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NBC Sports Radio Officially Goes 24/7 Today

After releasing parts of its schedule in drips and drabs since last September, NBC Sports Radio finally goes 24/7. Anchored by Erik Kuselias in the morning, NBC Sports Radio has a full schedule including former ESPN Radio stalwarts Brian Kenny and Jon Stashower, as well as Donovan McNabb and Mark Malone.

The weekend hosts include Rodney Harrison, Anita Marks, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix and former NFL AM co-anchor Brian Webber.

Here’s how the NBC Sports Radio lineup shapes up both Monday through Friday and on weekends.

NBC SPORTS RADIO LAUNCHES LIVE 24/7 TODAY

– Network Debuts a Revamped Website–
– Introduces the NBC Sports Radio Mobile App –

NEW YORK, NY– April 1, 2013 – NBC Sports Radio goes live today with full, 24/7 sports-talk programming to entertain, inform and engage sports fans nationwide. In addition to a starting lineup of 257 affiliated stations, the network introduces a newly designed, revamped website at NBCSportsRadio.com and a customized NBC Sports Radio mobile app for Android and Apple devices.

NBCSportsRadio.com features a fresh, modern look with a number of new features — such as programming schedules, talent bios and photos, and a terrestrial radio station finder — plus added capabilities, including live streaming, station streaming and social media streaming.

The NBC Sports Radio mobile app, created by Abacast, showcases a branded home page with rotating sponsorship panels and an integration system that syncs audio ads and rotating display ads–a feature that will help advertisers extend their brands. Among its many features, the mobile app also delivers programming content, Facebook and Twitter promotion, and a station information page linking to phone request lines.

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, NBC Sports Radio, said “Game on! We are pumped and ready to take the field. When you combine our unmatched talent with our stations, our digital assets and our social media presence, it all adds up to an amazing listening and interactive experience for sports fans everywhere.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, SVP, NBC Sports Ventures, says “We couldn’t be more excited to be launching our 24/7 format today. In just a short time, NBC Sports Radio has become a relevant player in the market, and we’re looking forward to continuing our growth. Today we also launch new ways for listeners to hear our content, from our new online webpage to our mobile app. Audio content is now consumed in more ways than ever, and we’re pleased to provide multiple touch points for listeners.”

The complete lineup of NBC Sports Radio programming is as follows:

WEEKDAYS

The Erik Kuselias Show, 6-9am ET
The Brian Kenny Show, 9am-12noon ET
Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs, 12noon-3pm ET

• Monday, TBD
• Tuesday, Chipper Jones
• Wednesday, Chris Mannix
• Thursday, Bobby Valentine
• Friday, Stan Van Gundy

Under Center with McNabb & Malone, 3-7pm ET
The Jon Stashower Show, 7-10pm ET
Amani and Eytan, 10pm-1am ET
The Dan Schwartzman Show, 1-6am ET

SATURDAYS

The Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison, 7-9am ET
The Clay Travis Show, 9am-12noon ET
The Anita Marks Show, 12noon-3pm ET
The Brian Webber Show, 3pm-6pm ET
TBA, 6-9pm ET
The Jason Page Show, 9pm-1am ET

SUNDAYS

The Rob Buska Show, 1am-5am ET
The Jim Daniels Show, 5-8am ET
Speaking of Sports with Rob Simmelkjaer, 8-9am ET
- TBA, 9am-12noon ET
The Anita Marks Show, 12noon-3pm ET
The Brian Webber Show, 3-6pm ET
The Chris Mannix Show, 6-9pm ET
The Jason Page Show, 9pm-1am ET

I’ll have an analysis of the NBC Sports Radio lineup at Awful Announcing.

Brian Kenny Becomes 9 a.m. – noon ET Host on NBC Sports Radio

This from Dial Global, the distributor of NBC Sports Radio. Brian Kenny of MLB Network will become the 9 a.m. to noon ET host on NBC Radio when it begins broadcasting 24/7 on Monday, April 1. If you’re wondering, Kenny will remain on MLB Network co-hosting a debate show with Harold Reynolds called MLB Now.

Kenny had been a host on ESPN Radio so he has experience in hosting a show. He’ll be able to talk all sports instead of focusing on just one as he does on MLB Network.

So with Kenny in place, the Monday through Friday schedule for NBC Sports Radio is now in place. It’ll be anchored by Erik Kuselias a.k.a. Mr. Know-It-All, then followed by Kenny, Newy Scruggs, Donovan McNabb & Mark Malone, Jon Stashower and others.

We have the full NBC Sports Radio press release below.

BRIAN KENNY PREMIERES NEW SHOW ON NBC SPORTS RADIO

– The Brian Kenny Show to Debut 9-12n ET on Monday, April 1^st –
– NBC Sports Radio Rounds Out the Roster for 24/7 Launch –

NEW YORK, NY, March 21, 2013 – NBC Sports Radio announced today that Brian Kenny, MLB Network and Showtime host, and formerly of ESPN, will host The Brian Kenny Show in the 9am-12n ET Monday-Friday slot, as the network completes its roster and rolls out 24/7 sports talk programming on Monday, April 1^st.

A respected interviewer, Kenny will go one-on-one with some of the biggest names in sports.  Additionally known for his adept skill as a “numbers cruncher,” he will also go beyond the scores and delve into the data, breaking down the analytics of the games.

A 25-year national television and radio veteran, Kenny hosts the popular Clubhouse Confidential on MLB Network and covers boxing for Showtime.  Kenny formerly hosted The Brian Kenny Show on ESPN Radio.  He also anchored SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight, and called play-by-play for ESPN’s Wednesday Night Baseball and the World Baseball Classic.  Kenny was named “Media Personality of the Year” by SI.com in 2004.

Brian Kenny says, “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at NBC Sports Radio and Dial Global and I am excited to be back on the airwaves.  We look forward to building a show that fosters intelligent sports conversation with in-depth analysis. It’s going to be a blast.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “I’ve always enjoyed Brian’s unique perspective on sports and his incredible interview skills. He’s going to make listeners think outside the box and will deliver one of the most intelligent national sports talk shows to the scene.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, SVP, NBC Sports Ventures, said “Brian and I have worked together in the past and I know he is a consummate pro who truly loves radio.  He will be a great listen, day in and day out.”

NBC Sports Radio is launching 24/7 talk programming on April 1, 2013, with a complete roster of refreshing sports talk, candid conversations and expert analysis from an array of respected media and sports professionals.

The complete NBC Sports Radio schedule is as follows:

Weekday (Monday-Friday) Lineup

6am-9am, ET     The Erik Kuselias Show
9am-12n, ET      The Brian Kenny Show
12n-3pm, ET      Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs
3pm-7pm, ET     Under Center with McNabb & Malone
7pm-10pm, ET   The Jon Stashower Show
10pm-1am, ET   Amani & Eytan
1am-6am, ET     The Dan Schwartzman Show     

Saturday Lineup

7am-9am, ET     Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison
9am-12n, ET      The Clay Travis Show
12n-3pm, ET      The Anita Marks Show
3pm-6pm, ET     The Brian Webber Show
6pm-9pm, ET    TBA
9pm-1am, ET     The Jason Page Show

Sunday Lineup

1am-5am, ET       The Rob Buska Show
5am-8am, ET       The Jim Daniels Show
8am-9am, ET       Speaking of Sports with Rob Simmelkjaer
9am-12n, ET        TBA
12n-3pm, ET        The Anita Marks Show
3pm-6pm, ET       The Brian Webber Show
6pm-9pm, ET       The Chris Mannix Show
9pm-1am, ET       The Jason Page Show

That is it.

Chipper Jones, Bobby Valentine and Others To Participate in New NBC Sports Radio Show

Just announced by NBC Sports Radio, Dallas sports anchor Newy Scruggs will expand his responsibilities on the new network. He’s currently a weekend host for NBC Sports Radio. Starting on April 1, Scruggs will host a new daily show titled “Voices of the Game” and each day, he’ll have a different guest host.

Recently retired Atlanta MLB team outfielder Chipper Jones, NBC Sports basketball analyst Stan Van Gundy, former Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine and Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix will be the guest co-hosts from Tuesday through Friday. The Monday co-host will be announced at a later date.

Scruggs will occupy the noon-3 p.m. ET timeslot for NBC Sports Radio.

Here’s the press release.

NBC SPORTS RADIO: Chipper Jones, Stan Van Gundy, Bobby Valentine & Chris Mannix Join Newy Scruggs for “Voices of the Game”

NEWY SCRUGGS BUILDS A ROSTER ON NBC SPORTS RADIO
“Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs” Debuts 12-3pm ET on Monday, April 1

NEW YORK, NY, March 19, 2013 – NBC Sports Radio announced today that weekend talker Newy Scruggs will expand his duties with a new show premiering on Monday, April 1, the day the network rolls out 24/7 programming. Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs will air during the Noon-3p ET Monday-Friday slot. Newy will be joined each day by a major renowned and recognizable sports “voice” during the entire second hour of the show. Personalities will include Chipper Jones, Stan Van Gundy, Bobby Valentine and Chris Mannix.

Voices of the Game with Newy Scruggs brings a proven top-market radio host together each day with an added expert voice and perspective. Newy gets the conversation going and is then joined every second hour with a major guest host, live, who will appear consistently each week.

Tuesdays’ guest host will be recently-retired Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones; Wednesdays’ guest host will be Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports Radio’s Chris Mannix; Thursdays’ guest host will be former Major League Baseball manager and ESPN MLB analyst Bobby Valentine; and Fridays’ guest host will be former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy. Newy’s Monday guest host will be announced soon.

