Jonathan Rifkind, Play-by-Play Broadcaster

I've been surrounded by sports my entire life, from my first swings at three years old to my "peak" as an 8th-grade all-star. But my true calling came in high school, when I shadowed Clippers legend Ralph Lawler, inspiring me to found the sports broadcasting club at Oak Park High School. I spent those years calling football, basketball, volleyball, and softball games, learning firsthand the power of connecting with audiences.

At the University of Oregon, I joined KWVA 88.1 FM as a freshman, eager to dive into every opportunity. I called nearly every sport Oregon offered, hosted talk shows, and developed the broadcast infrastructure for nearby Bushnell University (NAIA). This led to a local radio contract for the University, and established a pipeline of on-air opportunities for students.  During summers, I served as the voice of the Conejo Oaks in the California Collegiate League, where I established a broadcast foundation from the ground up, one that would continue supporting the team long after my tenure.

After graduating, I returned to Southern California, freelancing and joining the iconic Darren Smith Show in San Diego as a producer and on-air contributor. Today, I’m the voice of Cal State Fullerton Men’s Basketball and the San Diego Section High School Football Game of the Week. You’ll also hear me calling college soccer, volleyball, baseball, and softball for Division I schools. I host High School Football Night with Jonathan Rifkind on San Diego Sports 760 and frequently fill in on other shows across San Diego Sports 760 and iHeartMedia, sharing my passion for the game with fans across the region. 

Sports broadcasting is more than a career for me; it’s a front-row seat to witness greatness and share those moments with fans who feel the same thrill and excitement. Every broadcast is an opportunity to bring the game to life, to celebrate the extraordinary, and to connect with audiences one call at a time.