Synopsis: Nationally syndicated sports radio host Jim Rome returns to ESPN with the premiere of his new weekly sports talk show, "Rome is Burning," debuting Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. ET. Produced in Los Angeles, "Rome is Burning" will provide viewers with a provocative and compelling hour of opinion, discussion and debate. Known for his aggressive, informed and rapid-fire dialogue, Rome has established himself as one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting.

"This program is more than just a sports talk show," said Mark Shapiro, ESPN executive vice president, programming and production. "It's a sharp, intelligent, analytical entertainment program that will combine the many talents of Jim Rome. This no holds barred opinion is what sets Jim apart." Said Rome, "It's great to be back at ESPN, it feels like I've come full circle. This is the show I've been waiting for."

Each episode will provide Rome a forum to voice his opinion and tackle the hot sports issues of the day. "Rome is Burning" will feature both in-studio and via-satellite interviews with top athletes. In addition, Rome will focus on serving the viewers by addressing their voicemails at the end of each program.

Other show elements include:

Rome is Burning: a monologue featuring five topics Rome is fired up about and wants to get off his chest.

The Forum: "politically incorrect-"style debate and discussion with guest sports writers and other personalities.

FAN-ning the Flames: Rome takes on the hot-button sports news issues of the week.

Meltdown/ Smackdown/ Showdown: Rome comments on a variety of topics, including a classic fold or meltdown by an athlete or team, an outrageous athlete sound-bite or an outstanding performance by a player or team.

Rise and Fall: a who's hot and who's not list with commentary.

Rome will also offer his unique insights on the world of sports in a weekly one-minute editorial, "Rome is Burning," which will air on SportsCenter, and a weekly column on ESPN.com.

Rome had served as host of The Last Word with Jim Rome on Fox Sports Net from 1997 to 2002. Prior to that, he was host of ESPN2's Talk2, a nightly live, one-hour call-in program (1993-94). During that time he also appeared as a contributor on ESPN's UpClose with Roy Firestone. Rome will continue to host his nationally-syndicated radio program, The Jim Rome Show, a.k.a The Jungle.

Rome began his radio career at KTMS, Santa Barbara as the traffic and local sports reporter. He left KTMS for San Diego's all-sports station, XTRA Sports 690. It was during a temporary stint on a late- night show for the station that Rome debuted his now famous "smack" style. In 1996, the show went national with a syndication deal with Premiere Radio Networks. Rome graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1987, with a degree in communications