The Cleveland Cavaliers have named iHeartMedia Cleveland the team’s official, exclusive radio home. For the first time, every game will air exclusively on 19 iHeartMedia stations across Ohio and nearby markets.
What We Know: Newsradio WTAM 1100 AM/106.9 FM and 100.7 WMMS will remain the team’s flagship stations. That extends a long run, since 1100 AM has served as the Cavs’ flagship every season since 1990-91. Meanwhile, the Rock Entertainment Sports Network will carry all 82 regular-season games, preseason games and every playoff game. The network reaches markets including Akron, Canton, Ashland, Chillicothe, Columbus, Dayton, Defiance, Erie, PA., Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Parkersburg, W.Va., Toledo and Youngstown.
What They Said: Chris Kaiser, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers: “We’re delivering the most accessible broadcast we’ve had in years. An enhanced product matches that accessibility, and we are grateful for our partners, iHeartMedia, for helping make this possible.”
Keith Kennedy, Area Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia: “The Cavaliers have one of the most passionate fan bases in sports, and we’re excited to bring every game to fans across Ohio. From Cleveland to communities across the state, iHeart will be there all season long to deliver the action and keep fans connected to the Cavs.”
What Remains Unclear: However, the release does not disclose the length or financial terms of the agreement. It also leaves out a full-time game analyst, a seat Jim Chones held in past seasons. Additionally, it is not clear which games Serena Winters will work alongside Tim Alcorn.
What It Means: Ultimately, the deal gives the Cavs a single statewide network under one broadcast partner. It also keeps the team on 1100 AM, the frequency that first carried Cavs games in 1972. Likewise, the on-air team stays intact, with Alcorn in his eighth season and Mike Snyder in his 35th. For iHeartMedia, the Cavs anchor a Cleveland sports lineup that also includes the Monsters and Charge.
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