A business trip to Nashville last week uncovered some industry news which gives radio operators another content consideration for improving their programming. It’s a move which Jonathan Hutton, Paul Kuharsky and Chad Withrow of OutKick 360 were very excited about, and it becomes official this morning
OutKick has tapped Skyview Networks to help them expand their radio presence, build market share, and maximize network advertising revenue opportunities for OutKick’s Sports talk network. The deal calls for OutKick to provide sports and pop culture commentary, headlines, interviews and entertainment, adding to Skyview Networks’ leading play-by-play sports and sports talk portfolio.
“We’re thrilled to work with Skyview to expand OutKick’s brand and reach,” said Clay Travis, founder of OutKick. “Beginning with the OutKick 360 show, we’re working with the best talent to bring authenticity, perspective and fun back to sports radio. Radio is at the core of OutKick, and we could not ask for better partners than Skyview to grow our network.”
Skyview Networks COO and President Steve Jones added, “We’re excited to be working with the OutKick team in launching a new sports network that provides radio stations dynamic and entertaining programming that will drive ratings and revenue. OutKick’s engaging and knowledgeable hosts with their fan-first sports perspective matched with sports wagering analysis to capture gaming revenue sponsorships fit perfectly with Skyview’s #1 local play-by-play sports position in network radio.”
The OutKick radio network launches with OutKick 360 featuring Jonathan Hutton, Chad Withrow and Paul Kuharsky. The trio spent years on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville delivering one of the highest-rated sports radio shows in the USA. OutKick 360 currently airs M-F 3p-6p ET and will be the first show offered by Skyview to potential radio affiliates. Stations looking to add the show to their airwaves can email affiliation@skyviewsat.com or visit www.skyviewnetworks.com/outkick for more information.
Additionally, OutKick recently hired Dan Dakich to host a new program for their network. The show is expected to debut today and air M-F 9a-11a ET. Dakich’s local show in Indianapolis has been one of the industry’s most recognized programs. Though Dan is just getting started on the network, this new deal with Skyview creates possibilities to expand the show’s reach in the future.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
