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MS NOW Moving Nnamdi Egwuonwu to Chicago as First Reporter

BNM Staff
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MS NOW Moving Nnamdi Egwuonwu to Chicago as First Reporter

MS NOW is putting an emphasis on Chicago and the Midwest, and is moving a reporter to the area.

The network has announced that Nnamdi Egwuonwu will be its first reporter based in the Windy City.

Egwuonwu will cover national news and politics from Chicago. Currently, he is based in Washington, D.C.

In a post on social media, Egwuonwu shared the news and his excitement.

“Small job shift: I’m relocating from DC to Chicago to cover national news and politics ahead of 2026/28,” he wrote. “Still doing my thing with MS NOW!”

Egwuonwu joined MS NOW in September of last year. Previously, he worked for NBC News. During his tenure there, he worked as an embedded reporter during the 2024 election cycle. He covered the campaigns of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC).

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Kyle Draper Departs Sacramento Kings Broadcast Team

BSM Staff
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Kyle Draper Departs Sacramento Kings Broadcast Team

Kyle Draper announced that his time as the lead play-by-play voice of the Sacramento Kings has come to an end, sharing that the team will not renew his contract following six seasons.

“Sunday was my last game as Sacramento Kings play-by-play announcer,” Draper wrote on social media. “After six seasons on the job, my contract is not being renewed.”

Draper served as the television voice during a pivotal stretch for the franchise. His tenure included Sacramento’s return to the playoffs in 2023, which ended a 16-year postseason drought and energized the market. He became a consistent presence as the team transitioned from rebuilding to contention in the Western Conference.

He added a message of appreciation directed toward the organization and its fan base. Draper noted the connection he built with the Sacramento community over the years calling Kings basketball.

“I want to thank all the Kings fans and the people of Sacramento for making me feel welcome,” Draper wrote. “Your passion and love for your team was felt every night I walked into Golden 1 Center. And I’ll always hold the love you showed me close to my heart”

Draper’s broadcasting work in Sacramento began in 2020 with NBC Sports California, where he handled hosting responsibilities for Kings coverage. He later moved into the lead play-by-play chair, further establishing his voice within the franchise’s media presentation.

Before relocating to California’s capital, Draper spent more than a decade with NBC Sports Boston. During that time, he held similar roles covering the Boston Celtics and built a reputation as a versatile on-air talent.

In addition to his television duties, Draper expanded his role in local sports radio joining SacTown Sports in October 2023 as an afternoon drive co-host. However, that run lasted just over a year, as he exited the station in December 2025.

As for Draper, he hinted that his next move is still to come.

“As far as what’s next? Stay tuned,” he wrote. “Whatever is next, I’m going to bring the same passion and love for the community I showed here in Sacramento.”

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Scott Van Pelt Understands Fan Frustration With Rory McIlroy Final Round Coverage

BSM Staff
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Scott Van Pelt Understands Fan Frustration With Rory McIlroy Final Round Coverage

ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt attempted to add nuance to the criticism surrounding CBS Sports after a shaky finish to its coverage of The Masters. During Sunday’s final round, CBS failed to track Rory McIlroy’s second shot on the 18th hole. Viewers were left without clarity on where the ball landed during a defining moment.

The network also struggled to present a clean angle of McIlroy’s winning putt, compounding frustration.

Speaking on his SVPod, Van Pelt acknowledged both the disappointment and the difficulty of the situation. He emphasized that capturing golf shots, especially in real time, remains one of the most challenging tasks in sports television.

“Shooting golf is an amazing skill,” Van Pelt said. “You’re following that ball through the air and the ball is coming from a place you can’t see. You’re trying to find it, and in that instance they didn’t. That’s an awfully difficult time to have that happen.”

Van Pelt went on to explain that golf presents a unique production environment. Unlike football or basketball, where the ball is easier to track, golf often requires cameras to anticipate shots from obstructed views and unpredictable angles.

