NEW SPORTS STATION

[vjm]

I believe CC has the big 3 teams locked up for at minimum the next 3 years.

And GKB has OSU locked up for the next couple of years as well (and they won't let them go w/o a fight)

"92.3 The Fan" has a shot at CSU, the Monsters, the Gladiators, and hell, maybe even the Crush (Lingerie Football League).

 

[AntDog152]

As much as people talk badly about WKNR, they do have an established audience which IMO is impressive considering they don't have any of the pro sports teams, an they are on the AM side of the dial. This is not like earlier in the year when CC turned 106.5 into The Lake. An FM All-Sports format will not work for CBS unless they can get the Indians, Cavs, or the Browns especially with WKNR still around.

By the same token, WKNR is the only all-sports outlet in town. Yes, I know KNR2 is a station as well, but same operation, same branding, etc. They and WTAM are the only two relevant AM stations in the market. Plus Craig's M.O. since day one has been to run WKNR as a sports marketing platform - not as a traditional sports talk station - i.e., heavily downplaying the WKNR call letters as much as possible in favor of "ESPN Cleveland."

That's good in theory, but the content on WKNR has always been severely lacking. In other words, Craig is the direct opposite of his father: Mel's belief always had been "content first."

Take tRBS for an example. That show gets ratings in part because their primary competition is Rover (first two hours), Lanigan (the first hour), Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh (final hour). Let's be honest, the latter two are conservative talk shows with viewpoints that don't connect with the majority of the existing listener base in town. As a result, tRBS gets their good ratings mostly by default. Take from that what you will. IMO, if there was a true sports show in that slot - without the kayfabe format, teeny-bopper bumper music, or highly unlikeable characters - tRBS gets creamed.

CC was and always will be unlikely to establish a sports format on any of their FM sticks so as not to encroach on WTAM. Technically, WMMS with the "man cave" format already fills that void. If anything, WTAM will eventually be relayed on the FM dial... if they can ever get the 99.1 translator CP worked out.

CBS may also be operating under the belief that they can make a serious play for any of the big three teams - the Browns most likely to come up - and may feel it's worth it to take this gamble. Remember that when WKNR had their soft launch in 1990-91, they gambled similarly with the Indians PBP rights, and won when WWWE gave them up in 1992 (KNR's then-GM, Jim Glass, held a similar position at WWWE prior).

And CBS would have the massive advantage - if they feel the Browns rights are attainable - at having the FM signal in their position. For nearly two decades, NFL teams, by rule, favor having FM flagships for their teams. WKNR doesn't have that advantage unless they buy an FM to move WKNR onto. And we haven't even gone into KNR's horrid 1959-era night pattern, which makes that station a virtual non-starter for Indians and Cavaliers PBP rights, even if they wanted to get those.

At its' start, 92.3 can also make plays for the OSU rights, Cleveland State PBP, and the Monsters. And, I guess, go for that PBP gamble against CC.

I agree with you about WKNR not being a traditional sports talk station, and that it could be so much better than it currently is. However, a CBS FM sports station w/out Indians/Cavs/Browns will do no better (if not worse) then what their established stations already. I think the only way CBS flips to sports in this market is if they get rights to one of those teams. BTW, when are the radio contracts for those teams up?

 

[radiomayor2]

i keep hearing this and i am skeptical. for the following reasons

1. cleveland is parochial and unless they have a clevelander as the main host cbs will fail

2. there are no teams available which would cause any buzz

3. unlike the p burgh station cbs flipped...the station everybody keeps talking about is not floundering.
it has virtually no overhead excepty a pd.

i am prepared to be wrong about this but it mnakes no sense in the current cbs/cle environment.

what would make MORE sense...is that they trim any losing daypart personalities and shake those dayparts up.....

and that they get a research project ( or maybe they have one already) to stem the steamrolling that the new cc station appears to be giving everybody ( that is if the ratings i keep seeing are correct)..

all this, of course is my humble opinion....i have NO inside knowledge......

