David Payne
David Payne day-vidh payn (he/him/his)
Sports Reporter, Phoenix

David Payne expects to graduate in August 2021 with a master’s degree in sports journalism. Payne will be a digital and audio reporter for Cronkite News this summer.

Latest from David Payne

Suns’ naming rights deal with Footprint provides chance to increase fans’ environmental awareness

PHOENIX - The Suns’ naming rights agreement with Footprint is the most recent of several deals between sports franchises and sustainability-focused companies. It provides a unique opportunity to encourage environmentally friendly behavior among fans.


‘You’re it!’ Local parkour athlete plays, commentates competitive tag

PHOENIX - World Chase Tag is a competitive ruleset for tag that has increased rapidly in popularity in the U.S. A Phoenix-based parkour athlete, Fernando Arce, is the captain of Team Ollo and will provide color commentary at August’s tournament.


‘Shazam!’ Behind-the-scenes look at Suns radio broadcasting playoff games during pandemic

PHOENIX – NBA players and coaches often say competition during the postseason is on a different level. The same goes for the radio broadcasters who bring the excitement of the game through the airwaves.


Arizona’s first excessive heat watch of 2021 issued, and where to find help

PHOENIX – The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch warning for next week with temperatures projected to be as high as 117. What the warning means, how to prepare for that type of weather and a look at Glendale’s heat relief stations.


How will youth sports leagues, parents react now that COVID-19 vaccine available for adolescents?

PHOENIX – With the release of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents coinciding with the start of many youth sporting events, parents and tournament organizers are faced with decisions related to protocol and expectations.


Three, two, one … Arizona high schools to weigh adopting a shot clock for basketball

PHOENIX — Most youth who have played basketball at the park or in their driveway have likely done this: pretended to hit a high-stakes shot as the buzzer sounds.