“You’re not in a gym following a basketball,” he said. “Imagine a quarterback standing around a corner hidden from trees. Here comes the ball. I don’t know where it’s coming from. I’m not making excuses, I’m giving context.”

That context did not erase the moment. If anything, it highlighted how rare such mistakes feel on a stage like Augusta National. CBS has long been praised for its Masters presentation, which made the miscues stand out even more. Criticism came quickly from fans and media observers alike which questioned how a production of that scale could lose track of such a critical shot.

The expectation, fairly or not, is that every moment is captured cleanly. Van Pelt agreed that timing played a major role in the reaction. The errors occurred at the worst possible point, with McIlroy on the verge of a signature achievement.

“That was a really tough time to have that happen,” Van Pelt said. “So I understand the people’s frustration in that moment.”

Van Pelt often walks the line between fan and broadcaster, and this instance was no different. He acknowledged the audience’s expectations while also pulling back the curtain on the realities of live production. The situation serves as a reminder that even the most polished broadcasts are not immune to error. In golf, those challenges are magnified by terrain, visibility and timing.

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Walter Sterling Replaces Lionel as Host of ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ on 77 WABC

BNM Staff
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Walter Sterling Replaces Lionel as Host of ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ on 77 WABC

After less than a year, Lionel has departed The Other Side of Midnight on 77 WABC. He’s being replaced by Walter Sterling.

Lionel began hosting the daypart last June following the exit of Frank Morano. Morano departed to run for a seat on the New York City Council representing Staten Island, which he ultimately won. Morano hosted the show for nearly five years before leaving.

Lionel hosted the program as normal on Friday evening. However, Walter Sterling helmed the first two shows of the week. The show’s branding has reflected the change, as has the 77 WABC lineup on its website and podcast platforms.

Sterling is not a stranger to the show or the 77 WABC audience. In recent weeks, he has been hosting Another Side of Midnight, the weekend version of the show previously anchored by Lionel.

Red Apple Audio Networks distributes both overnight versions of the show as nationally syndicated offerings. The Other Side of Midnight airs weekdays live from 1-5 AM ET, while Another Side of Midnight airs live from 2-5 AM ET on weekends.

With the addition of The Other Side of Midnight to his duties, it appears as if Walter Sterling will still host Sterling Every Damn Night from 10 PM-1 AM on 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia.

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92.3 The Fan Debuts Adds “The Fan Wakeup” to Weekday Programming Beginning April 20

BSM Staff
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92.3 The Fan Debuts Adds “The Fan Wakeup” to Weekday Programming Beginning April 20

Audacy is expanding its morning lineup in Cleveland with an earlier start to local sports talk programming. Beginning Monday, April 20, 92.3 The Fan will add a new hour of weekday content at 5 a.m.

The station announced that Jeff Thomas will host a new show titled The Fan Warmup, designed to ease listeners into the day with a fast-paced recap of the latest local sports news.

Thomas shared that the program on 92.3 The Fan will take a different approach than a traditional talk format.

“It’s going to be a little different,” Thomas said. “It’s not going to be quite like a sports talk show. In fact, it’s going to be more like highlights and postgame recap. We’ll let listeners know what’s going on with clips from some of the other shows.”

The added hour positions the station to capture an audience that is already tuning in before its traditional morning programming begins. Morning host Anthony Lima said the decision came directly from audience behavior.

He noted that listeners have consistently engaged with the station’s digital platforms well ahead of the current start time.

“We’re excited because we’ve noticed it with a lot of our listeners,” Lima said. “They’re there on YouTube, they’re there on the stream. Sometimes a half hour early or 45 minutes early. We feel like at times we may not be getting the needs met for our listeners. Now, with this extra hour, I think we’re going to be able to do that.”

The Fan Warmup will act as a lead-in to the station’s established morning show, The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima. The format aims to provide quick-hitting updates while maintaining a strong connection to the voices and content already familiar to Cleveland sports fans.

