The Cincinnati Bengals are deepening their local broadcast bench. Two familiar Cincinnati media voices are joining the fold this season.
What We Know: The Bengals and FOX19 NOW signed a multi-year partnership extension. FOX19 Sports Director Joe Danneman and iHeartMedia host Tony Pike join the broadcast lineup. Danneman becomes a Preseason TV Network sideline reporter and co-hosts the Pep Rally radio show. Pike adds a second radio analyst role and co-hosts the Bengals Line show, joining returning voices Hoard, Lapham, Watts and Muñoz. Pike, a former quarterback, co-hosts of the Tony and Mo Football Show and Cincy 360 on ESPN 1530.
What’s At Stake: The Bengals are increasing assets by expanding on their long standing media partners. By doing so, it’s an effort to increase visibility for all parties involved and gain more of a listening and viewing audience.
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t say whether any current broadcasters are shifting away to make room. Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Danneman and Pike’s roles extend past preseason and radio duties.
What It Means: The moves strengthen the Bengals’ ties to two major Cincinnati media outlets. Consequently, fans gain more familiar local faces across preseason and radio coverage. Additionally, the expansion signals continued investment in local content ahead of kickoff. Coverage begins tonight at 7 p.m. against the Lions for the NFL preseason.
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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.