Detroit Radio: Three Broadcasters Vying For Tigers, Red Wings

The former flagship station for Tigers and Red Wings radio broadcasts has re-emerged as a player in contract negotiations for 2016 and beyond, according to The Detroit News.

Officials from WJR 760 AM, which carried Tigers and Red Wings broadcasts for decades ahead of their move to a statewide network of affiliates, are beginning conversations with Ilitch Holdings on a new relationship.

Also making a full-throttle bid to retain Tigers and Red Wings broadcasts will be CBS Radio, which owns current base stations WXYT 1270 AM and The Ticket FM 97.1, the Metro Detroit powerhouses for a 39-affiliate, three-state network that won Tigers-Red Wings radio rights in 2001.

A third bidder also will be involved, sources say, and could raise the stakes on any new deal: Greater Media Inc., which owns three FM stations — WCSX, WRIF, and WMGC (which also carries Pistons broadcasts).

No officials at WJR would comment, nor would executives at Atlanta-based Cumulus Media, which owns WJR. But industry and team sources have verified WJR, which carried the Tigers from 1964-2000, is making its pitch during discussions that have formally begun. In addition to Greater Media's push, CBS Radio will be involved in potential renewal talks and is considered a favorite to retain those rights.

WJR's re-entry into Tigers radio discussions indicates the station is serious about returning to a sports landscape it once dominated. The Tigers were a WJR staple from 1964-2000, when a 50,000-watt station, with its clear channel could be heard in 35 states and half of Canada.

The Red Wings became part of WJR's portfolio in the 1960s and remained there until they joined the Tigers in a defection to WXYT and its partners in 2001.

The dial becomes more habitually set to an originating station. That, in turn, means more listeners during non-game hours, which can elevate ad rates and overall revenue.

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