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Sports Media Remembers Tennessee Titans Broadcaster Dave McGinnis

BSM Staff
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Sports Media Remembers Tennessee Titans Broadcaster Dave McGinnis

Dave McGinnis, a longtime NFL coach and voice on Tennessee Titans radio broadcasts, died Monday following an illness that led to a hospitalization in March. He was 74. The Tennessee Titans confirmed McGinnis’ passing, bringing an end to a football career that spanned decades on the field, sideline and airwaves.

McGinnis spent more than 30 years coaching in the NFL. His career included a four-season run as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2000-03. He first stepped into the role on an interim basis before earning the full-time position.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill praised McGinnis’ passion for the game and the impact he had on players and colleagues alike. He described McGinnis as someone who embodied the spirit of a true “ballcoach,” noting his energy, character and love for football.

McGinnis built a reputation as a defense minded coach. He held roles as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator across several organizations. His NFL stops included the Chicago Bears, Cardinals, Titans and the Los Angeles Rams. He worked under notable head coaches, including Mike Ditka and Jeff Fisher.

After his coaching career, McGinnis returned to Tennessee in 2017 and transitioned into broadcasting. He became a gameday color analyst for Titans Radio, a role he held through the 2025 season. His insight and personality made him a familiar voice to fans across the region.

Before reaching the NFL, McGinnis began his coaching journey at Texas Christian University in 1973. He later worked at Missouri, Indiana State and Kansas State. His transition to the professional level came in 1986 with the Bears, where he coached linebackers during a successful era for the franchise.

McGinnis nearly became Chicago’s head coach in 1999. However, he stepped away from the opportunity after learning of plans to announce his hiring before finalizing a contract. He remained with Arizona and later secured his only NFL head coaching role there.

Throughout his career, McGinnis coached and mentored numerous standout players. That list included Hall of Famers Mike Singletary, Aeneas Williams and Emmitt Smith. Those who worked with him often pointed to his authenticity and commitment to helping players grow both on and off the field. His influence extended well beyond game plans and broadcasts.

McGinnis leaves behind a legacy rooted in football, relationships and a lifelong dedication to the sport.

Following the news of McGinnis’ passing, sports media shared their remembrances via social media.

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Learfield Reportedly Close To Finalizing Sale To Private Equity Firm TPG

BSM Staff
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Learfield Reportedly Close To Finalizing Sale To Private Equity Firm TPG

Private equity firm TPG is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire a controlling stake in Learfield, positioning itself as a major player in the evolving college athletics business, according to a report from Sports Business Journal.

Sources familiar with the deal told SBJ the purchase price is expected to fall between $1.8 billion and $2 billion. The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard conditions. As part of the agreement, current co-owner Charlesbank Capital Partners will retain a minority stake, while Fortress Investment Group is expected to exit its position.

Learfield leadership is expected to remain intact. CEO and President Cole Gahagan will continue to lead the company, and no immediate operational changes are planned. Additionally, the company does not intend to divest key assets such as its licensing arm or ticketing platform.

Instead, the focus will center on growth. TPG plans to leverage its operational experience to expand Learfield’s reach across media, technology and NIL-driven opportunities.

Learfield has spent months exploring strategic options. Those discussions ranged from maintaining the status quo to bringing in new capital or selling a controlling interest. Ultimately, strong financial performance combined with increased investor demand pushed the company toward a sale.

Learfield currently partners with hundreds of Division I programs, including major brands like Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State and Texas. Its business spans multiple verticals, including multimedia rights, licensing, ticketing, digital platforms and marketing services.

In recent years, Learfield has diversified beyond its traditional rights model. The company has invested heavily in digital media, NIL services and content creation. The timing also reflects broader changes across college sports. Private equity interest in the space has surged as conferences and schools seek new revenue streams.

For TPG, the acquisition offers immediate scale. Rather than building relationships school by school, the firm gains access to Learfield’s expansive network and established infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the multimedia rights landscape continues to evolve. Companies like Learfield, Playfly Sports and JMI Sports remain key players. However, more schools are exploring in-house models, creating long-term uncertainty around traditional structures.