 

[vjm]

As much as people talk badly about WKNR, they do have an established audience which IMO is impressive considering they don't have any of the pro sports teams, an they are on the AM side of the dial. This is not like earlier in the year when CC turned 106.5 into The Lake. An FM All-Sports format will not work for CBS unless they can get the Indians, Cavs, or the Browns especially with WKNR still around.

By the same token, WKNR is the only all-sports outlet in town. Yes, I know KNR2 is a station as well, but same operation, same branding, etc. They and WTAM are the only two relevant AM stations in the market. Plus Craig's M.O. since day one has been to run WKNR as a sports marketing platform - not as a traditional sports talk station - i.e., heavily downplaying the WKNR call letters as much as possible in favor of "ESPN Cleveland."

That's good in theory, but the content on WKNR has always been severely lacking. In other words, Craig is the direct opposite of his father: Mel's belief always had been "content first."

Take tRBS for an example. That show gets ratings in part because their primary competition is Rover (first two hours), Lanigan (the first hour), Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh (final hour). Let's be honest, the latter two are conservative talk shows with viewpoints that don't connect with the majority of the existing listener base in town. As a result, tRBS gets their good ratings mostly by default. Take from that what you will. IMO, if there was a true sports show in that slot - without the kayfabe format, teeny-bopper bumper music, or highly unlikeable characters - tRBS gets creamed.

CC was and always will be unlikely to establish a sports format on any of their FM sticks so as not to encroach on WTAM. Technically, WMMS with the "man cave" format already fills that void. If anything, WTAM will eventually be relayed on the FM dial... if they can ever get the 99.1 translator CP worked out.

CBS may also be operating under the belief that they can make a serious play for any of the big three teams - the Browns most likely to come up - and may feel it's worth it to take this gamble. Remember that when WKNR had their soft launch in 1990-91, they gambled similarly with the Indians PBP rights, and won when WWWE gave them up in 1992 (KNR's then-GM, Jim Glass, held a similar position at WWWE prior).

And CBS would have the massive advantage - if they feel the Browns rights are attainable - at having the FM signal in their position. For nearly two decades, NFL teams, by rule, favor having FM flagships for their teams. WKNR doesn't have that advantage unless they buy an FM to move WKNR onto. And we haven't even gone into KNR's horrid 1959-era night pattern, which makes that station a virtual non-starter for Indians and Cavaliers PBP rights, even if they wanted to get those.

At its' start, 92.3 can also make plays for the OSU rights, Cleveland State PBP, and the Monsters. And, I guess, go for that PBP gamble against CC.

I agree with you about WKNR not being a traditional sports talk station, and that it could be so much better than it currently is. However, a CBS FM sports station w/out Indians/Cavs/Browns will do no better (if not worse) then what their established stations already. I think the only way CBS flips to sports in this market is if they get rights to one of those teams. BTW, when are the radio contracts for those teams up?

But I think a station with local hosts that talk nuts and bolts sports, w/o the nonsense that WKNR includes with it (coughHammerandNedcough) would put a dent in "ESPN Cleveland", especially those fed up with the aforementioned Bratty Bunch.

 

[AntDog152]

As much as people talk badly about WKNR, they do have an established audience which IMO is impressive considering they don't have any of the pro sports teams, an they are on the AM side of the dial. This is not like earlier in the year when CC turned 106.5 into The Lake. An FM All-Sports format will not work for CBS unless they can get the Indians, Cavs, or the Browns especially with WKNR still around.

By the same token, WKNR is the only all-sports outlet in town. Yes, I know KNR2 is a station as well, but same operation, same branding, etc. They and WTAM are the only two relevant AM stations in the market. Plus Craig's M.O. since day one has been to run WKNR as a sports marketing platform - not as a traditional sports talk station - i.e., heavily downplaying the WKNR call letters as much as possible in favor of "ESPN Cleveland."

That's good in theory, but the content on WKNR has always been severely lacking. In other words, Craig is the direct opposite of his father: Mel's belief always had been "content first."