Jones will begin baseball season in this hourly role on Tuesdays and then move into a weekly major contributor role as NBC Sports Radio’s MLB Senior Analyst once baseball season is fully underway. Mannix, Valentine and Van Gundy are already part of the NBC Sports Radio roster and are expanding their roles.

All four “voices” are known for their candor, humor and insight, adding a refreshing take on sports talk. Newy will broadcast from a studio in Dallas and the “voices” will be situated in studios around the country, sitting in live as co-host for the entire second hour.

Newy Scruggs is the Sports Director and weeknight sports anchor at KXAS-TV (NBC 5) in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and former host of The Newy Scruggs radio show on 105.3 The Fan, in Dallas. Newy is a multiple Emmy Award-winning sportscaster and a 20-year TV, radio and print veteran with major market stops in Austin, Texas, Cleveland and Los Angeles.

Newy Scruggs said, “I am excited to bring NBC Sports Radio listeners into daily conversations with some of the most honest, opinionated, and in-the-know people in American sports. I want our listeners to feel like they are sitting at their favorite watering hole getting the inside scoop on the biggest topics and sports opinions of the day.”

Chipper Jones said, “I am very excited to be working with NBC Sports Radio, Dial Global and Newy. This will bring new meaning to the saying ‘coming out of retirement.’ I think we will bring a new, fresh voice to sports radio that will let the fans get into the clubhouse and behind the scenes into a life that I have lived for the last 22 years in professional baseball. It is truly a new and exciting chapter for me.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “Hands down, ‘Voices of the Game’ is going to be special. Not only is Newy one of the smartest and most reputable personalities around, but our unmatched and incredible daily guest hosts are going to deliver such a unique and informative show for affiliates, listeners and advertisers.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, SVP, NBC Sports Ventures, says “We have put together a unique roster of opinionated journalists, respected and outspoken former coaches, and a future Hall of Fame player to team with Newy on a show that will provide listeners with something different every day. As we begin our 24/7 coverage on April 1, they provide credible and relevant voices during midday, which will lead nicely into our recently-announced ‘Under Center with McNabb and Malone.’”

NBC Sports Radio will launch its full 24/7 talk programming on April 1, 2013. There will be more announcements to come.

There you have it.

NBC Sports Radio Taps Erik Kuselias For Morning Drive

Announced this week by NBC Sports Radio, Mr. Know-It-All, Erik Kuselias will be the morning drive host for the new network. I’m not fan of Kuselias. The less I say, the better for all of us.

NBC SPORTS RADIO — ERIK KUSELIAS MOVES TO AM DRIVE

NBC SPORTS RADIO ROLLS OUT 24/7 LINEUP ON APRIL 1ST
– Erik Kuselias Moves to Morning Drive —
– Jon Stashower Moves to 7-10pm Slot –

NEW YORK, NY, March 7th, 2013 – Dial Global and the NBC Sports Group announced programming moves as they prepare to fill out their roster and go live 24/7 on Monday, April 1. Weeknight host Erik Kuselias will move to morning drive, 6-9a ET, and Sunday morning host Jon Stashower will take over the 7-10p ET, Monday-Friday slot.

Since the September, 2012 launch of The Erik Kuselias Show on NBC Sports Radio, Kuselias has solidified his position as a top national sports-radio personality. His energy, knowledge of all sports, interview skills, legal background, engaging personality, and passion for sports radio make him the top pick to kick off morning drive on NBC Sports Radio. It’s familiar territory for “EK,” having filled in for Mike and Mike more than any other guest host in the history of the show. He will be joined by one of the best producers in sports radio, Rob “Stats” Guerrera.

Jon Stashower is one of the best sports broadcasting voices in the business. Passionate and knowledgeable, Jon delivers a refreshing approach to sports talk, adding a depth and a quality that is hard to match. He goes behind all the water-cooler topics and breaks down the games, headlines and highlights with great insight and analysis, making him the perfect choice to lead into the evening games.

Erik Kuselias says, “I’m thrilled to be in the prime spot for NBC Sports Radio’s first daily lineup. We believe this is the smartest and most fun sports radio program in the nation, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Additionally, NBC Sports and Dial Global Sports allow us to have an unparalleled guest list, which will help us rejuvenate mornings for those looking for a fresh approach.”

“In sports, so much happens at night,” says Jon Stashower. “It’s when the games are played and so many of the stories break. I’m really looking forward to being on every night to break down all that’s going on.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “I can’t wait to fire up morning drive with EK and break open the playing field. And we’re thrilled to give Stash his own weekday show. He’s a consistent, solid performer who grabs listeners’ attention and keeps them tuned in.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures and International, adds “Erik brings a rare combination of analytical rigor and energy to the world of sports radio. And like many in the New York area, I’ve spent years listening to Jon Stashower’s familiar voice talking sports. He gives our radio network additional credibility.”

NBC Sports Radio will launch its full 24/7 talk programming on April 1, 2103. More announcements will be made shortly.

Whatever.

Donovan McNabb Joins NBC Sports Radio For Super Bowl Week

This announced by Dial Global and NBC, the partners for NBC Sports Radio, former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will join the network’s proceedings for Super Bowl Week. McNabb will be heard on shows throughout the week and also call in as a guest to affiliated stations.

He’ll join NBC Sports Radio’s weekday lineup when that is announced during the NCAA Final Four™ in March.

Here’s the announcement from Dial Global and NBC.

NBC SPORTS RADIO ADDS DONOVAN McNABB AS MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR

Former Pro Bowl Quarterback Will Serve As a Weekly NFL Contributor 

NEW YORK, NY, January 28, 2013 – Dial Global and the NBC Sports Group announced today that recently-retired NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb will join the NBC Sports Radio lineup as a contributor, starting on Super Bowl week.

Six-time Pro Bowl quarterback McNabb, who established his storied career with the Philadelphia Eagles, will serve as an NFL lead analyst for NBC Sports Radio shows throughout the week and will also call in weekly to affiliated stations. He will be part of NBC Sports Radio’s lineup of programming features on Super Bowl Radio Row this week in New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition, McNabb will play a big part in a soon-to-be-announced daily Monday-Friday talk show that will debut April 1, 2013, as the network expands its programming lineup.

As a player, Donovan McNabb posted one of the best records in the NFL, averaging 10 wins per season over his 13-year career. With McNabb under center, the Eagles went to the postseason eight times, won the NFC East Division five times, played in five NFC Championship Games, and had their first Super Bowl berth in 24 years. His 4,746 pass attempts, 2,801 completions, 32,873 passing yards, and 216 TD passes are franchise records. McNabb, a former Syracuse University football standout and basketball player, is also a key player off the field, where he is actively involved in community efforts through his Donovan McNabb Fund.

Donovan McNabb says, “As I continue to segue further into the broadcasting field, adding a radio relationship like Dial Global and NBC Sports Radio is the perfect next step. This platform allows me a weekly forum to communicate with fans on a personal basis and I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “Adding a former star player like Donovan McNabb just adds another key ingredient to the exciting lineup we’re building with NBC Sports Radio. He brings a strong voice and a unique perspective, giving our affiliates, advertisers and listeners more great content. McNabb is another very exciting addition and we’re thrilled to have him on our team.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures and International, said, “Donovan’s vision and intelligence as a quarterback will translate into great insights as a commentator.  I’m sure he will be a great listen.”

NBC Sports Radio launched its full weekend lineup of programming on January 5, 2013 and will expand to full 24/7 talk programming on April 1, 2013.

That’s it for this post.

NBC Sports Radio To Broadcast Live From The Big Easy

NBC Sports Radio says it will air shows live from during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans. The network’s two nightly shows will be live from Radio Row throughout the Week.

The NBC Sports Radio press release is here.

NBC SPORTS RADIO TO BROADCAST LIVE, ON-SITE DURING SUPER BOWL WEEK

–Erik Kuselias, Amani Toomer, Eytan Shander, Rob Simmelkjaer, Kay Adams and Others Take the Field in NOLA–

NEW YORK, NY, January 25, 2013 – Dial Global and NBC Sports Radio announce broadcast plans leading up to Super Bowl Sunday on February 3, 2013.

NBC Sports Radio will have a major presence in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the excitement builds for Super Bowl XLVII. There will be live talk, reports, highlights and features throughout the week from Super Bowl Radio Row, Super Bowl Media Day and the NBC Sports Network television set.

Special guests will include NBC Sports Radio contributors Rodney Harrison and Hines Ward, among others. The Erik Kuselias Show will air live every evening from 7-10pm, ET.  Amani and Eytan, featuring former NFL pro Amani Toomer and Eytan Shander, will air live each evening from 10pm to 1am, ET. Speaking of Sports with Rob Simmelkjkaer will air the morning of Super Bowl Sunday from 8-9am, ET, in addition to other NBC Sports Radio Weekend shows. Kay Adams, NBC Sports Radio Update Anchor, will also contribute interviews during the week.

NBC Sports Radio is a partnership between the NBC Sports Group and Dial Global. Dial Global is also the exclusive national radio rights holder for Super Bowl XLVII. Its broadcast begins on Super Bowl Sunday at 4pm, ET.

Another post is upcoming. Keep it here.

NBC Sports Group To Air Programming From New Orleans During Super Bowl Week

It may not have the Big Game this year, but that is not stopping the NBC Sports Group from having live programming during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans.

Thanks to the Dan Patrick Show and the launch of its new Michelle Beadle-driven show, “The Crossover,” NBC Sports Network will have a live presence in The Big Easy. In addition to those two shows, NBC Sports Network will have Pro Football Talk live from the Crescent City as well.