Even so, Learfield has adapted. The company has shifted toward revenue-sharing agreements and expanded its role in NIL strategy and sponsorship activation. With new backing from TPG, Learfield appears positioned to deepen its influence. The partnership signals continued momentum for outside investment in college athletics, as the industry searches for sustainable growth in a rapidly changing environment.

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Is Nexstar Media Group About to ESPN-ify Its Local Stations with NewsNation Branding?

Garrett Searight
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Is Nexstar Media Group About to ESPN-ify Its Local Stations with NewsNation Branding?

There’s a question quietly gaining traction across the media landscape, and it centers on whether Nexstar Media Group is ready to take a page from a proven playbook.

Specifically, is the company preparing to extend the NewsNation brand to the local level in the same way ESPN successfully did with ESPN Radio?

It’s not a wild theory. In fact, it might be one of the most logical moves Nexstar could make.

For years, ESPN has demonstrated the power of brand licensing across local markets. You can drive through some of the smallest towns in America and still find an “ESPN Radio” affiliate. In many cases, those stations adopt localized branding — “ESPN [City Name]” — and instantly gain credibility. That strategy didn’t just expand reach. It created consistency, familiarity, and trust across vastly different markets for both the local stations and for ESPN.

And it worked. No one can argue that.

ESPN didn’t need to own every station outright. Instead, it built a network of affiliates that carried its identity, its tone, and its programming philosophy. As a result, the brand became ubiquitous. Listeners knew what they were getting, whether they were in New York City or a place most people couldn’t find on a map.

Now, shift that lens to NewsNation.

Nexstar already has the infrastructure in place. The company owns or operates more than 200 television stations across the country. It owns stations in 116 markets. That’s an enormous footprint. Yet, for all that reach, NewsNation still feels like a national brand trying to break through in a crowded cable news space.

So, what’s the missing piece? Local integration.

It feels like a natural marriage between NewsNation and Nexstar’s local stations. On one hand, NewsNation could benefit from the promotional lift that comes with localized branding. On the other, Nexstar’s stations could gain a stronger national identity by aligning with a growing cable news brand.

That kind of relationship isn’t just beneficial, it’s symbiotic.

Imagine turning on your local station and seeing “NewsNation [City Name]” as part of the identity. Immediately, there’s a connection between local reporting and national storytelling. Viewers aren’t just consuming isolated content. Instead, they’re participating in a broader network that feels cohesive.

That’s where the real value lies.

Branding matters more than ever in today’s fragmented media environment. Audiences are overwhelmed with choices, and recognition often drives decision-making. If Nexstar leans into the NewsNation name at the local level, it could create a unified presence that stands out.

Moreover, the company has the ability to put serious weight behind the effort. This isn’t a startup trying to build from scratch. Nexstar already has the resources, the reach, and the relationships needed to execute at scale.

That’s why the comparison to ESPN is so compelling.

ESPN Radio didn’t become a national force overnight. It grew by embedding itself into local markets, one affiliate at a time. Over time, that strategy paid off in both brand equity and audience loyalty. And the brand helped elevate local markets and the national brand, simultaneously.

NewsNation could follow a similar path.

Of course, there are differences. Sports content tends to translate more easily across markets than news. Local news is inherently tied to community-specific issues. However, that doesn’t mean a unified brand can’t work. In fact, it might enhance the overall product by providing a consistent framework while still allowing for local customization.

There’s also a promotional advantage that can’t be ignored. Local stations branded under the NewsNation umbrella could serve as constant marketing vehicles for the national network. At the same time, the cable channel could spotlight local reporting, creating a two-way street of exposure.

That kind of synergy is hard to replicate.

So, is Nexstar actually heading in this direction? There hasn’t been a sweeping announcement — yet. Still, the signs are there. Nexstar Media Group is ending agreements with wire services from the likes of ABC, CBS, and NBC, reportedly, with the idea of utilizing segments from NewsNation as a replacement. The company has already shown a willingness to invest heavily in NewsNation. Expanding that brand into local markets feels like the next logical step.