Take tRBS for an example. That show gets ratings in part because their primary competition is Rover (first two hours), Lanigan (the first hour), Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh (final hour). Let's be honest, the latter two are conservative talk shows with viewpoints that don't connect with the majority of the existing listener base in town. As a result, tRBS gets their good ratings mostly by default. Take from that what you will. IMO, if there was a true sports show in that slot - without the kayfabe format, teeny-bopper bumper music, or highly unlikeable characters - tRBS gets creamed.

CC was and always will be unlikely to establish a sports format on any of their FM sticks so as not to encroach on WTAM. Technically, WMMS with the "man cave" format already fills that void. If anything, WTAM will eventually be relayed on the FM dial... if they can ever get the 99.1 translator CP worked out.

CBS may also be operating under the belief that they can make a serious play for any of the big three teams - the Browns most likely to come up - and may feel it's worth it to take this gamble. Remember that when WKNR had their soft launch in 1990-91, they gambled similarly with the Indians PBP rights, and won when WWWE gave them up in 1992 (KNR's then-GM, Jim Glass, held a similar position at WWWE prior).

And CBS would have the massive advantage - if they feel the Browns rights are attainable - at having the FM signal in their position. For nearly two decades, NFL teams, by rule, favor having FM flagships for their teams. WKNR doesn't have that advantage unless they buy an FM to move WKNR onto. And we haven't even gone into KNR's horrid 1959-era night pattern, which makes that station a virtual non-starter for Indians and Cavaliers PBP rights, even if they wanted to get those.

At its' start, 92.3 can also make plays for the OSU rights, Cleveland State PBP, and the Monsters. And, I guess, go for that PBP gamble against CC.

I agree with you about WKNR not being a traditional sports talk station, and that it could be so much better than it currently is. However, a CBS FM sports station w/out Indians/Cavs/Browns will do no better (if not worse) then what their established stations already. I think the only way CBS flips to sports in this market is if they get rights to one of those teams. BTW, when are the radio contracts for those teams up?

But I think a station with local hosts that talk nuts and bolts sports, w/o the nonsense that WKNR includes with it (coughHammerandNedcough) would put a dent in "ESPN Cleveland", especially those fed up with the aforementioned Bratty Bunch.

We all would like to see a sports talk station that actually lets the fans of Cleveland be heard. And honestly, I hope I'm wrong in this debate and CBS takes a chance with this. But I just don't see CBS wanting to flip to sports for the sole purpose of cutting into KNR's audience. KNR has a good fanbase, but it doesn't even crack top 10 in this market.

 

[Rusty Muck]

CBS may also be operating under the belief that they can make a serious play for any of the big three teams - the Browns most likely to come up - and may feel it's worth it to take this gamble. Remember that when WKNR had their soft launch in 1990-91, they gambled similarly with the Indians PBP rights, and won when WWWE gave them up in 1992 (KNR's then-GM, Jim Glass, held a similar position at WWWE prior).

And CBS would have the massive advantage - if they feel the Browns rights are attainable - at having the FM signal in their position. For nearly two decades, NFL teams, by rule, favor having FM flagships for their teams. WKNR doesn't have that advantage unless they buy an FM to move WKNR onto. And we haven't even gone into KNR's horrid 1959-era night pattern, which makes that station a virtual non-starter for Indians and Cavaliers PBP rights, even if they wanted to get those.

At its' start, 92.3 can also make plays for the OSU rights, Cleveland State PBP, and the Monsters. And, I guess, go for that PBP gamble against CC.

I agree with you about WKNR not being a traditional sports talk station, and that it could be so much better than it currently is. However, a CBS FM sports station w/out Indians/Cavs/Browns will do no better (if not worse) then what their established stations already. I think the only way CBS flips to sports in this market is if they get rights to one of those teams. BTW, when are the radio contracts for those teams up?

