CBS creates sports radio network - KILT-A & KIKK 650 to carry

[johndavis]

Here's the release:

http://www.cbsradio.com/single-press/1811?filter=2012

Highlights:
- Launches Jan 2
- 24/7 sports call-in shows with CBS hosts & pundits
- distribution & ad sales by Cumulus Media Networks
- Cumulus sports talkers will be affiliates
- KILT-AM will carry some shows from the network
- KIKK-AM will carry the lineup 24/7 (okay, sunrise to sunset)

 

[Mediafrog+]

Fascinating news. And this comes on the heels of the announcement of the NBC Sports Radio Network. Hot market for 25-54 male demographics.

That will make FIVE SportsTalkers for the Houston market: Two owned by CBS, Two owned by Gow, plus Clear Channel's 790.

I don't think the 610/650 pairing would preclude CBS from eventually launching SportsTalk on FM here. The 610 programming goes to FM, the CBS Sports Network goes fulltime on 610 (or maybe partial simulcast with FM) and who knows what happens to 650.

CBS and Gow will have great cross promotional opportunities with their pairs of stations. Will they put a fatal squeeze on 790?

 

[KTN Corp]

I don't think the 610/650 pairing would preclude CBS from eventually launching SportsTalk on FM here. The 610 programming goes to FM, the CBS Sports Network goes fulltime on 610 (or maybe partial simulcast with FM) and who knows what happens to 650.

I'd rather have newsradio on FM. CBS hourly news updates on KIKK are currently unacceptable. It's heard up to the 3 minute mark and then commercials take up the last 2 minutes instead of extended stories. It would be nice to hear CBS News 24/7 in Houston on FM besides ABC News on KROI.

 

[Fieldtech1]

Word is Dial global is shopping their NBC Sports network to underperforming AM and FM stations in some of the larger markets, so I wouldn't be suprised to see it go on a brokered AM station in Houston.

 

[Mediafrog+]

Word is Dial global is shopping their NBC Sports network to underperforming AM and FM stations in some of the larger markets, so I wouldn't be suprised to see it go on a brokered AM station in Houston.

Doubt that happens. Probably more money to be made with brokered programming instead of being the sixth SportsTalker here.

I could see 950 perhaps taking some overnight programming from NBC Sports Radio, as it would fit the overall male target demographic.

 

[stan]

Cumulus could always put sports on their remaining FM in Houston... :

 

[purpledevil]

Word is Dial global is shopping their NBC Sports network to underperforming AM and FM stations in some of the larger markets, so I wouldn't be suprised to see it go on a brokered AM station in Houston.

Perhaps a shift for 1180 from Deportes to NBC? They certainly wouldn't thumb their noses at the 50kW daytime powerhouse, even with its meager nighttime signal.

Stan, I know you're being funny, but I had actually thought of that myself. Was wondering if Cumulus is going to let KRBE stand alone or if they might swap it to CBS for something else, somewhere else. Given the heritage that comes with 104, it might give CBS a spot on the FM @ 95-7 to move the National CBS Sports Radio format to, considering they most assuredly wouldn't keep both Top 40's. I can't imagine an offering of this magnitude being very successful on lil' ol' 250w KIKK.

 

[20ozwilliehoppe]

ktn Ironic your comments since KILT had the most kick-ass news dept. in town, often beating KTRH when KTRH was a news station. It would be nice to see something innovative regarding CBS. They bet the ranch on HD radio and continue to cling to it even as the last four HD radios in Houston continue their rapid march to the e-items recycle plant.

 

[stan]

It sounds like CBS sports radio will usurp the local programming on their stations, at least in the morning. That should mean some revamps of the staff, or staff being available for other local stations.

 

[KTN Corp]

ktn      Ironic your comments since KILT had the most kick-ass news dept. in town, often beating KTRH when KTRH was a news station.  It would be nice to see something innovative regarding CBS.  They bet the ranch on HD radio and continue to cling to it even as the last four HD radios in Houston continue their rapid march to the e-items recycle plant.

I had to say that because after listening to ABC News, it sounds sensationalized.  I always have an image of ditzy Diane Sawyer in my head when I listen to every newsreader.  At least one point in each story has to be blown out of proportion for emphasis.

CBS sounds more professional; very hard news!  Those CBS News updates would definitely sound better on FM especially when driving next to power lines trips up KIKK's 250 W signal.

When people said news or sports on FM, I think news might serve the region better.

 

[ksradiogeek]

Word is Dial global is shopping their NBC Sports network to underperforming AM and FM stations in some of the larger markets, so I wouldn't be suprised to see it go on a brokered AM station in Houston.

Perhaps a shift for 1180 from Deportes to NBC? They certainly wouldn't thumb their noses at the 50kW daytime powerhouse, even with its meager nighttime signal.

Stan, I know you're being funny, but I had actually thought of that myself. Was wondering if Cumulus is going to let KRBE stand alone or if they might swap it to CBS for something else, somewhere else. Given the heritage that comes with 104, it might give CBS a spot on the FM @ 95-7 to move the National CBS Sports Radio format to, considering they most assuredly wouldn't keep both Top 40's. I can't imagine an offering of this magnitude being very successful on lil' ol' 250w KIKK.

CBS won't flip 95.7. That station bills quite a bit and ratings aren't too bad. Heck, Mix has actually been improving. I believe PK, Sarah and Ivan recently renewed their contract for another few years.

 

[SportsDotCom]

With all these stations now in Houston, who's the leader? Who's the preferred station and why?

 

[purpledevil]

With all these stations now in Houston, who's the leader? Who's the preferred station and why?

My personal opinion is, was, and likely will always be KILT-A. They're not called the sports leader for nothing. They are the flagship of the Texans and until just recently the Rockets. Now that the Rockets have departed for KBME that should give a boost to 790's ratings, however, given the start times for Rockets games KBME will be on the night pattern when the contests are aired. Thus, the main reason the Rockets will also air on the FM side at KODA. 610's signal is overall better than the competition at night which gives them an advantage airing the games after dark. I like the personalities at KILT better because they, to me, have a better finger on the pulse of Houston sports.