Another week, another batch of news from the sports media universe. Here are a few nuggets you may have missed. If you have a future tip, story or press release to share, please send it via email to JBarrett@hvy.tcp.mybluehost.me.
After spending the past fourteen years in Chicago, Chris Rongey is ready for a new opportunity. The talented on-air host and anchor at 670 The Score says details regarding his future will be available soon. Rongey recently hosted shows for 101 ESPN in St. Louis. No word yet where he’s headed but stay tuned for further details.
Here are two great stories worth sharing from the folks at 610 Sports.
- During the Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game, morning show members Bob Fescoe, Josh Klingler, and Steven Spector hung out at the home of former Chiefs and Colts offensive lineman Ryan Lilja, and invited the audience to watch and interact via Facebook Live. The result was 26,000 views and over 2 million people reached. A smart way to connect with fans during big events.
- After Kansas City sports fans learned on Sunday of the passing of Royals pitcher Yordano “Ace” Ventura, every full time member of 610’s staff headed to the studio and/or Kauffman Stadium to be a voice of comfort for the local community. The station took calls, spoke with members of the organization, captured photos and videos of the way fans were showing their respects for the fallen star, and grieved with every fan in the market. A tip of the cap to the entire staff for stepping up to the plate during a difficult time.
More news to share from Kansas City, but this time it involves 810 WHB. On-Air host TJ Carpenter is no longer with the radio station. Carpenter had been with WHB for the past 4 years and was hosting the station’s evening program. Details of his departure remain unclear. To contact him for future on-air opportunities click here.
Sports Radio 94WIP in Philadelphia is adding “The Hot Stove Show” to its February schedule. Phillies Announcers Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen will host the program every Wednesday evening throughout the month from 6p-7p. No word yet if the program will continue into March.
The Washington Capitals are returning their broadcasts to the FM dial in the nation’s capital. After 106.7 The Fan chose not to renew their radio agreement prior to this season, the Caps crafted a unique programming arrangement, which included airing games on WFED 1500 AM, unless conflicts came up. If they did, the team’s games shifted exclusively to online streams. The team says it knew the situation wasn’t ideal and have since resolved their radio dilemma by striking a deal to broadcast games on iHeartradio’s 104.7FM.
Also in D.C., add another name to the list of employees let go recently by ESPN 980. Tim Shovers, who worked as an update anchor, reporter, and producer has also been let go due to budget cuts. To reach him for future opportunities click here. 980 has also moved Scott Linn into afternoons with Steve Czaban, filling Andy Pollin‘s vacant spot.
Nascar writer Jeff Gluck has announced his departure from the USA Today. Gluck says family reasons are the driving force behind the change. He hopes to start a reader-funded Nascar website in the near future.
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.