And if history is any indication, it’s a step worth taking.

Don’t be surprised if you start seeing more NewsNation branding pop up on local stations in the near future. The groundwork is already in place. The strategy has a proven track record. Most importantly, the upside is too significant to ignore.

Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t reinventing the wheel. It’s recognizing what works — and adapting it to your own playbook.

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Peter Schrager Reflects on One Year at ESPN With a Super Bowl on the Horizon

John Mamola
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Peter Schrager Reflects on One Year at ESPN With a Super Bowl on the Horizon

The direction of a career in sports media is never a straight line. Experience comes through the ups and downs of every opportunity. For ESPN’s Peter Schrager, life looked very different just a year ago. He departed his roles with FOX Sports and the NFL Network, where he helped launch Good Morning Football in 2016. His destination was ESPN, the network he grew up watching and came to love.

“It’s been an unbelievable experience so far,” said Shrager. “I, like so many of us, grew up watching ESPN. That’s the gold standard. When I made the move, it was a bit of a leap. But I would be lying if I told you it wasn’t a 100 out of 100 experience and I’ve absolutely loved it.”

The decision allowed Schrager to trade the trendy shirt look on Good Morning Football for the suit-and-tie experience at ESPN. Since joining the network, he has made an impact across several daily programs. He appears regularly on shows ranging from Get Up to The Pat McAfee Show and everything in between.

For Schrager, leaving the place where he established his voice at NFL Network did not come easily. He said the decision reached an inflection point when the network abruptly moved Good Morning Football from New York City to Los Angeles. That shift prompted him to consider the network’s long-term stability.

“I had a year left on my contract [when Good Morning Football moved to LA], and I had been doing the same thing at NFL Network. It looked like I would continue doing the same thing at NFL Network for the next twenty years. That was kind of a shock to the system,” explained Schrager. “I was reading the writing on the wall seeing the resources cut from the NFL Network at every different angle.”

During the final year of his agreement, Schrager remained a model employee, continuing to deliver the same quality content. At the same time, he began exploring other opportunities.

NFL Network Under ESPN Umbrella

He ultimately chose ESPN, the network that now oversees the production and distribution of NFL Network content. Schrager noted that, in his final years at NFL Network, many felt a sense of uncertainty surrounding a potential sale.

Now, with ESPN taking control as part of a partnership with the NFL, he believes a renewed sense of excitement has emerged about what lies ahead.

“It’s a great life raft for the NFL Network,” says Schrager. “My dear friend Daniel Jeremiah has said that ESPN is adopting the NFL Network. That’s a good way to look at it. I don’t know where it goes from here, but it’s an amazing opportunity for everybody on the NFL Network. Quite frankly, I don’t think the resources were going to be put to it [NFL Network] over the next several years. Now with ESPN, there’s actual support.”

With any new acquisition comes speculation, especially given Schrager’s ties to both NFL Network and ESPN. While he said he has not had formal conversations about a possible reunion with his former Good Morning Football teammates, he still holds them in high regard.

“There’s nothing but fond feelings for everyone on screen and behind the scenes. I’m a regular on Get Up now, that’s my show. Until I’m told otherwise, I’ll be on Get Up,” said Schrager. “But I still pop in Good Morning Football once in a while. I look at it like it’s my baby, and I left the nest. I have fond feelings for that show, but there haven’t been any conversations on any sort of reunion.”

There is also speculation about adding NFL Network insiders under the ESPN umbrella. Schrager is already part of a team led by Adam Schefter, Dan Graziano, and others.

With the potential additions of Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero, Schrager believes the depth and balance of coverage will only improve and benefit everyone involved.

“This will work out and will be great. It’s going to be awesome for every party involved,” said Schrager. “I have been able to cross that bridge and do it seamlessly. I have no doubt that this will all work out for the best. If anything, it will enhance and embolden the ESPN NFL coverage to a way where you don’t have to go anywhere else.”

Magic With McAfee

Even before officially joining ESPN, Schrager had been a regular guest on The Pat McAfee Show. He said those appearances have expanded his brand to a broader audience that may not have been familiar with his previous work.