NBC Sports Radio will have some programs live from New Orleans including its nightly Erik Kuselias Show airing from Radio Row.

And NBC will have the Pro Bowl live from Honolulu this coming Saturday which will preview the Big Game.

Here’s NBC’s press release.

NBC SPORTS GROUP TO DELIVER ROBUST PROGRAMMING FROM NEW ORLEANS DURING SUPER BOWL XLVII

The Crossover: With Beadle and Briggs to Debut on NBC Sports Network Super Bowl Week from New Orleans
The Dan Patrick Show to Air a Week of Shows from Super Bowl XLVII
Pro Football Talk to Air Live from New Orleans On NBC Sports Network
NFL Pro Bowl Pre-game, Halftime and Post-game Show to Air Live on NBC from New Orleans
Assortment of NBC Sports Radio Programs Originating from New Orleans

NEW YORK — NBC Sports Group will deliver a robust collection of original programming from New Orleans, La., during the week leading up to Super Bowl XLVII across NBC, NBC Sports Network and NBC Sports Radio. Programs originating from NBC Sports Group’s production headquarters in New Orleans include, The Dan Patrick Show, The Box Score, Pro Football Talk, and the debut of The Crossover: with Beadle and Briggs, as well as NBC’s NFL Pro Bowl pre-game, halftime and post-game coverage. The more than 24 hours of programming on NBC Sports Network is the most ever in the network’s history from a Super Bowl site.

In addition, NBC Sports Radio and other related NBC Sports Group content will be delivered from the Super Bowl host city. The NBC Sports Group production headquarters will be across the street from the New Orleans Convention Center, site of the NFL Experience, and will be the home to all NBC Sports Group Super Bowl XLVII productions.

“New Orleans is always an exciting setting for the biggest game of the season,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer of NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “Our sets are designed to capture the atmosphere of Super Bowl week and all the unique scenery that New Orleans offers.”

NBC SPORTS NETWORK

NBC Sports Group’s coverage from New Orleans will kick off each morning with The Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) from 9a.m. – Noon ET on NBC Sports Network. Patrick will feature a lineup of special guests from the NFL and world of sports and entertainment. At Noon ET, NBC Sports Network will air The Box Score, The Dan Patrick Show’s daily wrap-up program, featuring ‘The Danettes’ – Dan Patrick’s production team of Paul Pabst, Patrick O’Connor, Andrew Perloff and Todd Fritz.

“Super Bowl week is as good as it gets for this show…beyond the guests,” said Patrick. “In Dallas it was 11 degrees and we recreated the Ice Bowl during the show in the snow. Last year in Indy, we built a barn for Larry Bird and had a mini-Indy 500 go-cart track on set. One thing I know about New Orleans, we will top those.”

The Crossover: with Beadle and Briggs (@Crossover) debuts Monday, January 28 from New Orleans, andwill air each day at 6 p.m. ET from a specially designed set during Super Bowl week. The new 30-minute daily sports, entertainment and pop culture show hosted by Michelle Beadle and Dave Briggs, will focus on the biggest and most topical stories of the day. Beginning Monday, February 4, The Crossover will move to its permanent home in Studio 8G at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York.

“Launching a brand new sports show and NOT being in New Orleans for Super Bowl week would have been absurd. The food, the people, the action.” said Beadle. “Besides, we can take a week of Bourbon Street mulligans before heading back to 30 Rock.”

Pro Football Talk (@PFT) will air each day at 5 p.m. ET from New Orleans, La. Mike Florio and co-host Erik Kuselias will welcome a roster of NBC Sports Group analysts, including Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison, Hines Ward, and Peter King of Sports Illustrated. In addition to deep diving on the most topical NFL stories of the day, Pro Football Talk will provide in depth analysis on everything related to Super Bowl XLVII.

In addition to Pro Football Talk on NBC Sports Network, PFT Live on NBCSports.com will also originate from New Orleans during Super Bowl week. PFT Live will be streamed Monday-Friday at Noon ET on www.ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com.

NFL PRO BOWL ON NBC

The NFL Pro Bowl returns to NBC in primetime at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 27. Pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage of the Pro Bowl will originate from the NBC Sports set in New Orleans. Host Dan Patrick will be joined by Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison, Peter< King, and Mike Florio.

Calling the Pro Bowl is six-time Emmy Award-winner Al Michaels (play-by-play), who just completed his 27^th season as the voice of the NFL’s premier primetime package; 13-time Emmy Award-winner Cris Collinsworth, who has won the Emmy for Outstanding Event Analyst in each of his three seasons in the Sunday Night Football booth; and sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, who last year in her first season with SNF, won the inaugural Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Reporter. In addition to Tafoya, former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie will report from the sideline.

NBC SPORTS RADIO

A collection of NBC Sports Radio programs will also be originating from New Orleans leading up to the Super Bowl.

The Erik Kuselias Show will air live every evening from 7-10 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Radio. Kuselias will welcome special guests and NBC Sports Group analysts, including Harrison, Ward and Flutie. Amani and Eytan, featuring former NFL pro Amani Toomer and co-host Eytan Shander, will air live each evening from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison, the Football Night In America analyst and two-time Super Bowl champion, will air Saturday morning from 7-9 a.m. ET. Speaking of Sports with Rob Simmelkjaer will air the morning of Super Bowl Sunday from 8-9 a.m. ET.

Each show will have a major presence at NFL Super Bowl Radio Row and at Media Day. In addition, Kay Adams, NBC Sports Radio update anchor and contributor, will be making the rounds doing interviews throughout Super Bowl week in New Orleans.

NBC Sports Radio is a partnership between the NBC Sports Group and Dial Global. Dial Global is also the radio rights holder for Super Bowl XLVII. Their broadcast begins on Super Bowl Sunday at 4 p.m., ET.

There you have it.

Former Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine To Co-Host Weekday Show on NBC Sports Network

We have the official announcement from NBC Sports Radio that former MLB manager Bobby Valentine will be co-hosting a weekday show on the new radio network. He’s an odd choice seeing that he’s never hosted a sports radio and last year, showed his disdain for the medium during an interview with Boston’s WEEI.

He’ll begin full-time in April when the rest of the network’s weekday lineup is announced just before Dial Global’s coverage of the NCAA Final Four. Dial Global is the distributor for the NBC Radio Network.

In the interim, Valentine will be a MLB analyst and make appearances during the weekend schedule on NBC Sports Radio. Here’s the NBC Sports Radio press release.

NBC SPORTS RADIO ADDS BOBBY VALENTINE TO LINEUP

Former Player and Manager Will Serve As a Weekly Major League Baseball Contributor

NEW YORK, NY, January 7, 2013 – Dial Global and the NBC Sports Group announced today that Bobby Valentine will join the NBC Sports Radio lineup as a Major League Baseball contributor, starting this month.

Valentine, a former Major League Baseball player and manager, most recently of the Boston Red Sox, as well as former analyst for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, will call in weekly to affiliated stations and NBC Sports Radio talk hosts with his candid thoughts and observations on baseball. In addition, Valentine will become a part-time co-host of a soon-to-be-announced daily Monday-Friday talk show that will debut in April, 2013, as the network expands its programming lineup.

Bobby Valentine adds, “I can’t wait to get started on NBC Sports Radio. I’m looking forward to talking to our affiliates and network shows, and to being a major contributor to the network. I always state my honest opinion and I can’t wait to share it with NBC Sports Radio listeners.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “We all known that Bobby V. will bring a passionate and opinionated voice to NBC Sports Radio and we can’t wait to light that fire. Along with Stan Van Gundy, NBC Sports Radio offers two of the most opinionated former major league coaches, each of whom will bring our affiliates and advertisers excellent and compelling content every time they speak”.

Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures and International, said, “Bobby Valentine has always possessed one of the greatest minds and sharpest tongues in all of baseball. This will be must-hear radio.”

That’s going to do it.

Oh My! It’s The Return of The Linkage!

It’s been way too long since you’ve seen linkage on this site. This has been the main mission of Fang’s Bites since the beginning, but too often, I get roped into doing family stuff and it prevents me from getting on here until late.

I hope to rectify that. So without further delay, here’s the linkage.

I’ll begin with Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch who looks at tonight’s ESPN production of the BCS National Championship Game and he breaks news that former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine will co-host a daily NBC Sports Radio show.

From The Sherman Report, Ed Sherman talks with ESPN’s Brent Musburger about retirement.

John Ourand of Sports Business Journal says thanks to its parent company buying into YES Network, Fox Sports will have the rights to as many as 18 New York Yankees games for its national MLB broadcasts (for now, subscription required).

Tripp Mickle of Sports Business Daily writes that DirecTV is dropping NASCAR Hot Pass due to the high cost and low demand.

ESPN’s Darren Rovell reports that the “Catholic 7″, the breakaway basketball schools from the Big East, is negotiating a megabucks deal with Fox Sports.

Nathan Savin Scott of USA Today lists the best sports commercials of 2012.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News says tonight’s BCS Championship Game could set an all-time viewership record for ESPN and cable TV.

The extremely warped Anthony Crupi (he’ll even admit this) of Adweek writes that the NFL’s regular season ratings were down slightly from last year, but it delivers an audience unlike any other programming.

Friend of Fang’s Bites Michael McCarthy at Advertising Age notes that college football is close to passing baseball as the nation’s second most popular sport.

Natalie Zmuda of Ad Age says Pepsi wants to make you, yes you, part of its Super Bowl ad.

Mark J. Miller at BrandChannel notes how a Nike ad campaign helped to nudge the NHL into ending its lockout.