But I think a station with local hosts that talk nuts and bolts sports, w/o the nonsense that WKNR includes with it (coughHammerandNedcough) would put a dent in "ESPN Cleveland", especially those fed up with the aforementioned Bratty Bunch.

We all would like to see a sports talk station that actually lets the fans of Cleveland be heard. And honestly, I hope I'm wrong in this debate and CBS takes a chance with this. But I just don't see CBS wanting to flip to sports for the sole purpose of cutting into KNR's audience. KNR has a good fanbase, but it doesn't even crack top 10 in this market.

The Browns contract is up first. IIRC, after the 2013 season, but idk if that includes the optional final year. I presume the Indians and Cavs contracts last longer (although who knows how the season-canceling NBA lockout affects or prolongs the Cavs' existing contract).

Dating back to the previous contract, CC has no control over the Browns Radio Network (which is why Andre Knott was removed from sideline reporter in favor of Jamir Howerton a dial tone). Given the recent move by WKNR picking up Cleveland Browns Daily the team's daily rehashed interview/propaganda machine because no other CC station could pick it up, CBS might be willing to cede an hour of their weekday lineup to air CBD if when Aaron and Chris do or say something to torch WKNR's relationship with the Browns.

I'm not saying that I'm convinced that CBS is really is going to go forward with a "92.3 The Fan." But if CBS is, it is because they are convinced that they can get a PBP contract from the Big Three. And they know that they have an advantage in FM - and a cluster of four stations - that GKB simply doesn't have.

Right now, CBS has "93.7 The Fan" in Pittsburgh, a nearly all-local sports station that is struggling in the ratings. But methinks CBS is biding their time until the Pirates' contract with CC is up, which IIRC is in a year or two. Plus Pittsburgh is a market that CBS has elected to keep some of their stations, including KDKA/1020 (duh).

 

[vjm]

As much as people talk badly about WKNR, they do have an established audience which IMO is impressive considering they don't have any of the pro sports teams, an they are on the AM side of the dial. This is not like earlier in the year when CC turned 106.5 into The Lake. An FM All-Sports format will not work for CBS unless they can get the Indians, Cavs, or the Browns especially with WKNR still around.

By the same token, WKNR is the only all-sports outlet in town. Yes, I know KNR2 is a station as well, but same operation, same branding, etc. They and WTAM are the only two relevant AM stations in the market. Plus Craig's M.O. since day one has been to run WKNR as a sports marketing platform - not as a traditional sports talk station - i.e., heavily downplaying the WKNR call letters as much as possible in favor of "ESPN Cleveland."

That's good in theory, but the content on WKNR has always been severely lacking. In other words, Craig is the direct opposite of his father: Mel's belief always had been "content first."

Take tRBS for an example. That show gets ratings in part because their primary competition is Rover (first two hours), Lanigan (the first hour), Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh (final hour). Let's be honest, the latter two are conservative talk shows with viewpoints that don't connect with the majority of the existing listener base in town. As a result, tRBS gets their good ratings mostly by default. Take from that what you will. IMO, if there was a true sports show in that slot - without the kayfabe format, teeny-bopper bumper music, or highly unlikeable characters - tRBS gets creamed.

CC was and always will be unlikely to establish a sports format on any of their FM sticks so as not to encroach on WTAM. Technically, WMMS with the "man cave" format already fills that void. If anything, WTAM will eventually be relayed on the FM dial... if they can ever get the 99.1 translator CP worked out.

CBS may also be operating under the belief that they can make a serious play for any of the big three teams - the Browns most likely to come up - and may feel it's worth it to take this gamble. Remember that when WKNR had their soft launch in 1990-91, they gambled similarly with the Indians PBP rights, and won when WWWE gave them up in 1992 (KNR's then-GM, Jim Glass, held a similar position at WWWE prior).