“I am blown away by McAfee’s energy, but also his inclusiveness. He makes everyone on that show like they’re part of one big party,” said Schrager. “The amount of people who stop me everywhere tell me they love me on McAfee’s show. It dwarfs anything that I ever got on Good Morning Football or my days working with FOX. His reach is amazing, giving off the feeling they’re a part of the show.”

Last month, Schrager participated in an expanded version of McAfee’s program during the start of NFL free agency. The goal was to capture the breaking news and excitement of a new league year while embracing McAfee’s unique style.

As part of the collaboration, Schrager, along with Dan Orlovsky and Adam Schefter, joined the show on-site in Indianapolis for a two-day broadcast. The reaction earned rave reviews for its fresh approach to one of the NFL calendar’s most chaotic news cycles.

“We have done television the same way for so many years. McAfee flipped free agency on its head, and said let’s have some fun with it,” said Schrager. “The genius of Pat McAfee is taking something that feels very serious, urgent, and newsworthy and making it fun. It was a blast.”

Finding Home at ESPN

That energy and approach drew Schrager to ESPN a year ago, even though he initially had concerns about how he would fit in.

“I was worried it was, ‘Hey, this is going to be your role because it’s what Adam Schefter does.’ It’s been the opposite. Instead of trying to force me into roles because of others, it’s been, ‘Hey, you’re Peter Schrager. Let’s build around your skillset and get the most out of you,’” explained Schrager. “ESPN has accepted me and my voice… It doesn’t have to be how do I adjust to these shows. It’s been these shows are going to adjust to what you want to do also. That’s been the greatest thing to flex different muscles.”

Schrager credits his first-year success to the support of ESPN’s top talent and producers. He pointed to Mike Greenberg, Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee, Laura Rutledge, and Scott Van Pelt as key figures who made his transition seamless.

“Each one of those individuals took me in and boosted me up right away. They supported me and made me feel comfortable to by myself on air,” said Schrager. “My greatest fear was I was going to lose my editorial voice or lose any opportunity. For those hosts, each one of them have wrapped their arms around me and made me better. There is a selflessness about that that I truly admire.”

With the NFL Draft just weeks away and another season approaching, Schrager is eager to see how ESPN embraces its first Super Bowl broadcast. During his career, he contributed to Super Bowl coverage while working for FOX Sports.

When he chose to join ESPN, he knew a Super Bowl broadcast would soon be part of his future.

“I took a lot of pride in the work that I had on Super Bowl broadcasts, and FOX Sports did it like no other,” said Schrager. “One of the reasons jumping to ESPN became a lot easier is that I knew they had a Super Bowl coming. Any way they want to use me, I’ll do it… I mean this. As much or as little as they want to use me, I’ll jump right in one hundred percent. I’ll be so excited to be a part of that coverage whatever it is.”

Ultimately, Schrager’s journey serves as a reminder that growth in this business rarely comes from staying comfortable. It comes from recognizing when the landscape shifts, trusting your instincts, and betting on yourself when the path forward is not fully defined.

A year removed from that leap, Schrager has not only found a new platform, but also an environment willing to evolve with him.

“I just want to be the guy you want to sit next to on a plane and talk sports with,” says Schrager. “My goal is you see my face on ESPN and you say, ‘Oh s**t. Schrager’s on today, what’s he got. This is going to be fun.’”

As ESPN continues to evolve its NFL coverage, his story underscores a larger truth for anyone in sports media: the biggest opportunities often arrive the moment you are willing to leave something good in pursuit of something greater.

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Sports Radio’s Million Dollar Idea Lies in the Hometown Call

John Mamola
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Sports Radio’s Million Dollar Idea Lies in the Hometown Call

I love the feel of the hometown sports play by play call. It doesn’t matter the sport. When the biggest moments happen with the teams you love, the sound of a hometown call is a symphony unlike any other. However, when the playoffs arrive, opportunities on television for that hometown call cease to exist. ESPN’s Mike Breen, who also calls New York Knicks telecasts on MSG Network, has been the most vocal critic, despite serving as the national voice of the NBA Finals.

