WDAE (95.3 & 96.7 FM/620 AM) and the University of South Florida have announced a new partnership which will bring USF football radio broadcasts to the Tampa sports station starting this fall. The agreement also includes the station expanding USF’s popular “Bulls Unlimited” digital radio programming by offering to two channels on iHeart Radio.
“We are very excited to be partnering with one of the most widely listened to sports stations in the state to bring USF football games to our fans and expand our groundbreaking digital platform,” Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly said. “WDAE is synonymous with sports in the Bay area and we look forward to a tremendous partnership that will continue to expand the USF brand and help connect more fans with the excitement of our Bulls sports teams.”
The three-year deal will kickoff this fall with USF football games airing live on three stations that simulcast the WDAE signal – 95.3 FM, 96.7 FM and 620 AM. All Bulls football games will be heard on WDAE’s stations except when conflicts arise with Tampa Bay Rays baseball games. When Rays conflicts arise, USF football will shift to WHNZ 1250 AM and the “Bulls Unlimited” iHeart Radio channel.
“We are thrilled to welcome USF to the iHeartMedia family,” Market President Chris Soechtig said. “Having a partnership with Tampa Bay’s home team on 95.3 WDAE further solidifies our commitment to deliver exceptional local sports coverage to our listeners. We are counting down the days to kick off!”
USF’s expanded digital radio presence is expected to provide greater flexibility for airing game broadcasts and other content surrounding the school’s 19 sports teams. The “Bulls Unlimited” digital channel on iHeart Radio, will continue airing all football games and become the primary home for USF men’s and women’s basketball and baseball broadcasts.
Additionally, WDAE will carry some postseason contests involving USF basketball and baseball. The station will also air the USF Football Radio Show on a weekly basis throughout the season as well as the last hour of the pregame show and a 30-minute postgame show during football game broadcasts. The first hour of the Bulls’ traditional two-hour football pregame show will air exclusively on “Bulls Unlimited.”
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.