And CBS would have the massive advantage - if they feel the Browns rights are attainable - at having the FM signal in their position. For nearly two decades, NFL teams, by rule, favor having FM flagships for their teams. WKNR doesn't have that advantage unless they buy an FM to move WKNR onto. And we haven't even gone into KNR's horrid 1959-era night pattern, which makes that station a virtual non-starter for Indians and Cavaliers PBP rights, even if they wanted to get those.

At its' start, 92.3 can also make plays for the OSU rights, Cleveland State PBP, and the Monsters. And, I guess, go for that PBP gamble against CC.

I agree with you about WKNR not being a traditional sports talk station, and that it could be so much better than it currently is. However, a CBS FM sports station w/out Indians/Cavs/Browns will do no better (if not worse) then what their established stations already. I think the only way CBS flips to sports in this market is if they get rights to one of those teams. BTW, when are the radio contracts for those teams up?

But I think a station with local hosts that talk nuts and bolts sports, w/o the nonsense that WKNR includes with it (coughHammerandNedcough) would put a dent in "ESPN Cleveland", especially those fed up with the aforementioned Bratty Bunch.

We all would like to see a sports talk station that actually lets the fans of Cleveland be heard. And honestly, I hope I'm wrong in this debate and CBS takes a chance with this. But I just don't see CBS wanting to flip to sports for the sole purpose of cutting into KNR's audience. KNR has a good fanbase, but it doesn't even crack top 10 in this market.

I don't think CBS is merely trying to go after WKNR.

But with FM Sports Talk in nearby cities such as Detroit and Pittsburgh, CBS Cleveland may be willing to at least try it here to give it a go.

Say they try it and it flops...this time next year we'll be talking about the return of Radio 92.3.

 

[vjm]

CBS may also be operating under the belief that they can make a serious play for any of the big three teams - the Browns most likely to come up - and may feel it's worth it to take this gamble. Remember that when WKNR had their soft launch in 1990-91, they gambled similarly with the Indians PBP rights, and won when WWWE gave them up in 1992 (KNR's then-GM, Jim Glass, held a similar position at WWWE prior).

And CBS would have the massive advantage - if they feel the Browns rights are attainable - at having the FM signal in their position. For nearly two decades, NFL teams, by rule, favor having FM flagships for their teams. WKNR doesn't have that advantage unless they buy an FM to move WKNR onto. And we haven't even gone into KNR's horrid 1959-era night pattern, which makes that station a virtual non-starter for Indians and Cavaliers PBP rights, even if they wanted to get those.

At its' start, 92.3 can also make plays for the OSU rights, Cleveland State PBP, and the Monsters. And, I guess, go for that PBP gamble against CC.

I agree with you about WKNR not being a traditional sports talk station, and that it could be so much better than it currently is. However, a CBS FM sports station w/out Indians/Cavs/Browns will do no better (if not worse) then what their established stations already. I think the only way CBS flips to sports in this market is if they get rights to one of those teams. BTW, when are the radio contracts for those teams up?

But I think a station with local hosts that talk nuts and bolts sports, w/o the nonsense that WKNR includes with it (coughHammerandNedcough) would put a dent in "ESPN Cleveland", especially those fed up with the aforementioned Bratty Bunch.

We all would like to see a sports talk station that actually lets the fans of Cleveland be heard. And honestly, I hope I'm wrong in this debate and CBS takes a chance with this. But I just don't see CBS wanting to flip to sports for the sole purpose of cutting into KNR's audience. KNR has a good fanbase, but it doesn't even crack top 10 in this market.

The Browns contract is up first. IIRC, after the 2013 season, but idk if that includes the optional final year. I presume the Indians and Cavs contracts last longer (although who knows how the season-canceling NBA lockout affects or prolongs the Cavs' existing contract).

Dating back to the previous contract, CC has no control over the Browns Radio Network (which is why Andre Knott was removed from sideline reporter in favor of Jamir Howerton a dial tone). Given the recent move by WKNR picking up Cleveland Browns Daily the team's daily rehashed interview/propaganda machine because no other CC station could pick it up, CBS might be willing to cede an hour of their weekday lineup to air CBD if when Aaron and Chris do or say something to torch WKNR's relationship with the Browns.

