Now what happens to ESPN radio for Nashville and MTSU sports

[dactn63]

Now that it looks like 106.7 has decided to change formats does this mean the end of ESPN radio in Nashville or will someone else pick it up and what is the fate of MTSU sports since The Fan was the flag ship for them!!!!

 

[ShadowB]

Several years ago when I was the PD of The Zone I was asked to make up a "schedule" of what the station would be IF we had ESPN. Was asked to keep AM and PM drives in place but drop Jim Rome and any other shows that we had. We would have to tape delay several ESPN shows and play them back at night or when we could. As we all know it didn't switch to WGFX then... but now? Would be a way to cut overhead...not saying it would be good but my guess is the station will not look or sound the same this time next year.
-Kent-

 

[jetfli]

When we first heard this change was coming, I talked with contacts at both NSR and the Zone. Neither station claims to want ESPN. In the past few years, affiliate requirements have apparently gotten tighter, plus there's a huge annual buy-in. They also allow fewer "offline" and both stations would have to radically change their programming in order to comply. It's speculated that a few months down the road, if no current station wants to change formats, then the four-letter network will come back and offer their programming for maybe just late nights and weekends so that they can be heard in the market.

 

[jharmon]

Well it obviously wasn't doing them very much good with a .06 share. Probably paying too much for the rights fee and could not sell it.

 

[DToTheJ]

Now that it looks like 106.7 has decided to change formats does this mean the end of ESPN radio in Nashville or will someone else pick it up and what is the fate of MTSU sports since The Fan was the flag ship for them!!!!

This article might shed some light on their situation:
http://www.goblueraiders.com/content.cfm/id/39989

It mentions that MTSU sports can still be heard on 100,000-watt WMOT, but regardless, they're still "in discussion with Cumulus Broadcasting and exploring all of our options in the Nashville market"

 

[DToTheJ]

Here's a more extensive article from Adam Sparks from The Tennessean:
http://www.tennessean.com/article/D...y+leaving+106.7-FM++but+may+stay+with+Cumulus

Apparently, the MTSU athletic director has no first name. LOL... Anyway, he says, "We have that out agreement where we have the option to cancel the contract... but Cumulus has a family of radio stations... Who knows? Maybe we could end up on one of those.”

Imagine MTSU sports on Supertalk 99.7...

By the way... when did 97.1 change their call letters to "WRGG"?

 

[jetfli]

I'd really like to see a local AM with one of the better signals "reclaimed" to be a Nashville outlet for ESPN. Mark off 560, 650, 1200, and 1510, then choose one the stronger ones from what's left, if you can get one with a decent nighttime range.

Best case scenario would be for the Zone to operate it, so they'll have a standing place to air games when there's a conflict with their schedule. Like with the two Citadel sports stations in B'ham.

 

[jetfli]

WNSR is now officially the new Nashville partner for MTSU sports.

 

[BRice16]

Several years ago when I was the PD of The Zone I was asked to make up a "schedule" of what the station would be IF we had ESPN. Was asked to keep AM and PM drives in place but drop Jim Rome and any other shows that we had. We would have to tape delay several ESPN shows and play them back at night or when we could. As we all know it didn't switch to WGFX then... but now? Would be a way to cut overhead...not saying it would be good but my guess is the station will not look or sound the same this time next year.
-Kent-

ESPN Radio poses a problem for stations like GFX because Mike & Mike is a must-carry for all new stations, and stations like GFX already have a strong morning show that bills well. They can't justify a change financially.

 

[Journeyman]

ESPN Radio poses a problem for stations like GFX because Mike & Mike is a must-carry for all new stations, and stations like GFX already have a strong morning show that bills well. They can't justify a change financially.

Popular, decently paid, well rated morning show vs. tons o' cash saved by decreasing expenses and upping dividends for shareholders by running a network. H-m-m-m-m.....

 

[jetfli]

Popular, decently paid, well rated morning show vs. tons o' cash saved by decreasing expenses and upping dividends for shareholders by running a network. H-m-m-m-m.....

The way you describe the state of the situation, the huge annual buy-in for ESPN could be all that's standing in between the two sides. However, even in today's economy, a corporation doesn't want to cut off a strong supply of income.

 

[Journeyman]

The way you describe the state of the situation, the huge annual buy-in for ESPN could be all that's standing in between the two sides. However, even in today's economy, a corporation doesn't want to cut off a strong supply of income.

Oh Jet, you are so old school on this one. ;D It's not about how much money you make -- it's about how much you DON'T SPEND! They call it EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) ESPN Buy-in, regardless of how much it is, if is less than a morning show will decrease expenses and increase EBITDA. Staff layoffs happen regardless of ratings. It's an EBITDA thang!

 

[5150]

Does anybody know the buyout for ESPN?? I was just wondering why another AM station in the Middle Tennessee area wouldn't want to pick them up.