Toni Fitzgerald from Media Life Magazine wonders if the ratings will return for the NHL now that its lockout has been resolved.

SBNation’s Steve Lepore reports that Michelle Beadle’s new show, The Crossover, will replace NBC Sports Talk later this month.

David Rogers over at Awful Announcing scolds NHL Network for not covering one second of the end of the lockout.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Wheat Hotchkiss (I like this name) delves into ESPN’s production of the BCS National Championship Game in South Flordia.

EPL Talk reviews Fox’s first-ever broadcast of an FA Cup game.

Will Leitch at Sports on Earth says NBC Sports Network’s ratings may be low, but at least it’s trying to be the anti-ESPN.

Chad Finn from the Boston Globe writes about Bobby Valentine’s new foray into daily sports radio.

Brian Stelter at the New York Times says rising sports fees are causing cable providers to drop lower performing channels.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post needs to stop watching television.

Newsday’s Neil Best says there’s too much sports television and radio for the average fan to keep track of. Well put, Neil.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says Golf Channel has had to adjust its schedule for the weather-delayed Tournament of Champions.

Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record says CBS Sports Radio has a home in the Hudson Valley.

Keith Groller with the Allentown (PA) Morning Call talks with an Eastern Pennsylvania native who’s been covering Notre Dame for the last six years.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun feels CBS did not get the job done covering yesterday’s Colts-Ravens game.

David says yesterday’s Colts-Ravens game received the highest rating in the Charm City since last year’s Super Bowl.

Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog has the national media reaction to DC NFL Team head coach Mike Shanahan’s decision to keep quarterback Robert Griffin III on the field despite him seemingly being hurt until an injury that ended his game.

Dan says a local sports radio morning show now gets an opportunity on TV.

Tom Jones at the Tampa Bay Times has the winners and losers in the NHL Lockout.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has some info from ESPN on tonight’s BCS National Championship Game.

Mike Herndon of the Birmingham (AL) News says ESPN could not have asked for a better matchup in the BCS National Championship Game.

Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News looks into the behind-the-scenes for ESPN’s telecast of Alabama-Notre Dame.

David Barron with the Houston Chronicle says Saturday’s Bengals-Texans local rating matched last year’s Wild Card playoff game number.

David writes that former Houston Astros broadcaster Alan Ashby will return to the team as its TV analyst on Comcast SportsNet.

WDIV-TV in Detroit had the suspended Rob Parker from ESPN’s First Take in his first TV interview since he was taken off the air for his comments on DC NFL Team QB Robert Griffin III (starts at 6:15). h/t to Richard Deitsch for the link.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post says a Rocky Mountain region sportscaster has plenty of memories that include the Broncos.

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times writes that the NFL’s ratings have slipped a bit from last season, but they still remain king of all television.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the five things he learned from the weekend.

Tom also has the SoCal sports calendar for this week.

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Globe and Mail asks with the NHL Lockout over, what’s in it for the fans?

Sports Media Watch notes that the overnight rating for the Cincinnati-Houston NFL Wild Card Game on NBC was up from last year.

SMW says NBC’s nightcap of Vikings-Packers was down slightly from last year.

SMW tells us that Seattle-Washington had the third highest overnight for an NFL Wild Card game since 1999.

And for Indy-Baltimore on CBS, the overnight number was very good.

And that’s going to be it for now.

The Big Dozen Sports Media Stories of 2012

Time for the look back at the Year in Sports Media in 2012. Lots of great stuff. The year has been very interesting and we have seen a lot of things.

Just doing a Top Ten is never enough for the Year in Review. It’s always an even dozen with some honorable mentions mixed in.

Let’s go over what were the Sports Media Stories of 2012.

12. Embrace Debate Leads To Rob Parker Suspension

One of the silliest stories in 2012 was ESPN’s commitment to debate programming. Two shows were revamped to accommodate more debate among ESPN personalities, First Take and Numbers Never Lie. Due to outrageous statements made on First Take, mostly by Skip Bayless, the show received lots of attention and increased ratings. But the pressure to stand out may have caught up with Rob Parker who questioned whether DC NFL Team quarterback Robert Griffin III’s authenticity.

It led to Parker’s suspension and allegedly more oversight over the shows. We’ll see if it leads to some more control and fewer outrageous statements.

11. Steve Sabol (1942-2012)

One of the pioneers in sports television passed away in 2012. Steve Sabol’s impact on the National Football League’s popularity through NFL Films cannot be measured. With his father Ed, the Sabols brought fans closer to the game by thinking outside the box. Games weren’t just regular contests, they became movies with Hollywood production values and full orchestrations. Instead of showing games from high in the stadium, NFL Films went to field level and made extreme closeups of the players. In addition, Ed and Steve introduced slow motion photography to sports.

In 2011, Ed Sabol was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It would behoove voters to induct Steve sometime soon to join his dad.

10. Big Media Taps Into New Media

2012 saw Turner Sports purchased the much-criticized and now-improving Bleacher Report, USA Today buying Big Lead Sports and NBC Sports aligned itself with Yahoo! Sports. This is more than getting pageviews and improving comScores, this is about expanding portfolios and attracting younger audiences. According to comScore, Yahoo! has been the most popular sports news site for several years outpacing ESPN.com. Bleacher Report may get criticized for its multiple and questionable slideshows, but its hiring of some respected editors and writers have increased the quality of the site to the point where Turner Sports purchased the site for beaucoup bucks. And I have to make this disclaimer, Fang’s Bites is an independently-owned blog that is affiliated with USA Today Media Group. We will see more purchases in 2013.

9. NASCAR Renews with Fox

Fox Sports was the first of NASCAR’s TV partners to renew its ties with the sport taking the first half of the Sprint Cup season. For an estimated pricetag of over $2.4 billion through 2022, Fox remains with NASCAR in a relationship that dates back to 2002. Fox is expected to put some of its races on its new all-sports channel, but we’ll get to that later. And expect live on-streaming in this new contract. However, NASCAR’s ratings are a question-mark, but bidding for the second half in 2013 is expected to bring even more money. It’s all going to be quite an interesting year for NASCAR.

8. NBC Steals English Premier League and Formula One From Fox

October turned out to be a good month for NBC Sports Group as far as acquisitions were concerned. It first obtained the rights to Formula 1 as Fox gave just a nominal bid. Then a couple of weeks later, it emerged as the frontrunner to the English Premier League and then won out over a concerted combined bid from ESPN/Fox. While NBC Sports Network won’t be known as a college sports destination or for MLB, perhaps it can become an international sports channel with the EPL, Formula 1 and Olympic Sports. NBC Sports Network will have some sports to watch year-round with the English Premier League, Formula 1, MLS and the NHL (when it finally returns).

7. NFL Network Picks Up Its Last Two Holdouts

Since 2010, NFL Network has been gaining momentum in picking up carriage agreements with the major cable providers. It finally was able to sign deals in 2012 with its last two remaining holdouts, first Cablevision in August and then the very last one, Time Warner Cable in September. Thanks to the increased audience, NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football package had record ratings for its new 13 game schedule. It was a struggle for NFL Network to get all eight major cable and satellite providers on board, but after eight years, it finally got it done.

6. MLB New TV Contracts For A Lot of $$$

It started in August when ESPN renewed rights for its three nights of baseball games, a return to postseason and an increased amount of games for a total of $5.6 billion over eight years. Then in October, MLB announced deals with Fox and Turner for a combined $6.8 billion through 2021, providing them with TV Everywhere rights, postseason deals and a package of regular season games. For Fox, it allows the network to put games on its anticipated all-sports cable channel, but again, more on that later.

5. CBS & NBC Announce New Sports Radio Networks

2012 brought two new national networks to the sports talk radio scene. Within two days of each other, NBC Sports Radio and CBS Sports Radio were announced by both companies and with respective partners Dial Global and Cumulus Radio. NBC Sports Radio has been airing limited weekend programming since September, however, CBS Sports Radio chose to wait until this month to begin full operation with a 24/7 lineup. Both have a long way to go to match the firepower and the reputation of ESPN Radio that has been on the scene since the early 1990′s, however, CBS has hired familiar names like Jim Rome, Doug Gottlieb, John Feinstein, Scott Ferrall and Dana Jacobson. NBC will wait until the NCAA Final Four to finalize its weekday lineup. No matter the case, ESPN Radio finds itself with some formidable competition to join Yahoo! Sports Radio and Fox Sports Radio for listeners.

4. ESPN Free Agency

We had some big names leave the ESPN nest, Erin Andrews, Steve Berthiaume, Michelle Beadle, Cindy Brunson, Doug Gottlieb, Dana Jacobson, Michael Yam to name a few, but many stayed including Scott Van Pelt. This seemed to be quite the year for free agency for ESPN. In some cases, the network chose not to renew and wave goodbye to those departing, others decided not to return for other opportunities while in others, ESPN went out of its way to make sure its desired talent stayed. For the first time, ESPN was transparent in making statements about its free agency signings or departures. In the past, it had issued terse statements when media inquiries were made.

3. Fox Spending Spree

As the year-end was approaching, Fox Sports through its parent, News Corp., went on a spending spree unlike any other in sports media. It not only set up an all-sports cable channel for operation in 2013 (again, more on this later), but it bought into the YES Network which will eventually lead into a majority share of the New York Yankees regional sports network and fully purchased Sports Time Ohio for the Cleveland MLB Team. In addition, Fox is reportedly close to signing a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for its media rights. News Corp. had money to spend with the company splitting off its publishing holdings into a separate company and of course, the proverbial fiscal cliff where tax credits were about to change. Will we see more of Fox’s financial muscle in 2013? I think that’s a safe bet.

