"Definitely a scary moment": Malika Andrews keeps cool under pressure as earthquake hits ESPN studio during live broadcast
Malika Andrews is one of the best and most popular sports talk show hosts today. Since debuting as a sideline reporter for ESPN in the 2020 “Bubble Tournament,” Andrews has earned fans with her skillful interviews. Besides her engaging style, the University of Portland alumnus has gained rave reviews for her unflappable way of dealing with NBA stars.
Andrews’ calm and collected style came to full fore on Monday in an episode of “NBA Today.” The show’s host was in an interview with Rebecca Lobo when a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit the network’s studio in Los Angeles. Andrews did not seem bothered by the shaking as she kept going without missing a beat.
After the show, which was on live on national TV, Malika Andrews posted this on X, formerly Twitter:
“Definitely a scary moment here in our LA studios. Thank you to our incredible staff and crew who stayed cool throughout!
“Stay safe, fellow Angelenos.”
Andrews’ post came after somebody pointed out on the same social media platform how she gracefully and cooly handled the situation.
WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo also commented about the sequence that has gone viral:
“I was stunned by both the earthquake and how @malika_andrews handled it like a boss. Wow.”
Malika Andrews' first comment once the earthquake hit was to acknowledge that the studio was shaking. Even if she didn’t say anything about the calamity, it was clear that something was going on as the camera wobbled for a few seconds. Andrews calmly ensured the lights weren’t falling and the show’s staff were all okay.
Once things settled, she deftly continued the interview as if nothing had happened. Aspiring hosts can take a cue from her viral clip about maintaining poise and calm in front of the camera.
How long has Malika Andrews hosted NBA Today?
Malika Andrews extended her contract with ESPN in 2021. As part of her new deal, the network made her the host of “NBA Today,” just before the start of the 2021-22 season. The show replaced “The Jump” as ESPN’s go-to program for everyday NBA basketball.
With daily coverage of the biggest and most lucrative basketball league in the world, Andrews’ popularity has also risen. Roughly seven months after “NBA Today” started, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent.
ESPN kept Malika Andrews in the spotlight and asked her to anchor the 2022 NBA Draft, making her the first woman to host the event. Fans can add handling earthquakes with poise to her resume.