I'm not saying that I'm convinced that CBS is really is going to go forward with a "92.3 The Fan." But if CBS is, it is because they are convinced that they can get a PBP contract from the Big Three. And they know that they have an advantage in FM - and a cluster of four stations - that GKB simply doesn't have.

Right now, CBS has "93.7 The Fan" in Pittsburgh, a nearly all-local sports station that is struggling in the ratings. But methinks CBS is biding their time until the Pirates' contract with CC is up, which IIRC is in a year or two. Plus Pittsburgh is a market that CBS has elected to keep some of their stations, including KDKA/1020 (duh).

If CBS Cleveland does land the Browns PBP in 3 years, they can easily circumvent 92.3's signal limitations by simulcasting it on 98.5

WXYT 1470/97.1 in Detroit has the PBP of all 4 major Detroit sports teams, and I believe KDKA FM has the rights to Pitt PBP. The first thing 92.3 would try to poach is the Buckeyes (which would be a nice little coup), and then bide their time until the big 3 become avalible.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

Observations:

* I am still not 100% convinced this is happening.

But in the past week, expecially, I've gotten a LOT of unconnected pieces pointing to a CBS FM sports station. A LOT. This rumor has been kicking around for well over a year now, but that noise is getting a LOT louder.

* I think CBS is ready to wait out the Browns contract, and goodness knows they have the bucks to go after it. My gut tells me that's their big prize. They'll need the $ firepower to outbid Oak Tree, and they have the corporate stability to wait it out a couple of years. Sports FMs are long-term strategy for CBS.

* And I think the tipping point here, aside from the realization they're not gonna get a good price for four class B FMs in Cleveland, and they won't part them out, is the gangbusters success 'The Ticket" is having in Detroit.

 

[Rusty Muck]

If CBS Cleveland does land the Browns PBP in 3 years, they can easily circumvent 92.3's signal limitations by simulcasting it on 98.5

WXYT 1470/97.1 in Detroit has the PBP of all 4 major Detroit sports teams, and I believe KDKA FM has the rights to Pitt PBP. The first thing 92.3 would try to poach is the Buckeyes (which would be a nice little coup), and then bide their time until the big 3 become avalible.

You read my mind. OSU is a must-get. Plus Cleveland State has no real radio home, but a patchwork of three different radio stations (WHK, WHKW and WTAM). And if GKB doesn't sign long-term deals with WW1 for NFL or college football PBP contracts...

There's also this scenario... say "The Fan" does get the Browns PBP. What's to stop CBS from, say, swapping 92.3 with 98.5?

I know... it makes too much sense.

 

[becker5]

Jim Rome would be a HUGE pick up for CBS if 92.3 flips. These rumors will not stop!

 

[Rusty Muck]

Jim Rome would be a HUGE pick up for CBS if 92.3 flips. These rumors will not stop!

I don't think Rome would move over to said station. CBS operates their "Fan" stations as all-live/local, all-day.

BUT Premiere could use the mere presence of "92.3 The Fan" as serious leverage aimed squarely at GKB. "Either you put Rome's first hour back on 850, or we cancel the contract and... 'shop around...'"

 

[vjm]

Jim Rome would be a HUGE pick up for CBS if 92.3 flips. These rumors will not stop!

I don't think Rome would move over to said station. CBS operates their "Fan" stations as all-live/local, all-day.

BUT Premiere could use the mere presence of "92.3 The Fan" as serious leverage aimed squarely at GKB. "Either you put Rome's first hour back on 850, or we cancel the contract and... 'shop around...'"

I still think if GKB doesn't give Rome the noon hour back, Premiere would rather keep it "in house" so to speak, and move him to WMMS to fill the gap between Rover and Cox and complete the "man-cave".

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

I'm sorry, I just don't see WMMS putting Rome on. It's a different kind of "man cave" programming than Rover and Alan Cox.

