The Crown Network Launches First Word with James Rapien as Host

CINCINNATI, OH — The Crown Network is proud to announce that James Rapien will host First Word, the network’s flagship morning sports show airing weekdays from 7–11 a.m. ET live on YouTube and RESN. Every morning, Rapien will cut through the noise, break down what matters, and give Cincinnati sports fans a reason to tune in and a place to start their day.

Rapien comes to The Crown after six seasons covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sports Illustrated, where he built a national platform. He covered the team through some of its most pivotal moments, and that coverage will only expand from behind the First Word desk.

Rapien’s ability to meet fans where they are is a major reason why he’s built such a following. He’s the creator of Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube, a channel that proved long before The Crown existed that there was a real market for smart, direct Bengals conversation outside the traditional media landscape. He’s also the author of Enter the Jungle, a book on the Bengals’ history. That combination of journalism, content creation, and storytelling is the foundation on which First Word was built.

“Cincinnati is a great sports town that deserves a fun, upbeat morning sports show. That’s exactly what we’re going to give them. I couldn’t be more excited to bring morning sports back to the Queen City alongside Marisa Contipelli, Jacob Tissot and the entire First Word team.”

— James Rapien, Host, FirstWord | TheCrownNetwork

Rapien grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. His roots here meanthatFirstWordhasahostwhogenuinelycaresaboutthiscity’steamsanditsfans.He’s been here, covering these teams with the kind of consistency and credibility that makes him one of the most trusted names in the game.

“James’ knowledge, personality, and versatility made him an easy choice to headline The Crown’s flagship show. He’s great on camera, and his experience cultivating audiences and understanding the relationship between content and consumer was a big reason why we wanted him behind the First Word desk.”

— D.J.Hodge, President | TheCrownNetwork

First Word with James Rapien premieres June 1, 2026, as The Crown Network goes live across YouTube, RESN, and social. For Cincinnati sports fans looking for a morning show that covers every local angle, join us every weekday at 7 a.m.