2. The Emergence of Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2

While NBC Sports Network was attempting to bid for major sports properties, Fox Sports was quietly forming its cable sports strategy for 2013 and beyond. We began hearing rumblings about Fox rebranding Speed into an all-sports channel that would be named “Fox Sports 1″ then at the end of the year, the company’s Fuel channel would also be rebranded as “Fox Sports 2″.

In its new contracts with MLB, NASCAR, the Pac-12, UFC and other sports properties it signed in 2012, Fox had a provision to put games and events on Fox Sports 1. As part of its new contract with Major League Baseball, Fox Sports can place 40 regular season games on cable as well as several postseason games. We should expect a number of NASCAR Sprint Cup races on FS1 and most likely see some UFC events as well.

The strategy is in place. Let’s see how it’s enacted in 2013 and beyond.

1. NBC’s Olympics Both Fail and Succeed

Up until the London Olympics begin in late July, NBCUniversal had been downplaying both ratings and financial expectations stating that it expected to lose money and the ratings for a tape delayed event would not be as good as in 2008 when events were carried live from Communist China. Somewhere along the way, something happened. NBC broke even financially on the Olympics and they became the most watched event in US television history. That was the successful part.

The failure was the tape delayed aspect when many viewers wanted to watch events live. The #NBCFAIL hashtag on Twitter quickly spread like wildfire during the first weekend of the Olympics. In addition, online streaming was sluggish and haggard. But even with the delays and streaming problems, Americans still watched in droves. When the games were said and done, NBCUniversal could pat itself on the back.

Honorable Mentions:

Struggles of new regional sports networks to gain carriage agreements.
NHL Does Well; But Shoots Itself in the Foot with the Lockout
Tim Tebow Overload
ESPN Continues Dominance in College Sports

NBC Sports Radio Announces Weekend Lineup

Over the last few months, CBS Sports Radio has been filling its weekday lineup and has done it rather methodically. CBS Sports Radio will be ready to launch on January 2 with a full daily roster of hosts.

On the other hand, we haven’t heard much from the other national sports radio network that has been in operation since September and that’s NBC Sports Radio. The programming has been running nightly from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. and during weekends.

We now have the full weekend lineup for NBC Sports Radio. Hosts include Anita Marks who hosted shows in Miami and Baltimore and is currently hosting the New York Giants pre and postgame shows on WFAN, Brian Webber of NFL AM, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Clay Travis and Rodney Harrison.

This will launch on January 5.

NBC Sports Radio says the rest of its weekday lineup will be unveiled during Dial Global Radio’s coverage of the NCAA Final Four. NBC Sports Radio and Dial Global are partners in this venture.

Here’s the press release.

NBC SPORTS RADIO ANNOUNCES AROUND-THE-CLOCK WEEKEND PROGRAMMING AND WEEKEND TALENT LINEUP

NBC Sports Radio adds Chris Mannix, Anita Marks, Brian Webber, Newy Scruggs, Rob Simmelkjaer, Jon Stashower, Jason Page, Clay Travis and others to weekend lineup to debut on Saturday, January 5^th, 2013

NEW YORK, NY, December 18th, 2012 – Dial Global and the NBC Sports Group are proud to roll out the live debut of NBC Sports Radio Weekends, a new full, 48 hour weekend  programming block that launches on Saturday, January 5^th, 2013.

In addition to the already launched Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison airing on weekends, NBC Sports Radio has added a full weekend lineup of veteran personalities, which includes Brian Webber of NFL Network’s NFL AM morning show, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports, and Clay Travis, NBC Sports contributor and owner/contributor of OutKicktheCoverage.com. Also suiting up for the NBC Sports Radio Weekends team — Newy Scruggs, Sports Director and on-air personality at NBC-5 Dallas/Ft. Worth and formerly of 105.3 The Fan, Dallas, Jason Page, recently with ESPN Radio New York, among other stops, and Anita Marks, part of the New York Giants TV/Radio broadcast team and formerly of SportsRadio 105.7 The Fan, Baltimore. Plus, NBC Sports Radio update anchor Jon Stashower, formerly of ESPN Radio, adds a Sunday morning show and NBC Sports’ Rob Simmelkjaer will also host a weekend show, adding to his on-air television duties, which have included the Olympics, MSNBC and MLS.

NBC Sports Radio weekend programming will also include contributions from NBC Sports television commentators Hines Ward, Stan Van Gundy, Rodney Harrison, Michelle Beadle, Amani Toomer, Doug Flutie and other marquee personalities.

The NBC Sports Radio weekend programming schedule plays out below.

SATURDAY LINEUP
7am-9am, ET    Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison
9am-12n, ET     The Clay Travis Show
12n-3pm, ET     The Anita Marks Show
3pm-6pm, ET    The Brian Webber Show
6pm-9pm, ET    The Newy Scruggs Show
9pm-1am, ET    The Jason Page Show 

SUNDAY LINEUP
1am-5am, ET       The Rob Buska Show
5am-8am, ET       The Jim Daniels Show
8am-9am, ET        Speaking of Sports with Rob Simmelkjaer
9am-12n, ET         Sunday Mornings with Jon Stashower
12n-3pm, ET         The Anita Marks Show
3pm-6pm, ET        The Brian Webber Show
6pm-9pm, ET        The Chris Mannix Show
9pm-1am, ET        The Jason Page Show

The NBC Sports Radio current roster includes –

• The Erik Kuselias Show, Monday-Friday, 7 – 10pm, ET
• Amani and Eytan, Monday-Friday, 10pm – 1am, ET: featuring former NFL pro Amani Toomer and Eytan Shander
• The Dan Schwartzman Show, Monday-Friday, 1am – 5am, ET
• Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison
• 24/7 anchored national updates featuring Jon Stashower, Kay Adams and Dan Schwartzman

NBC Sports Radio will launch the rest of its weekday 6 am – 7 pm lineup on Monday, April 1^st, 2013, to tie in with the excitement of Dial Global Sports’ exclusive NCAA Tournament coverage and preparation for The Final Four®.

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager adds, “We’re excited to deliver great weekend hosts as well as contributions from some of the top names in sports to our affiliates and advertisers. Our weekend lineup offers excellent talent and content that will deliver a fresh and engaging sound”.

Princell Hair, Senior Vice President, News and Talent, NBC Sports & Olympics, said, “As NBC Sports Radio continues to grow its programming, which now includes 24-7 weekend coverage, we are pleased to offer listeners a diverse portfolio of compelling radio voices, with expertise ranging from the NFL to general news to sports business.”

That does it for this post.

Stan Van Gundy Joins NBC Sports Radio

This from Dial Global and NBC Sports Group, former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy will join NBC Sports Radio as an analyst on the NBA. He’ll call into various NBC Sports Radio shows and also co-host a one hour show on Fridays during the NBA season. The show Van Gundy will co-host and the other personality to be involved has yet to be announced and will be determined at a later date.

In addition, Van Gundy will call local NBC Sports Radio affiliates throughout the season.

NBC also says he’ll make various appearances on TV and he’ll be the analyst for Georgetown-Florida this Friday on NBC Sports Network.

Here’s the joint press release from Dial Global Radio and NBC.

STAN VAN GUNDY JOINS NBC SPORTS RADIO

Esteemed basketball veteran joins NBC Sports Radio as NBA Analyst in exclusive national radio role

NEW YORK, NY, November 5, 2012 – Dial Global (NASDAQ: DIAL) and the NBC Sports Group are proud to announce that basketball veteran Stan Van Gundy will join NBC Sports Radio as a Senior Analyst for the NBA.

NBC Sports Radio has exclusive national radio rights to Van Gundy, who will call into network shows each week during the NBA season. The former head coach of The Orlando Magic will talk exclusively to NBC Sports Radio affiliates and co-host for an hour every Friday during the NBA season, on a show soon to be announced.

Van Gundy joins a roster of veteran personalities live on NBC Sports Radio, which debuted in September.

“I’m thrilled to be joining NBC Sports Radio,” said Van Gundy. “I’m ready to get going and bring my opinions and insight to the national radio audience.”

“Having Stan join NBC Sports Radio is another special day for the network, and it shows the type of exceptional and unique talent and voices that we’re building for our affiliates and advertisers,” said Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Dial Global.

“We are thrilled to add one of the most respected and outspoken coaches in the NBA to the NBC Sports Radio roster,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President of NBC Sports Ventures. “Our listeners will get to enjoy Stan’s unique insight into events and storylines around the league on a weekly basis.”

Van Gundy has also signed on with the NBC Sports Network to make his debut as a national television analyst during the inaugural Navy-Marine Corps Classic, featuring college basketball powers Georgetown vs. No. 10 Florida, on Friday, November 9, at 9 p.m. ET. The game will be played on the deck of the USS Bataan, at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla.

That is all.

Various Monday Links

Let’s do some linkage on this Monday.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch talks with TNT’s Charles Barkley about the next phase of his career.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today notes that Saturday nights are becoming a sports TV bastion.

Chris Chase at USA Today’s Game On blog has video of an NFL referee cursing which surprised CBS’ Kevin Harlan.

Liana B. Baker and Lisa Richwine of Reuters says US cable sports networks are in a scrum for ad dollars.

Kimberly Nordyke of the Hollywood Reporter writes that Time Warner SportsNet has signed Cox, but Comcast, DirecTV and Dish still remain holdouts.

Jon Lafayette of Broadcasting & Cable says Travel Channel has signed a deal with the NFL to produce a show on the Cleveland Browns traveling to road games.

