2016 DP Media Awards

By: Dalton Potocki

As the year comes to a close, it only makes sense that I give out my 2016 Media Awards. I realize my opinion carries a lot of weight in the media industry so any type of revenue increase that is caused by these awards, I would like a portion of those. All of these are supposed to be “If you haven't seen/listened yet you should” type of awards. Without further adieu, the 2016 DP Media Awards:

• Best Movie: “Gimme Danger”

    Gotta start this by saying I’ve seen 3 movies in theaters this year and this one was head and shoulders above the rest. The bio-pic about The Stooges was excellent. It talked about how they came to rock-n-roll fame in the 60’s and how they were never really respected in the music industry. It’s a must watch for anyone who is a fan of rock.

• Best Song: “Closer” by The Chainsmokers

    This was the easiest of all awards. Song is an absolute heater. Couldn’t escape it for like 2 months and I was perfectly fine with it. Whenever it comes on at the bar, there is just a different feel. Words are easy to remember, fun to sing along with, and helped normalize mattress-stealing culture. A much needed song for everyone.

• Best TV Show (Cable): “The People vs OJ Simpson” on FX

    This award was maybe the hardest of the awards. I had it down to three shows. OJ, Always Sunny, and Better Call Saul. While the new season of Always Sunny was funny, it wasn't their best and Better Call Saul is extremely interesting on a week to week basic but it moves a little slow. Those factors combined with the fact that OJ was the first docudrama about the most fascinating crime in American history. People liked to hate on it because of the actors but since I’m all about honesty, I thought that John Travolta did a good job as Shapiro. Cuba Gooding could have done a better job looking like OJ i.e. lifting a weight but considering how it rekindled the nation’s interest in something that happened like 20+ years ago, it wins this award.
    

• Best TV Show (Not Cable): “Westworld” on HBO

    It could be my affinity for Western themed shows but West World was an absolute masterpiece. Multiple storylines, interesting characters, beautiful scenery, and A+ acting. There was absolutely not one thing that could have been done better. Disclaimer: You really have to pay attention to it or you will get lost, this isn't one of those shows you can watch while scrolling on your phone. I’m not gonna go into because it's still relatively new I don’t want to be the guy who spoils it for ya. Just go watch it. You will not be disappointed.

• Best Podcast: “Pardon My Take” by Barstool Sports

Constant laughs for anyone who is even remotely follows sports. As they did more shows they have gotten better at interviews and are getting bigger and better celebrities all the time. Their segments are always something to look forward too. They include “Locker Room Talk with Lenny Dykstra”, “PR 101”, and “I just did soul-cycle so listen to me eat chips”. Jump on now while they are on break and listen to their entire catalog.
​

• Best Video Game: Rocket League

    I don’t even know if this game came out in 2016 but it’s that good. What is Rocket League? Cars playing soccer. Sounds dumb but it is probably my favorite sports game right now and has been for most of 2016.
​

• Best Radio Station Sports Department: WCBN 88.3 FM Ann Arbor

    C’mon. Thats easy.