Jim Rome is bringing his show to YouTube. Starting Monday, June 22, The Jim Rome Show will stream live on the platform as well as several other options.
What We Know: Rome announced the YouTube expansion Tuesday during his radio program. The show already reaches audiences across multiple platforms, including terrestrial radio via Westwood One and satellite radio through SiriusXM. Additionally, the program airs as a video simulcast on X, distributed through the Rome channel and eight additional platforms. YouTube represents the latest addition to that growing distribution footprint. Rome originally signed an exclusivity agreement with X in January of 2024 for the video stream of his program.
What They Said: (All quotes via Jim Rome Show)
Jim Rome on The Jim Rome Show adding video distribution to YouTube: “The goal has always been, since this change started, to put the program in as many places as possible. To be ubiquitous and as accessible to as many people as possible. Because we know that you all consume the product in very different ways. This is why we’re still on terrestrial radio with Westwood One. Also, this is why we’re still on satellite radio with SiriusXM. This is why the radio show is a video simulcast that is aired on X and the Rome channel that has an additional eight platforms.”
Jim Rome announcing the show streaming on Monday June 22 on YouTube: “This should come as no surprise, as we’ve been building out this channel. We are really pleased with how it’s grown. We’re really pleased with your reaction to it. So, come Monday, the show will air live on YouTube.”
Jim Rome on what will make the YouTube viewing experience unique: “You are going to love watching the show on YouTube. Number one, it’s going to be the best and easiest way to watch the show on the internet. Number two, there are things we can do over there that we cannot do in other places. For one, live chat. It’s going to give you a completely new way to interact and engage with the show and with other clones.”
What Remains Unclear: If Rome no longer has exclusivity to the video stream on his program, could other video platforms be in play. Rome also didn’t detail anything regarding the exclusivity agreement with X signed in 2024.
What It Means: Rome is clearly prioritizing accessibility. By stacking distribution across radio, FAST channels, satellite, X, and now YouTube, he’s casting a wider net for audience engagement. Notably, YouTube’s live chat feature gives fans a new interactive layer unavailable on other platforms. This shift is in line with how many sports radio programs are moving to a multiplatform model. If viewership rises via the YouTube platform, it would be interesting to see if Netflix might be an option down the road.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
