Welcome once again to our weekly look inside the sports media world. This column exists to keep you up to date on some of the recent moves and developments taking place in the industry that you might not have been aware of. If you or your organization have exciting news to share and wish to be included in a future article, you can email it to JBarrett@hvy.tcp.mybluehost.me. Now on to this week’s tidbits.
- Last week was the 25 year anniversary for one of America’s leading sports radio stations WEEI in Boston. Congrats to all involved who have helped make it one of the best in the format for over two decades. Former Program Director Jason Wolfe wrote an excellent piece reflecting on the evolution of the brand. You can read it by clicking here.
- Speaking of anniversaries, congratulations to Arizona Sports 98.7FM host John Gambadoro who recently celebrated twenty years on the air in Phoenix. “Gambo” as he’s known by his audience currently works the afternoon show alongside Dave Burns.
- Longtime producer and on-air sidekick Marc “Nigel” Sterne has reconnected with popular Washington DC and PTI personality Tony Kornheiser to contribute to his new podcasting venture which is being distributed by DGital Media and IMG. Sterne began his new role last Tuesday. He previously worked with Kornheiser at ESPN 980.
- A round of applause is in order for Brian “The Beast” London who was named the new Programming Coordinator for 790 The Ticket in Miami. Program Director Len Weiner told his staff last week that London was promoted as a result of demonstrating strong work ethic and stepping up to tackle additional responsibilities inside the programming department, including working with sales and promotions, and technical and logistics, all while maintaining his on-air role in middays.
- In Albany, Tom Goslowski has also earned a job promotion. “Goz” has been named Jeff Levack’s new co-host on 104.5 The Team. He takes over for Bob “Wolf” Wohlfeld who was let go by the radio station a few weeks ago. The new show is being billed “Levack and Goz”.
- Former ESPN and FOX Sports sideline reporter, and Gridiron Now contributor Kayce Smith is adding a new show on SB Nation Radio. The program debuts on September 19th at 3pm. Smith says that she enjoyed her time on the sidelines, but was more interested in sharing her opinions and being part of today’s debate culture.
- Sports Radio 950 KJR midday host Ian Furness has agreed to serve as the TV play by play voice of the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Western Hockey League franchise will have eight of their games broadcast in the Seattle area on This TV, channel 13.2 and on Comcast Cable channel 357. Furness will call six of the eight contests.
- Former NFL Offensive Lineman, and current FOX Sports Radio weekend host and Oakland Raiders radio sideline reporter Lincoln Kennedy has confirmed that he’ll be hosting a weekly show with Grant Napear on 1140 KHTK in Sacramento. “The Nation” will air Wednesday’s from 6p-7p PT and focus on all things silver and black.
- Buffalo News Columnist Tim Graham has added a Wednesday night show on 1270 The Fan. The program airs 5p-7p ET and is in place for the 2016 NFL season. No word on whether it will be continued after that.
- Nick Kostos announced via social media that he’s re-signed with CBS Sports. The former satellite radio host on Mad Dog Sports Radio and Bleacher Report radio joined CBS Sports in October 2015 and says he’s humbled and blessed to continue living out his dreams by working for the company.
- A familiar face has returned to the St. Louis sports radio scene. Dave Greene, who previously worked on-air and later as GM and owner of Grand Slam Sports (creator of St. Louis Sports Magazine) has signed on as the VP of Sales at Tim McKernan’s new 590 The Fan KFNS. Greene spent the past two years working as a GM for Cumulus Media in Huntsville, Alabama, and Townsquare Media in Quincy, IL.
- Matt Bagley has been hired as Sports Director at KTMT in Medford, Oregon. As part of his new role, Bagley will deliver news and sports updates and broadcast high school play by play.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