E.J. Schultz of Advertising Age says despite the NHL lockout, hockey marketers are finding ways to find their target audience.

Media Life Magazine says CBS scored with Alabama-LSU in primetime on Saturday.

Chuck Ross at TV Week explains why baseball remains the greatest game despite its ratings.

Ed Sherman at The Sherman Report talks with CBS/TNT’s Marv Albert about calling games at the age of 71.

Ed wonders where Michelle Beadle will fit in NBC Sports Network’s plans.

CBS Sports reports that Dallas Mavericks announcer Mark Followill got into a bike accident over the weekend.

Radio Ink notes that former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy has joined NBC Sports Radio as an analyst.

Digital TV Europe reports that Al Jazeera’s beIN Sport in France has obtained the rights to air NBA games along with the NFL it previously signed.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe writes that NBC is going all in with soccer.

Phil Mushnick at the New York Post says Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the New York Road Runners should have admitted fault in attempting to run the NYC Marathon this past weekend.

Sarah Kogod of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that a Wizards beer ad featured an underaged 19 year old Bradley Beal.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner looks at the NBC deal to air English Premier League games starting in 2013.

Jodie Wagner of the Palm Beach Post talks with a local sports radio personality about working in the local market.

Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas says the Texas Rangers have announced their broadcast teams for next season.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle reports on the local sports radio ratings.

Jeff Balke of the Houston Press provides fans with ways to watch the Rockets for those who don’t have access to Comcast SportsNet Houston.

Neal Rubin at the Detroit News says a group hopes to land ESPN’s X Games for Motown.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Fox’s crew found a lot to praise about the Green Bay Packers.

Danny Ecker at Crain’s Chicago Business writes that the Big Ten Network continues to air the so-called non-revenue sports.

Paul M. Banks at the Chicago Sports Media Watch wonders why the Illinois Sports Facility Authority would hire a former TV reporter to run the agency.

John Vomhof, Jr. of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal provides a look at Fox Sports North’s new studios.

The Denver Post’s Dusty Saunders feels some sports broadcasters make predictions that can’t possibly come true.

Dusty says MLB is trying to spin the World Series ratings.

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News writes about the last two holdouts for Time Warner SportsNet.

Tom has the SoCal sports calendar for this week.

Tom has the five things he learned over the weekend.

Sports Media Watch notes that while Alabama-LSU’s overnights were way down from last year, it still had impressive numbers for CBS.

That’s going to do it for now. Squeezed as many links as I could today.

Quick Tuesday Linkage

Let’s do a few links on this Tuesday.

Edmund Lee of Bloomberg analyzes the new MLB TV deals with Fox and Turner.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today says with some playoff spots decided, ESPN has dropped plans for a duel MLB doubleheaders on Wednesday.

Jacqueline Palank of the Wall Street Journal reviews ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary, “Broke” which premieres tonight.

Nat Ives from Advertising Age writes that one unexpected beneficiary of the NFL referees lockout was Buffalo Wild Wings.

At Forbes, the great Maury Brown writes about Time Warner Cable launching not one, but two regional sports networks in Southern California.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine says NBC’s Sunday Night Football is expected to dominate the night, but media buyers say ABC’s lineup is a good alternative.

Ed Sherman of The Sherman Report looks at tonight’s 30 for 30 premiere.

Jordan Rabinowitz of SportsGrid has a sneak peek of tonight’s 30 for 30 doc.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says two regional sports networks made their debuts Monday with lots of fanfare, but a low viewership.

Tim Baysinger of Broadcasting & Cable notes that NBC Sports Network has signed its second NCAA Division I Conference to air its basketball games.

ESPN’s Darren Rovell wonders what’s keeping Mark Sanchez from losing his job as New York Jets starting quarterback.

Tim Burke at Deadspin has video of an ESPN raw feed of a motorsports event that really has to be seen to be believed.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union notes that ESPN will focus on the American League East in its final day of MLB regular season coverage.

Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record says Army makes a couple of appearances on CBS Sports Network’s college hockey coverage.

Kevin Cooney of the Bucks County (PA) Courier Times notes a milestone for Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.

Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes about CBS Sports Network making a new hire.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says MASN and a local radio station are bolstering their baseball coverage for the postseason.

Dan notes that ESPN The Magazine devoting an entire issue to DC sports.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal says two central Florida radio stations have switched to NBC Sports Radio.

The Orlando Sentinel looks at one sports radio station flipping to NBC Sports Radio from ESPN Radio.

Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes that Georgia football coach Mark Richt makes an appearance in a College GameDay promo.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Fox Sports Ohio will air Xavier basketball games this season.

Paul M. Banks at Chicago Sports Media Watch recaps yesterday’s Bulls Media Day.

The Kansas City Star explains why it doesn’t put the DC NFL team’s name in its copy.

Joe Flint from the Los Angeles Times says MLB hit a home run by more than doubling its rights fees from Fox and Turner.

James Mirtle of the Toronto Globe and Mail talks about ESPN getting the rights to the Russian KHL featuring locked out NHL players.

Matt Yoder from Awful Announcing notes former New York Knicks GM Isiah Thomas could be coming to ESPN.

Sports Media Watch says Bears-Cowboys gave ESPN some big overnight numbers for Monday Night Football.

That’s going to do it for today.

Some Wednesday Links

Can you believe it’s Wednesday already? Holiday on Monday makes the work week go faster.

To the linkage which has been too scarce on the site.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today looks at some of the changes on the NFL’s TV partners this season.

John Ourand of Sports Business Journal talks about the fierce bidding between Fox and Turner for the MLB TV contract.

Mike Ozanian of Forbes has a video interview with MLB Advanced Media’s Bob Bowman about the company’s video technology which is being used all over the internet.

Tim Baysinger of Broadcasting & Cable says CBS Sports is adding an on-air medical consultant to its NFL coverage this season.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News says CBS/CBS Sports Network’s coverage of the US Open this past Labor Day Weekend was on the mark.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek tells us that General Motors is all over the NFL season opening game.

Natalie Zmuda from Advertising Age discusses what Pepsi is doing to maximize its branding in a new 10 year contract with the National Football League.

Michael Bradley at the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center says when it comes to the NFL on TV, it’s all about the money.

Ed Sherman at the Sherman Report looks at what’s new on NBC’s Sunday Night Football coverage this season.

ESPN’s Darren Rovell looks at the best of Aramark’s NFL stadium food for this season.

The great people at Awful Announcing have started an offshoot site called Awful Advertisements.

Speaking about Awful Announcing, Brad Gagnon talks about former New York Giant Shaun O’Hara joining NFL Network.

At the New York Times, Richard Sandomir notes that SNY analyst Keith Hernandez’s famous mustache is now turning grey and could actually be shaved off!

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at the new Monday Night Football booth for this season.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that a former New York Giants offensive lineman will be joining NFL Network as an analyst.

Pete says local listeners to last Saturday’s Northwestern-Syracuse game were suddenly left in limbo late in the 4th quarter.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette has your Week 2 college football schedule on TV.

Keith Groller at the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says the NFL is back on TV.

Sheil Kapadia of Philadelphia Magazine reports that former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is headed to television.

Dave Hughes from DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that legendary Voice of the University of Maryland sports, Johnny Holliday will be honored in November.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with NBC’s Al Michaels who’s in his 25th year of calling the National Football League’s premier primetime game.

Adam H. Beasley at the Miami Herald recaps the season finale of HBO’s Hard Knocks.

Steve Svekis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel notes that Hard Knocks showed all of the Miami Dolphins’ warts.

Eric Deggans of the Tampa Bay Tribune likes that the NFL on Fox’s Michael Strahan is joining Kelly Ripa on “Live”.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle has CBS’ Jim Nantz and Phil Simms being bullish on the Texans’ chances this season.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes that last Saturday’s OU-UTEP game was the lowest rated Sooners game in five years.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that NBC Sports Radio launched around the country last night, but not in the Queen City.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob Wolfley looks at Dwayne Wade’s new autobiography.

Paul M. Banks at Chicago Sports Media Watch notes that Notre Dame football radio analyst Allen Pinkett has been suspended for comments he made about recruiting criminals for the program.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post profiles a long-time local sports radio host.

Scott D. Pierce of the Salt Lake Tribune tells us what we already know, that the NFL is the king of sports television.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says the NHL’s Canadian TV partners have been notoriously silent about the impending lockout.

Sports Media Watch says ESPN has added a former referee to the Monday Night Football lineup.

Dave Kohl of the Broadcast Booth says Fox Sports almost lost its college football opener when its MLB games went long.

That’s going to do it for now.

NBC Sports Radio Network Launches Tonight

The first of two new national sports radio networks will debut tonight. NBC Sports Radio Network in association with Dial Global Radio will launch at 7 p.m. ET with the Erik Kuselias Show. At 10 p.m., Amani Toomer and Shander debut. And at 1 a.m. ET, Dan Schwartzman takes you through the overnight hours until 5 a.m. Other dayparts will be filled as time progresses.

The network launches on 178 affiliates nationwide. The programming can be heard through NBC’s website.

Here’s the NBC Sports press release announcing the launch.

NBC SPORTS RADIO IS ON THE AIR

178 Stations Affiliated with NBC Sports Radio at Launch
Bob Costas, Tony Dungy, Michele Tafoya, Rodney Harrison, Mike Florio and Peter King are Day 1 Guests

NEW YORK, NY, September 4, 2012 – Dial Global (NASDAQ: DIAL) and the NBC Sports Group are proud to roll out the live debut of NBC Sports Radio, airing on 178 stations nationwide.

