Here’s a few developments that you may not have heard about from the world of sports radio. To pass along future news, tips or press releases, email JBarrett@hvy.tcp.mybluehost.me.
Could we see the return of Jim Rome to sports television on a daily basis in 2017? According to sources, Rome and CBS Sports Network executives have talked about the possibility of a daily TV simulcast of his radio program. Rome previously hosted TV shows for the network and Showtime from 2012 to 2015. No word on when the simulcast would start assuming a deal can be reached.
As Mike Francesa enjoys a break during the holidays, WFAN will give Brandon Tierney an opportunity to reconnect with New York sports radio listeners. Tierney will team with midday host Joe Beningo this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Francesa’s timeslot. BT will also host all three days of his national show with Tiki Barber which airs on the CBS Sports Radio Network weekdays from 9a-12p ET.
A tip of the cap to DJ Stout, the longtime program director of WFNZ-AM, 610 The Fan in Charlotte, who announced that he won’t be leading the radio station as it changes hands from Beasley Broadcasting to Entercom. Stout is staying with Beasley where he’ll manage the country station WSOC-FM, The New 103.7, and news talk station WBCN, America’s Pulse 1660AM. WFNZ is expected to resolve their PD plans soon.
Last week Sean Baligian announced he’d be doing play by play of the Carolina Hurricanes game on December 31st. This week we’ve learned that the former Detroit sports talk show host will step in for good friend Bill Simonson on the Huge Radio Network from December 16-22. Simonson’s show originates out of the studios of WBBL in Grand Rapids and airs throughout the state of Michigan on 13 affiliates.
Cutbacks are the cause for longtime sports anchor and reporter Jon Jeffries losing his position at 92.9 The Game in Atlanta. The well traveled sports radio veteran is looking for his next opportunity and can be reached by email by clicking here.
590 The Fan, KFNS in St. Louis has announced they’ll be moving into new studios and part of the expansion includes launching a new restaurant and bar, the Kirkwood Brewhouse. Owner and morning host Tim McKernan says the goal is to have the studios ready by May, and the restaurant and bar will open this Friday at 4p.
Bay Area native and longtime radio host Rich Herrera has landed the role of pre-game host and senior executive producer of San Diego Padres baseball on Entercom alternative station FM 94.9. Herrera has previously worked in similar roles on Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland A’s, and San Francisco Giants broadcasts. He’s recently been hosting shows for SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio, 790 The Ticket in Miami, and KMOX in St. Louis, and a podcast with former major league baseball manager Kevin Kennedy.
A job well done by the folks at 1080 The Fan in Portland. The station executed its 6th annual radiothon and helped raise more than $173K for Special Olympics Oregon. The radiothon was anchored by The Fan’s afternoon show “Primetime with Isaac and Suke”, which features Isaac Ropp and Jason Scukanec.
Kirkman Broadcasting has changed the format of a few of their stations in Charleston, South Carolina. 92.1FM and 102.1FM have dropped sports in favor of classic rock. The two signals are being re-branded as “The City“. The company though will continue offering sports radio programming on 98.5 The Zone, and ESPN Charleston 98.9FM/910AM.
Congrats is in order for former WEEI creative director Pete Gustin who has returned to his former station to assist with creating bits. Gustin tweeted that he was thrilled to be involved on a part-time basis adding some levity to the brand.
Speaking of WEEI, the newest episode of “Enough About Me” with morning host Kirk Minihane features new afternoon show addition Rich Keefe, who recently left 98.5 The Sports Hub to join the station. In the episode, Keefe opened up about the way the WEEI opportunity came about, and how he felt the past few years at the Sports Hub. To hear it click here.
The Hamilton Spectator published a piece last week showing the early struggles for the Hamilton Bulldogs new radio home, TSN 1150. The station has been the the lowest rated in the city, and among the lowest rated in all of Canada. Executives with TSN say it’s part of the growing pains many brands experience. The Bulldogs moved to TSN from news talk station CHML, a brand that reached more than four times the number of unique listeners TSN did this fall. Officials though remain optimistic and say it’s a marathon not a sprint.
The “Two Angry Guys”, Richard Skinner and Tom Gamble, who previously talked sports in Cincinnati on a number of different stations, and have been off the air since 2008, have released a podcast. The new program is being produced by Ebel’s Sports Productions’ ESP Media. You can download it by clicking here.
