MLB Playoffs

[aindik]

Two semi-related questions.

1) Can anyone explain the rationale for CBS not simulcasting the Phillies games on 94 WIP?

2) Is Greater Media airing ESPN Radio's coverage of the Division Series? Are they airing it only on 950 and not on 97.5?

 

[pab]

One thing pops to mind right away: how was the Phillies contract written? The contract pre-dates WIP-FM. If it was specifically written for WPHT with overflow on WIP (AM) they might need to amend it.

 

[aindik]

One thing pops to mind right away: how was the Phillies contract written? The contract pre-dates WIP-FM. If it was specifically written for WPHT with overflow on WIP (AM) they might need to amend it.

I'm sure they would have to ask the Phillies' permission. I can't imagine why the Phillies would say no.

Here's one theory. MLB Rules prohibit every station except a team's "flagship" from airing locally-originated World Series coverage. All other network affiliates of the participating teams have to air ESPN's coverage. I assume WIP-FM would not qualify as the team's flagship (because it was not the flagship all year) and would therefore not be permitted to air the World Series. CBS may not want to establish WIP as the place for Phillies postseason games, only to have to yank them if they reach the World Series.

I always wondered what other restrictions MLB puts in place, against the team and its network, in order to protect ESPN Radio. IOW, what stops the Phillies, the Yankees, or any other playoff team, from signing up network affiliates to broadcast the playoff games (though not the Series)?

 

[Bill_W]

You can always get an HD radio and listen on WOGL HD-3.

 

[Seltzer]

One thing pops to mind right away: how was the Phillies contract written? The contract pre-dates WIP-FM. If it was specifically written for WPHT with overflow on WIP (AM) they might need to amend it.

I'm sure they would have to ask the Phillies' permission. I can't imagine why the Phillies would say no.

Here's one theory. MLB Rules prohibit every station except a team's "flagship" from airing locally-originated World Series coverage. All other network affiliates of the participating teams have to air ESPN's coverage. I assume WIP-FM would not qualify as the team's flagship (because it was not the flagship all year) and would therefore not be permitted to air the World Series. CBS may not want to establish WIP as the place for Phillies postseason games, only to have to yank them if they reach the World Series.

I always wondered what other restrictions MLB puts in place, against the team and its network, in order to protect ESPN Radio. IOW, what stops the Phillies, the Yankees, or any other playoff team, from signing up network affiliates to broadcast the playoff games (though not the Series)?

Yes but IP-FM and PHT are owned by the same company. I would think that would make it easier to allow this to happen.

I really hope that the Fanatic can figure out a way to grab the Phillies rights away so we van get them on FM.

 

[aindik]

Yes but IP-FM and PHT are owned by the same company. I would think that would make it easier to allow this to happen.

They also are both licensed to the city where the team plays and both have the same signal reach (or the FM may even have less reach in terms of distance). I'm guessing MLB and ESPN Radio don't care, and still wouldn't allow it.

 

[Irishfl]

I think this is all CBS. They're promoting 1210, but if you see the ads or billboards you might notice something. Its all, and only mentions Phillies programming. Atleast the ones I have seen. If you were just visiting Philly you would think they're the sports station.

I think this is also why games will remain on 1210 next season. Are the Phillies keeping that station afloat?

 

[WCAUTVNBC10]

I think this is also why games will remain on 1210 next season. Are the Phillies keeping that station afloat?

Simply put...yes. I think you might see a simulcast though between 94 and 1210 next year though.

 

[deepstblu]

I think this is also why games will remain on 1210 next season. Are the Phillies keeping that station afloat?

Simply put...yes. I think you might see a simulcast though between 94 and 1210 next year though.

Maybe weekday afternoon games on 94; allows better penetration into office buildings and lets them clear Limbaugh on 1210 during an election year.

 

[Bill_W]

I think this is also why games will remain on 1210 next season. Are the Phillies keeping that station afloat?

Simply put...yes. I think you might see a simulcast though between 94 and 1210 next year though.

Maybe weekday afternoon games on 94; allows better penetration into office buildings and lets them clear Limbaugh on 1210 during an election year.

I don't think CBS cares about clearing Rush on 1210. They cut out of Rush the other day so Mike S. could interview the president. They said if you want to listen to the Rush Limbaugh Show, you can listen online at 1210's website. I switched over to WABC.com.

 

[jhguthlac]

I normally listen to Rush on WABC on-line anyway. But i do agree with having the Philly day games on 94WIP. Much better for us in Philly office buildings.