Changes Coming to the Denver Sports Talk Radio Spectrum ? [Archive]

Rob

May 13th, 2013, 09:50 PM

Here's the article linked above:

Tuesday, 07 May 2013 11:45
Radio Row: Is a seismic shakeup coming to Denver Sports Radio?
Written by Colin Daniels

"Sports radio in Colorado is a little like the weather here. If you don’t like it just wait awhile. It’ll change. And there’s a sense that another seismic shift is coming. It’s difficult to say just what will happen and when, but the ground is definitely rumbling"

Sports radio in Colorado is a little like the weather here. If you don’t like it just wait awhile. It’ll change. And there’s a sense that another seismic shift is coming. It’s difficult to say just what will happen and when, but the ground is definitely rumbling. The current lineups at 104.3 the Fan, 102.3 ESPN radio and a Mile High Sports Radio have remained remarkably stable for a great many months with the only notable change having been the clever addition of Tom Nalen in studio with Less Shapiro at 102.3 in the noon-three slot. Otherwise, things have been quiet for longer than they usually tend to be in the tumultuous universe of Denver Sports Radio. Sandy Clough is still on nine to noon, Mike Evans is still with Joel Klatt, CJ and Kreckman are still on opposite the Drive with Big Al and Dmac and the Press Box with Kiszla and Burns is still the best show in the mornings. But will this now-familiar agenda remain by the time summer ends?

A couple of major factors could influence the lineups around the Sports Radio dial. The most significant is the ESPN Radio syndicated programming currently being provided by Front Range Broadcasting at 102.3. There’s a chance that the contract to carry it could shift to 104.3 the Fan which would lead to major changes in strategy for both the Fan and for Front Range, which would either need to return to the “live and local” format it incorporated back when 102.3 was still called “the Ticket” or close up shop altogether.

According to sources, Front Range has a contractual obligation to offer ESPN Deportes Spanish language programming. Until recently that programming was aired at 87.7 FM but it no longer is. The station is just dead-air. The absence of ESPN Deportes has led to speculation that Front Range is having financial difficulties that could force ESPN to partner with Lincoln Financial, the company that owns the Fan, to air its popular shows like Mike and Mike in the Morning and the Herd with Colin Cowherd. That would leave seven-hour hole in 102.3’s daily schedule.

ESPN returning to the Fan would result a dirge of talent at 104.3. Shows currently slotted in the mornings would have to be shifted to afternoons and evenings and some shows would vaporize altogether. The Fan would probably no longer choose the air the Drive with Big Al and Dmac twice per day as it currently does. It’s likely that, assuming 102.3 remains a going concern that some people currently working for the Fan would shift over there.

Another factor that could help change the Denver Sports Radio landscape is if Channel 4’s Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller are to finally get a new show. The previous incarnation of their program, which aired on the old “Ticket”, was enormously popular and listeners have been clamoring to have it back. If one of the stations can get the TV duo into the fold, it will have an instant lock on whatever time slot the show in plopped into. If Vic and Gary did mornings like they did before it’s possible that they would be on opposite syndicated programming on one station and the Press Box with Kiszla and Burns on Mile High Sports. Vic and Gary could also wind up in an afternoon slot, swapping blows with Nate Kreckman and Charles Johnson, Big Al and Dmac or Eric Goodman at Mile High Sports.

Some familiar local voices are currently working without a contract and others who do have deals will see them expire during the summer of 2013. It’s likely that there will be some movement between stations. Tom Nalen is one talented talker who could make a shift. Another is Brandon Krizstal, who recently moved back to Denver after a stint in New York with CBS Sports. If you’re pleased with the current slate of programs in the Denver Sports Radio market, you’re likely to be disappointed soon. If you aren’t happy with the lineups, just give it some time. Just like with our pesky Denver weather, things can change very quickly.