Sports Radio- interesting times....

Topic ONE:
Lots of chatter lately about the possibility of TSN adding a sports radio network to the list of their growing properties. Would only make sense since they have the people already in place to make it work. Simply take your TV on-air talent and work them a little more doing various radio shows. Afterall, it's worked quite well for many years in the US with ESPN Radio. According to an article by Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe this week, it's suggested that rather than try what CHUM did in 2001 with an national network, TSN may focus more on the Toronto market plus take on the FAN 590. Smart move. Personally, having been part of the failed TEAM Network in Edmonton, it became quite obvious to all after 18 months that local was the way to go. If TSN does this right, it could work to perfection on many fronts.

Topic TWO:
IF this TSN thing were to happen... the timing of this couldn't be better for the Edmonton Oilers... I'm just not sure they know it. With the local Oilers radio rights up for grabs at the conclusion of this season, wouldn't it be astute to purchase a local station and flip it to all sports and then team up with TSN Radio? Run all your product (NHL, WHL and Minor League Baseball) during prime time and repeat it overnight to give your sponsors a double shot. Then fill the key time slots with good local programming and use the TSN National Radio shows to fill the gaps. Then hit the streets and sell the crap out of it combining radio, board and scoreboard signage etc to drive local advertising dollars. You could push the brand 24/7. Wow. Pretty powerful. All hypothetical of course.

Topic THREE:
Rogers Sportsnet didn't waste any time. With all the rumbles and rumours of TSN considering a jump into the radio biz, they jumped first. Both the FAN 590 in Toronto and FAN 960 in Calgary flipped this afternoon to Sportsnet Radio FAN stations. So it begins. Stay tuned.

Topic BONUS:
How could ALL of this affect the current local sports radio stations across the country? Well, the new Rogers arrangement or even the rumoured TSN radio network could do a couple of things. It could either drive the local guys higher or absolutely pull them under, unable to compete with a new player(s) with deep pockets. All depends on how the current station reacts to the changing radio landscape. Those who freeze in fear may die a quick and messy death, while those who embrace opportunity could be greatly rewarded.



I'm outta here!