NBC Sports Radio is now live with a lineup of veteran personalities and Super Bowl champions hosting weekday and weekend programming. Bob Costas, Tony Dungy, Michele Tafoya, Rodney Harrison, Mike Florio, Peter King and other NBC Sports commentators will be calling into the NBC Sports Radio shows tonight to kick off the launch. There will be more big-name guest segments each week on NBC Sports Radio.

The NBC Sports Radio roster includes:

• The Erik Kuselias Show, Monday-Friday 7-10pm, ET
• Amani and Eytan, Monday-Friday 10pm-1am, ET: featuring former NFL pro Amani Toomer and Eytan Shander
• The Dan Schwartzman Show, Tuesday-Saturday 1am-5am, ET
• Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison-, two-hour weekend show featuring former NFL All-Pro Rodney Harrison
• 24/7 anchored national updates featuring Jon Stashower, Kay Adams and Dan Schwartzman

All NBC Sports Radio content can be heard via simulcast on www.nbcsportsradio.com.

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global adds, “This is a great day in sports radio and we’re proud to have 178 affiliates share it with us. Our main goal from day one has been to deliver great content for radio stations and we are excited to finally hit the field and play. ”

Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures and International, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to launch the newest platform in the NBC Sports Group family. With 178 affiliates on board at launch and a great starting talent line-up, the sky is the limit for NBC Sports Radio.”

That’s all.

A Few Back To Work Tuesday Sports Media Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day Weekend. Let’s do a few sports media thoughts for you on this back to work Tuesday. They’re in bullet form as always.

• In this week’s Sports Business Journal, John Ourand reports that both Fox and CBS/Turner are looking to combine packages to force the other out of the MLB TV business. As you know, ESPN renewed its rights deal with MLB keeping Sunday, Monday and Wednesday Night Baseball and getting one Wild Card Playoff Game.

  Now with one half of the MLB contract settled, it appears MLB is pitting Fox and Turner against each other. In the SBJ article which is currently behind the dreaded paywall, Ourand says Fox is proposing to take Turner’s playoff games which includes the Division Series and one League Championship Series and all of Turner’s regular season games. Fox would place the earlier playoffs plus most of its regular season inventory onto its current Speed channel which would be converted to all-sports and Ourand says it would called “Fox Sports 1″.

  For its part, Turner informed MLB that it would interested in not only keeping its current package, but also taking Fox’s package including the All-Star Game plus its half of the MLB Postseason. Turner would bring in CBS to air the All-Star Game, some LCS games and the World Series.

  It would be interesting if MLB decides to combine the two packages or just keep them separate. Plus it appears that ESPN won’t be receiving more than the one Wild Card Playoff unless MLB decides to throw the other bids out.

  And it also appears NBC is on the outside looking in for now.

  The MLB bidding is turning out to be quite intriguing. I would like to see NBC back in baseball, but it appears that MLB wants to keep at least two of its current partners.

• Last week’s announcement that Vin Scully was returning to call Los Angeles Dodgers games next season was welcomed on this end. The man is a national treasure and still is the best at calling baseball. Here’s hoping that he’ll at least one more World Series before he decides to retire.
• The NBC Sports Radio Network officially launches today with a nighttime lineup which includes Mr. Know It All, Erik Kuselias. While the dayparts from 7 p.m. — 5 a.m. ET have been filled and affiliates across the country have been signed up, the more important morning drive and midday slots have yet to be slotted. The big question is if NBC can bring in Dan Patrick for the 9 a.m. — noon slot.
• Nice to have college football back, although I’m not sure having Georgia Tech-Virginia Tech to end Week 1 on Labor Day was the best of ideas.
• Thanks to a horrid Red Sox season, I have not been more ready for the NFL than I am right now.
• I’ve enjoyed having CBS and CBS Sports Network combine coverage for the U.S. Open, although cutting off right at 6 p.m. on Sunday and giving way to Tennis Channel was a bit abrupt.

That’s going to do it for now.

A Few Wednesday Sports Media Thoughts

I’ll provide a few thoughts as we hit midweek. They’ll be in bullet form, of course.

• First, here’s hoping the people of New Orleans will be ok in the midst of Hurricane Isaac. They’ve put up with way too much from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Gustav and the BP oil spill, I pray they endure this without major damage.
• I’m going to be interested to see how Fox Sports’ new primetime college football package is going to fare against ESPN’s venerable lineup. Fox will focus on the Big 12 and Pac-12. ESPN/ABC can tap plenty of major conferences from the Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC and place any big game it wants on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2. We’ll see if Fox can hold its own.
• As both CBS and NBC attempt to get their sports radio networks off the ground, both are hoping to get that big name to anchor their lineup. CBS has Doug Gottlieb thus far. The rest of the dayparts have to be filled. NBC has Erik Kuselias plus a few other hires including Rodney Harrison for a weekend show. One of the X Factors for NBC is if it can land Dan Patrick and lure him away from DirecTV/Fox Sports Radio and get him for the 9 a.m. – noon ET slot. That would give NBC some credibility, stations and a big hole filled.
• Original MLB Network reporter Trenni Kusnierek, who’s been co-hosting an afternoon drive radio show in Milwaukee, is shipping up to  Boston where she will become an anchor/reporter for Comcast SportsNet New England. In effect, she replaces Nicole Zaloumis who is at NFL Network.
• While the Pac-12 Networks have launched up and down the West Coast, it has yet to sign satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network. Issues include the high price per subscriber and the seven networks under the Pac-12 umbrella. DirecTV just wants to carry the national network, but the league wants it to pick up everything. No sign of an agreement with either provider in the near future.
• And speaking of disputes, Time Warner Cable continues its holdout of NFL Network. While the network was able to pick up Cablevision this month, it still can’t get Time Warner in the fold. And it appears that there isn’t an agreement in sight. Time Warner can create its own Southern California regional sports network and attempt to get the Dodgers, but it remains steadfast in its refusal to provide NFL Network and also continues to be stubborn in not picking up MASN in North Carolina. It’s all about power and money in these disputes and who will blink first. Right now, neither Time Warner nor NFL Network are willing to talk. That’s too bad for the consumer.
• It’s unfortunate that none of NBCUniversal’s networks will carry the Paralympics live which begin this week in London. NBC Sports Network will air taped specials in September. Not good enough. Many of these athletes are quite courageous and it would be nice to get some live coverage to learn their stories. It’s not necessary for NBC to pick it up, but how about NBC Sports Network or Universal Sports? They need the inventory. C’mon, NBC.

And we’re done.

Your Tuesday Linkage

Let’s do some Tuesday links.

We’ll start with Matt Hayes of AOL Sporting News and he writes that the BCS is looking for a $5 billion TV deal over a decade for its new college football playoff.

In the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Michael Bradley says the new college football playoff still can be improved.

Eric Fisher and John Ourand of Sports Business Journal write that the Washington Nationals and MASN continue to be at odds over what the team’s TV rights are worth.

Maury Brown in Baseball Prospectus goes inside the Nats/MASN TV rights dispute.

Mark Buteau and Alex Duff of Bloomberg report that NBC has signed a long-term extension to lock in the Tour de France.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter says CBC and CTV are dropping their joint bidfor the 2014/2016 Olympic Games.

Charlie Warzel of Adweek says the PGA and Turner Sports are parting ways as the golf association will handle its digital rights in-house and no longer outsource it to Turner.

Tim Baysinger from Broadcasting & Cable writes that Ion will provide the WWE with a third night of programming.

In Multichannel News, Tim has an article about NFL Network’s NFL AM show.

Media Life Magazine notes that a Spanish language ad ran during ABC’s NBA Finals broadcasts.

Ty Duffy at The Big Lead says CBS’ Jim Nantz is now pimping his own wine label. Surprised it’s not called “Hello, Friends.”

Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing has the amazing video of Mike Tyson on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption giving a preview of his new one-man Broadway play.

Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy notes that the KHL has officially announced plans to play in the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn while trashing New York’s Madison Square Garden in the process.

The ESPN Front Row blog fires a shot at the new upstarts CBS Sports Radio and NBC Sports Radio Network on behalf of ESPN Radio.

Ben Lee at Digital Spy UK says Wimbledon’s primetime coverage on BBC2 drew over a million viewers.

Tara Pringle Jefferson at Loop 21 has six questions for ESPN’s Sage Steele.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says NBA Draft prospect Anthony Davis has trademarked his unibrow.

Darren wonders if US Olympic 100 meter sprinter Justin Gatlin can be marketable once again after sitting out a four year ban for steroids.

Sports Video Group notes that NESN has signedanother content sharing agreement with a third New England TV station, this time in Vermont.

All Access interviews a radio industry analyst who feels the new CBS Sports Radio will do well for the parent company.

Ian Bethune at Sox & Dawgs has the funny video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy entertaining the viewers during a Red Sox rain delay last night.

Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston writes about the Red Sox being in no rush to replace their late public address announcer Carl Beane.

Claire Atkinson of the New York Post reports that a positive FCC ruling for Tennis Channel in its carriage dispute against Comcast could lead to more viewers for the network and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Bob’s Blitz has WFAN’s schedule for Sunday when it celebrates 25 years as the Nation’s first sports radio station.

Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday notes that E! will air a special on New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow.

Neil Best of Newsday looks at ESPN’s start-to-finish coverage of Wimbledon.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has MLB Network’s live game schedule through the end of July.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call profiles a former local sports anchor who’s making his mark in Detroit.

Laura Nachman says a part-timer at Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia is now part of the regional sports network’s starting team.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that Washingtonian magazine readers aren’t enamored with the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin.

