Jazz announcer David Locke on building Locked On podcast powerhouse: ‘The idea was right’

David Locke didn’t just build a podcast. He built what has become one of sports media’s biggest podcast networks.

In an excellent profile by Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune, the longtime Jazz radio voice explained how a simple idea centered on team-specific coverage eventually grew into the Locked On Podcast Network, now featuring more than 200 shows covering the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and major college programs.

“The idea was right,” Locke told Monson. “It’s been great. It’s been amazing.”

As relayed by Monson, the concept stemmed from something Locke had observed during his years in sports radio: Fans don’t just follow sports, they follow their teams. That realization became the foundation of a network devoted to daily, team-specific coverage across North America.

Former radio executive Kevin Graham told Monson the vision was ahead of its time.

“David had a great idea before anyone figured out how to implement it,” Graham said. “He found a way to build and implement shows on specific sports teams, and then he sold it like a network.”

The network eventually attracted investors before being sold to Tegna in 2021, though Locke remains involved while continuing to serve as the Jazz’s radio play-by-play announcer.

Locke acknowledged there were times he questioned whether the venture would survive.

“There were a lot of days when I didn’t know if we’d get through it,” he said. “I didn’t know how to run a company. But I believed in the idea.”

Today, Locked On has grown into one of the largest sports podcast networks in the country, while Locke continues hosting Locked On Jazz, the show that started it all.