Jim Rome Officially Joins CBS Sports Radio

We knew this was coming, but today, we get the official announcement. Jim Rome will become part of CBS Sports Radio when it launches full-time on January 2, 2012. He’ll be in his traditional noon to 3 p.m. ET slot that he currently occupies at Premiere Radio Networks. Rome’s show will lead into the previously announced Doug Gottlieb Show that will air from 3-6 p.m. ET.

In addition to his show, Rome will offer commentaries in the CBS Sports Minute that is already being offered to CBS and Cumulus-owned radio stations.

As part his contract that he signed last year with CBS, Rome will appear on CBS Sports on its major events, Showtime, CBS Sports Network where he already has a nightly show and now CBS Sports Radio so you could say he’s all in on CBS platforms.

We have the official announcement from CBS Sports Radio.

JIM ROME JOINS CBS SPORTS RADIO

Newly Created Radio Network To Launch On Jan. 2, 2013

CBS Sports Radio today announced the newest member of its line-up for when the nation’s largest 24/7 major-market radio network launches next year. Jim Rome will serve as host of The Jim Rome Show, broadcast live weekdays from 12:00 Noon-3:00PM, ET beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Also at the start of the new year, Rome will provide his unique take on the day’s sports headlines via the CBS Sports Minute, 60-second commentaries that can be heard hourly on CBS Sports Radio affiliate stations. Rome recently signed a multi-year agreement with CBS contributing across a variety of platforms. In addition to his weekday ROME show on CBS Sports Network, he provides commentary for CBS Sports and CBSSports.com. Further, Rome will also be hosting a talk series for Showtime, which will air later this Fall on the premium network.

“Jim would be at the top of any list highlighting sports radio’s most authoritative and opinionated hosts which is exactly why we’re thrilled to welcome him to CBS Sports Radio,” said Dan Mason, President and CEO, CBS RADIO.  “We are building a network that showcases the incredible assets of CBS RADIO and CBS Sports, and creating a strategic opportunity for growth in this untapped marketplace. Jim’s presence in this marquee timeperiod adds strength to our lineup and exceptional value to our advertisers.”

“I am excited for the continued opportunity to extend my personal contributions to the various platforms that this incredible company has to offer,” said Rome. “I am proud to be a part of the CBS family and look forward to the successful launch of CBS Sports Radio.”

Perhaps the most respected voice in the world of sports broadcasting, Rome is one of the leading opinion-makers of his generation. Best known for his aggressive, informed, rapid-fire dialogue, Rome has established himself as the top choice of athletes and fans when it’s time to know what is going on beyond the scoreboard.

For more than 15 years, Rome has hosted a nationally syndicated radio program, “The Jim Rome Show,” a.k.a. “The Jungle,” reaching millions of listeners nationwide. His show on ESPN, “Rome Is Burning,” signed off in January 2012 after airing for six years.

Rome previously served as host of the popular program “The Last Word with Jim Rome,” broadcast nightly on Fox Sports Net, for five years. Prior to that, he spent a two-year stint hosting ESPN2’s Talk2, a nightly one-hour interview show. Rome began his radio career at KTMS, Santa Barbara as the “$5-an-hour” traffic reporter and covered UC Santa Barbara’s sports. He left KTMS for San Diego’s all-sports station, XTRA Sports 690, where he created “The Jim Rome Show.” The show was first syndicated in 1996.

In addition to his extensive sports broadcasting career, Rome has made cameo appearances alongside Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey in “Two For The Money,” with Adam Sandler in “The Longest Yard” and opposite Michael Jordan in “Space Jam”; appeared in blink-182’s music video; appeared on HBO’s “Arliss;” and released a CD, Welcome to the Jungle, which features memorable sound bites from frequent callers and the hip music regularly used on his radio show.

CBS Sports Radio will offer around-the-clock national sports coverage and programming, harnessing the power and resources of CBS RADIO and the award-winning CBS Sports. High-profile figures from CBS Sports, CBS Sports Network and CBSSports.com will play a prominent role on CBS Sports Radio which will reach more than 10 million listeners at launch. Original programs across multiple weekday and weekend time periods will feature expert sports commentary and interviews with major sports figures along with listener calls and fan interaction. It was previously announced that Doug Gottlieb will serve as host of afternoons (weekdays, 3:00-6:00 PM, ET) on CBS Sports Radio.

Cumulus Media Networks serves as the exclusive syndicator and sales partner for CBS Sports Radio.

That will do it.

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013. He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television. Fang celebrates the three Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

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