The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced changes to their television and radio broadcasts after longtime play-by-play announcer, Fred McLeod passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago.
Taking over for McLeod as the Cavs TV announcer, will be their radio voice of the past eight seasons, John Michael. Michael leaves the radio booth to join Cavs telecasts on FOX Sports Ohio, where he previously worked as the Columbus Blue Jackets pre and postgame host, having also served as their rink-side reporter. Michael will partner with TV analyst and former on-court fan favorite, “Mr. Cavalier,” Austin Carr on the call.
“It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I begin this season of Cavaliers basketball,” said John Michael. “I am honored and humbled that the Cavs organization and FOX Sports Ohio have looked to me to carry on for a special part of our family who left us way too soon. Every ounce of preparation, hard work and creativity that is poured into each television broadcast this season will be dedicated to the very high standard that Fred McLeod set. I am looking forward to joining my friend Austin Carr and helping deliver a great and entertaining season of Cavs basketball broadcasts.”
The late Fred McLeod joined the Cavaliers telecasts as their play-by-play voice in 2006, following a 22-year tenure as an announcer for the Detroit Pistons. The sportscaster died suddenly on September 9th at the age of 67.
“The loss of Fred McLeod is something that has hurt all of us greatly. Certainly, we will always carry great thoughts and memories of Fred with us forever,” said Tad Carper, Cavaliers Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. “We are fortunate, though, to have John Michael as part of our broadcast family. John is a very talented, dedicated, hard-working and insightful broadcaster who has a great spectrum of experience and perspective to now bring to our TV broadcasts. We’re pleased to have him join Austin Carr at the table and Angel Gray on sideline as we head into our 50th season and the many special elements and history that will be a part of our season-long presentation of Cavs basketball.”
With John Michael moving to the television broadcast table, the Cavaliers have hired Tim Alcorn as their new radio play-by-play voice.
“I am incredibly honored to have been selected by the Cavaliers as the next radio play-by-play announcer for the organization,” said Alcorn. “The position is truly a ‘dream job.’ It’s both exciting and humbling to be chosen. I’m also aware the opportunity would not have occurred if not for the untimely passing of Fred McLeod and I will strive to uphold the high standards that Fred, John Michael, Joe Tait and others established as Cavs announcers. I’m eager to get started as the Cavs embark on their 50th season.”
Alcorn is a longtime Northeast Ohio media personality, beginning his radio career in 1985 at WOBL. For the past 27 years, the new Cavs radio voice worked at news/talk AM 930 WEOL in Elyria, Ohio as their sports director and station manager.
Returning to the Cavs radio booth will be analyst Jim Chones who begins his 10th season on the broadcast. All games are carried by the Cavaliers Radio Network which originates from their flagship stations WTAM 1100 and FM 100.7 WMMS.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
