Friday, October 12, 2012

ESPN Radio Is About To Get Blitzed


After dominating for two decades, ESPN will take a big hit come January, when Cumulus Media will drop its programming from 47 stations and pick up rival CBS Sports Radio.

In addition, Cumulus will syndicate CBS to other independent stations and work to woo Madison Avenue.

Claire Atkinson at nypost.com is reporting  the moves are part of the partnership Cumulus struck with CBS over the summer to help get the fledgling sports radio network off the ground.

CBS also boasts a sizable radio presence with its own stations in big markets, including New York, Boston and Dallas. It owns WFAN-AM, one of New York’s most popular sports stations.

As a result, CBS Sports Radio will air on around 100 stations, reaching about 10 million households, when it officially launches on Jan. 2. It also claims it will be the “most listened to sports radio network in the top 50 markets.”

ESPN, however, will continue to beat in total audience by a long shot.

The long-time leader boasts 350 station affiliates and reaches an estimated 30 million households.


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