I am also wondering if CBS picks up Romey. As Nathan points out, their "Fan" FM sports talkers are largely live and local, even in a market the size of Pittsburgh, where they are local well into the overnight.

Premiere can't be happy with the two station situation, with Rome's first hour on a station you can't even hear west of I-77, but I don't believe Rome is in CBS' strategy (even if there's an out in the contract with GKB).

 

[vjm]

I'm sorry, I just don't see WMMS putting Rome on. It's a different kind of "man cave" programming than Rover and Alan Cox.

I am also wondering if CBS picks up Romey. As Nathan points out, their "Fan" FM sports talkers are largely live and local, even in a market the size of Pittsburgh, where they are local well into the overnight.

Premiere can't be happy with the two station situation, with Rome's first hour on a station you can't even hear west of I-77, but I don't believe Rome is in CBS' strategy (even if there's an out in the contract with GKB).

Why not Rome on the Buzzard?

WMMS is the Browns FM flagship and the backup station for the Indians and Cavs.

A sports guy (who throws in a little pop culture stuff) wouldn't really be out of place on MMS, and would fit in to the man cave format.

Is it "different" than Rover or Cox...yes. But that's what's good about it.

It would break up the montony a little.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

I don't know why, but I just don't see Rome-to-WMMS happening.

Demos, maybe? How does Romey do in the 18-34s? (I know that's somewhat of loaded question because Rome is on AM now.) Would he be a good bridge, demographically, between Rover and Alan Cox? Or does he skew too old, being an "AM" show?

I could be wrong about a lot of this. I also think if CC/WMMS was serious about this, Premiere would probably have had an out in the Rome/WKNR contract when they scooted Hour 1 over to Radio Siberia - and WMMS would have made the move by now.

Still a skeptic.

But I have also been a skeptic about 92.3 flipping to sports, until all the pieces started raining down upon me from unrelated sources.

There is a PD incoming for "The Fan" or whatever they'll call the thing. I know who it is, I know where he's coming from, but can't say for now. All I will say is that he's left his job as PD of a very successful sports station in another market.

 

[vjm]

I don't know why, but I just don't see Rome-to-WMMS happening.

Demos, maybe? How does Romey do in the 18-34s? (I know that's somewhat of loaded question because Rome is on AM now.) Would he be a good bridge, demographically, between Rover and Alan Cox? Or does he skew too old, being an "AM" show?

I could be wrong about a lot of this. I also think if CC/WMMS was serious about this, Premiere would probably have had an out in the Rome/WKNR contract when they scooted Hour 1 over to Radio Siberia - and WMMS would have made the move by now.

Still a skeptic.

But I have also been a skeptic about 92.3 flipping to sports, until all the pieces started raining down upon me from unrelated sources.

There is a PD incoming for "The Fan" or whatever they'll call the thing. I know who it is, I know where he's coming from, but can't say for now. All I will say is that he's left his job as PD of a very successful sports station in another market.

Premeire could very well be giving GKB a chance to recitfy this on their own, but if they're insistent on the status quo, then the $#!+ will hit the fan once the contract expires.

Rome wouldn't be out of place on the Buzzard when you really think about it.

 

[OhioMediaWatch]

Rumor has it that the new PD for the CBS sports station worked his last day in his current market on Friday.

And no one there knows he's headed here...

 

[Tim L]

Who knows what will ultimately happen..I will say, though, that this could be the biggest potential radio story in Cleveland/Northeast Ohio since the big 2001 radio swap.

 

[AntDog152]

If this does happen, I do think they will have it on 98.5 (the Fan) and move WNCX to 92.3. Its way early to guess the timetable for this, but I would think they want this thing running around January 2012, which would be the time when Browns season would either be over or their in the playoffs and Ohio State football talk. If CBS can gain Ohio State pbp beginning fall 2012 or 2013, they will be in great shape. I love the fact that The Fan is "All local, All Day," but if they have the opportunity to take Rome, for now I think they do it just to stick it to KNR.