, CBS Sports President David Berson issued a statement last week outlining a new internal approach meant to “redefine the viewer experience.” The cornerstone of this initiative is the “Be Yourself” campaign, a mandate designed to empower reporters and commentators to bring more of their authentic personalities to broadcasts.
“Our reporters and analysts are not robots. They’re people with knowledge, passion, and unique voices,” Berson said. “We want our on-air team to feel free to show more of who they are—whether that means expressing joy, curiosity, or even some respectful pushback. Authenticity is what audiences connect with.”
According to sources within CBS, the move was not intended as a direct criticism of Balionis, but rather a broader acknowledgment that the current sports broadcasting landscape is evolving. The public increasingly favors candor over corporate polish, and the network sees this change as an opportunity to evolve with viewer expectations.
Amanda Balionis Breaks Her Silence
Balionis, a respected figure in sports media who has covered the PGA Tour for over a decade, addressed the controversy during a recent episode of the “On the Tee” podcast.
“Look, I get it,” she said. “We’re in a moment where people crave realness. I’ve always strived to be respectful and professional, but maybe I’ve leaned too hard into the script at times. I support CBS’s new direction, and I’m excited to let a little more of myself show in future interviews.”
She also thanked fans who came to her defense and emphasized her deep respect for Fowler, who has not publicly commented on the incident.
Industry Reaction: A Shift in Sports Media?
CBS’s move has sparked conversation across the broadcasting world. Some see it as a natural evolution, echoing similar shifts at networks like ESPN and NBC, where on-air personalities have increasingly blurred the line between reporting and commentary.
Bob Costas, the legendary broadcaster, weighed in on the issue during an appearance on CNN:
“This is long overdue. Audiences aren’t stupid—they can spot canned lines a mile away. What they want is genuine insight delivered in a human way. If that’s what CBS is moving toward, I say bravo.”
Still, some critics warn of potential pitfalls. Sports media analyst Claire Roberts cautioned against veering too far into the realm of personality-driven journalism.
“There’s a balance to strike,” Roberts said. “While authenticity is valuable, it should never come at the expense of professionalism or journalistic integrity.”
What This Means for the Future
As CBS prepares for coverage of the upcoming U.S. Open, viewers can expect a slightly different tone from the broadcast team. Insiders suggest that anchors, analysts, and reporters have been given new creative latitude in crafting their interviews and live commentary.
The initiative is part of a larger rebranding effort by CBS Sports, which aims to increase engagement, particularly with younger demographics who favor platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where authenticity often trumps production value.
If successful, the “Be Yourself” campaign could mark a pivotal shift not just for CBS, but for the entire sports media industry—redefining what it means to cover live events in the modern era.
As for Amanda Balionis, she remains one of the most recognizable and respected voices in golf broadcasting. And now, with the green light to be more herself, her voice may resonate even louder.
