Birmingham Sports Host Paul Finebaum Remains Unsigned

Paul Finebaum

Radio fans of Paul Finebaum's enormously popular afternoon radio show in Birmingham likely will have to wait three months before they get their next Finebaum fix.

Finebaum's contract with Birmingham sports-talk station WJOX-FM and its owner, Cumulus Media, expired January 21, and the two parties did not agree on a new deal.

WJOX has removed any reference to Finebaum from its website, and al.com reports Cumulus has shut down "The Paul Finebaum Radio Network" website.

Meanwhile, the Cox Media Group, which owns rival sports station WZNN ESPN 97.3 The Zone, has made it loud and clear for well over a year now that it wants Finebaum on its team.

However, Cumulus has 90 days to match any deal that Cox or anybody else would offer Finebaum, and if it were to so, he would have to remain at WJOX. After that 90-day window closes, though, Finebaum is essentially a free agent and may go wherever he chooses.

In addition to Cox, Finebaum has other, national suitors, including discussions with ESPN that include both television and radio (and would allow Finebaum to appear on 97.3 The Zone), and talks with SiriusXM Satellite Radio about being the exclusive provider of "The Paul Finebaum Radio Network." SiriusXM had simulcast Finebaum's show when it was on WJOX.

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