“I just think the fans deserve to be thrown a bone once in a while,” said Breen on a recent telecast of Knicks basketball.

That got me thinking: where can fans get a hometown call of all the postseason action, no matter the sport? It wasn’t hard to find an answer, as your local sports radio station always provides it. Maybe it’s just me, but this issue already has a solution—and a million-dollar idea behind it.

Needless to say, technology continues to evolve in an effort to make the user experience as personalized as possible. That’s why so many companies now lean on AI to deliver what you want to see and how you want to see it, based on your preferences.

This trend is also impacting sports radio stations that broadcast play-by-play. Earlier this year, the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Mets became the latest teams to introduce real-time, in-venue radio broadcasts for fans who want to hear the hometown call while sitting in the stands.

The broadcasts were delivered to those in attendance through the MLB Ballpark app at no cost to fans.

For the Rays, the move to real-time broadcasts stemmed from my former station relocating to a new facility. In our previous building—where the station operated for many years before I arrived—we had full control over the delay mechanism for the broadcast. That control allowed fans attending games with AM/FM radios and headphones to hear a high-quality broadcast in real time.

Once we moved, several things changed, including our ability to fully manipulate delays across all broadcasts. As a result, fans in attendance could no longer listen in real time the way they once had.

Needless to say, I received plenty of emails from frustrated Rays fans about the issue. Unfortunately, the move created a problem. A problem that the Rays, along with several other clubs, have worked since to solve with companies like ProWire and SportsBug.

Now, leagues themselves are creating a different challenge through new television deals. Local calls will no longer air on television for the NBA, which is why Breen has been so outspoken.

This is where sports radio stations need to take action.

First and foremost, if a station has the local call, it needs to market it. Promos, live liners, and social media mentions should only be the beginning. Every sports radio outlet should also use its sister stations to drive listeners to the local call for every game of every series. This kind of cross-promotion is a simple way to involve multiple brands in the excitement of postseason sports.

The second step involves working closely with partners and the team itself. The postseason is when an entire city rallies behind its team. Every partner brings its own audience. If the organization values its hometown call, it will eagerly promote where and how to listen. If these efforts haven’t started yet, there’s no time to waste.

The third step is where sports radio and technology must meet. For generations, stations have told listeners to turn the TV down and the radio up. Having access to the hometown call at all times remains a massive advantage that television partners can’t replicate.

That’s why sports radio brands must now find every possible way to create a seamless at-home experience—watching the game on TV while listening to the radio call.

If franchises can solve this issue inside their own venues, there’s clearly an appetite to replicate that experience at home. Over the last decade, leagues have become more flexible with geofencing for streamed play-by-play. At the same time, access to audio has expanded through apps, gaming systems, and smart speakers.

Yes, sports fans deserve a bone thrown their way from time to time. Especially now, as watching games becomes more complicated and expensive. If teams are paying these broadcasters throughout the postseason, they should also market them through local sports radio partnerships, finding more ways to connect fans to championship moments.

Mike Breen is right, and sports radio must rally for the response. If technology allows franchises to figure out a solution to a problem, why can’t sports radio do the same?

In the end, the one thing that shouldn’t be out of reach is the voice fans trust most. The hometown call isn’t just an alternative—it’s an emotional connection, a familiar soundtrack to moments that matter. And while television continues to evolve and nationalize the biggest stages, stripping away that hometown feel, sports radio has an opportunity to double down on what makes it essential.

Because this isn’t about choosing radio over TV. It’s about giving fans the option to experience the biggest moments their way—radio doing exactly what networks are already trying to do.

If the technology exists—and it does—and the partnerships are in place, then the demand is undeniable. The next step is simple: meet the audience where they are and deliver the call they care about most.

After all, when the biggest moments happen, fans shouldn’t have to search for the sound of home—it should be right there waiting for them.

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