Tom Jones of the Tampa Bay Times chastises readers who complained about weather alerts about Tropical Storm Debby that cut into sports action.

At the Miami Herald, Barry Jackson looks at anti-Heat media comments almost a week after the team won the NBA Championship.

Marc Weiszer of the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald writes that ESPN is producing a documentary on the 2008 SEC Tournament game between Alabama and Mississippi State that was interrupted by a tornado that ripped through Atlanta.

Jimmy Smith of the New Orleans Times Picayune reports that the Hornets will have the soon-to-be Fox Sports New Orleans to call their home. Fox Sports NO will replace Cox Sports which is getting out of the pro sports business.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says NFL Network will air clips of a Brett Favre interview all week long.

Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business says the local Comcast SportsNet affiliate will launch a new trivia game show.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has a clip of Frank Deford’s appearance on last night’s Colbert Report.

Simon Houpt and Steve Ladurantaye of the Toronto Globe and Mail look at CBC and CTV ending their joint bid for the 2014/16 Olympics after two prices were rejected.

Ann Dempsey from the Toronto Star also has a story on the CBC/CTV disbanding.

Bill Harris in the Toronto Sun says Olympic viewing in Canada after this year is up in the air.

Monika Warzecha of Toronto Life wonders if Canadians will be stuck watching NBC for the 2014/16 Olympics.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog notes TSN did well in showing the NHL Draft and EURO 2012.

Sports Media Watch has some various ratings news and notes.

Emmett Jones at Sports Business Digest says NBC and Shazam have teamed up to provide interactive coverage of the London Olympics.

And that’s going do it for our linkage.

A Few Sports Media Bullet Points

Ok, as we’re all in denial over the Miami Heat winning the NBA Championship, it’s time for a few sports media thoughts. Too many things to go over, but I’ll do my best to cover as many things as I can.

As always, we do them in bullet form. And to drown out the thoughts of LeBron James celebrating, I’m listening to Korn on my iPad at the highest volume.

• Over 24 hours since first learning about Darren Rovell’s decision to leave CNBC for ESPN and I’m still baffled. Now, over all the sports media free agents I’ve mentioned or heard about for 2012, Darren’s name never came up. Darren who started his career at ESPN and left for CNBC in 2006 seemed to be happy with the NBCUniversal, having his own show on NBC Sports Network, his own CNBC site, and occasional appearances on NBC Sports events.

  But when the Worldwide Leader comes a’calling, you have to listen. Deadspin reported Thursday that Disney will pay Rovell $500,000 to file reports for both ABC News and ESPN.

  I don’t know if he’ll have his own show as he did with NBC Sports Network, I tend to doubt it. But the timing is rather interesting. Just after getting the sports business show that he had been clamoring, Darren leaves.

  ESPN has made a few recent sports business hires including Kristi Dosh and Michelle Steele. I wonder if ESPN is making a concerted effort to cover sports business again.

  And as we know, Darren is a prolific tweeter. Will his penchant for Twitter be controlled under ESPN’s social media policy? I’m sure this will all be addressed down the line.

• CBS Radio’s announcement that it was launching a sports radio network came as a surprise. The timing came just ten days after NBC announced it was launching a radio network of its own.

  This makes an already crowded radio scene even more so. Considering you have ESPN which has been firmly established since the 1990′s, Fox Sports Radio, Yahoo and even the Sports USA Radio Network, one wonders if there’s enough room for one more national radio net let alone two.

  Personally, I love to see more networks because competition can only lead to better programming, however, economic realities tell you that one of these fledgling entities may not make it.

  The eyeball test from the outset shows that CBS has the best infrastructure having already established sports stations in several major markets that will be part of CBS Sports Radio. Plus teaming with Cumulus Media’s 67 stations cross the country helps the reach.

  As for NBC, it’s just getting back into the radio business after General Electric had sold the Radio Network to Westwood One and its entire radio station group to various owners. It will partner with the former Westwood One now known as Dial Global.

  The question is whether this will lead to a bidding war for sports properties. ESPN Radio has the BCS, MLB and the NBA while Dial Global has the NFL, NCAA Championships and The Masters.

  Suddenly radio is red hot once again and I like it. And as SportsbyBrooks pointed out, it could lead to more poaching of ESPN talent by CBS and NBC to fill programming slots.

• I was disappointed to learn that Radio Wimbledon will not be handling the worldwide audio play-by-play of the Championships Wimbledon starting next week.

  Last October, Wimbledon’s parent, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club accepted a bid from IMG to take over the radio rights to call the matches. The new entity called Live@Wimbledon will be using some, but not all of Radio Wimbledon’s team. Over the years, Radio Wimbledon had been the only link to live tennis when NBC was pulling its tape delay shenanigans. Unfortunately, despite Radio Wimby attracting 2.7 million listeners in 2011, the AELTC decided to take IMG’s money and ruin a very good service for the fortnight.

  Radio Wimbledon will be missed.

• As Sports Business Journal reported this week, Fox Sports has begun talks with NASCAR in hopes of extending its current contract. It expires in 2014.

  As Fox has been successful in obtaining rights to the FIFA World Cup, Big 12 and Pac-12, the thinking behind many of these acquisitions has been to play keep away from NBC Sports Group. You know that with NASCAR rights in play, NBC Sports would love nothing more than to add inventory to NBCSN.

  If Fox is successful, it leaves only TNT’s mid-season Sprint Cup races and ESPN’s Chase for the Cup races being up for grabs. And both Turner and ESPN want to prevent NBC from grabbing their packages.

  With MLB, NASCAR, the Big East and the NBA negotiations all unsettled thus far, NBC still has a chance to lure one if not all to its war chest.

• Lastly, the aforementioned SportsbyBrooks tweeted that Chris Berman will call the late game for Monday Night Football’s season opening doubleheader on September 10. And in addition, he’ll call one preseason game as practice. If you thought the venom towards Berman is bad when he calls the U.S. Open or the All-Star Home Run Derby, just wait until he does the NFL. It’s probably best that ESPN public relations stay off social media on the nights Berman calls the NFL.

And that will conclude the thoughts. Enjoy your Friday.

NBC Sports Group and Dial Global Radio Announce “NBC Sports Radio Network”

This from the NBC Sports Group, NBC and Dial Global Radio are forming the NBC Sports Radio Network. It will begin operation in September with hourly sports news updates and various commentaries. Then long form programming will start later with shows that will be streamed at both NBCSports.com and DialGlobal.com.

Programming will be made available as podcasts for personal downloading. Expect to hear commentaries from the likes of Bob Costas, Al Michaels, Erik “The Butcher” Kuselias, Michelle Beadle, Russ Thaler and others. Not sure if Dan Patrick’s radio contract would allow him to take part in this venture, but with Dial Global’s reach, perhaps he could change distributors down the line.

Here’s the announcement.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND DIAL GLOBAL PARTNER TO FORM THE NBC SPORTS RADIO NETWORK

New National Sports Radio Network Begins in September, to Include Regional Daily Sports Updates

NEW YORK, NY, June 11, 2012 – The NBC Sports Group and Dial Global (NASDAQ: DIAL) announced a partnership today to create the NBC Sports Radio Network. Beginning in September, the network will be distributed to radio stations nationwide by Dial Global.

The network’s content will include hourly sports news updates, daily features as well as full-length shows.
In addition to distribution on terrestrial radio stations, NBC Sports’ audio content will be available on a wide variety of digital platforms. Live shows will be streamed onNBCSports.com, DialGlobalSports.com, affiliate stations’ websites and other streaming services. On-demand short-form audio content will also be distributed online and through podcasts and other digital applications. Dial Global will be the exclusive ad and affiliate sales representative to the network.

“We are thrilled to bring the rich heritage of NBC Sports to listeners across national radio for the first time,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. “By adding radio to our broadcast, cable, regional, and digital assets, the NBC Sports Radio Network will give sports fans a new way to interact with the NBC Sports Group day in and day out.”

“Dial Global is excited to partner with NBC Sports Group to expand upon Dial Global’s live play-by-play platform. We are confident that with NBC’s sports assets, we will create a leading full service sports network and bring great sports audio to listeners across America,” said Spencer Brown, Co-CEO of Dial Global.

Tapping into the NBC Sports Group’s unique mix of national and local assets, the NBC Sports Radio Network will provide stations both national and regional sports content. Listeners may hear hourly sports updates, long-form shows and features hosted by national NBC Sports voices, NBC Sports Regional Networks on-air personalities, or NBC affiliate sportscasters, depending upon location. Specific programming and commentator details will be announced at a later date.

“Dial Global is the perfect partner for us in this new endeavor because of their unsurpassed national radio experience, relationships and infrastructure,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures and International. “We look forward to growing the NBC Sports Radio Network together.”

“With the combination of Dial Global’s market-leading play-by-play and the growing NBC Sports Group’s brand and talent, we are building an exciting and unique opportunity for the market that will bring new voice to sports radio that will quickly make an impact” said Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President/GM of Dial Global.

This partnership expands upon the existing radio relationship between Dial Global and NBCUniversal, which includes NBC News, The Weather Channel, NBC Olympics and more. Earlier this year, NBC News partnered with Dial Global to create NBC News Radio—a 24-hour radio news network distributing news reports and content to over 700 stations nationwide.

Back in the mid-1980′s under owner General Electric, NBC got out of the radio business, selling its radio network to Westwood One. Now under Comcast, NBC is getting back into radio through Westwood One’s new owners in Dial Global. What’s old is new again. And I’m happy to see NBC back into radio.

We’ll see if it can make a dent in a crowded sports network lineup that includes ESPN, Fox and Yahoo.