The Raiders, who have long been unable to secure a top radio outlet that would enhance their brand, should make an attempt to buy KTRB and turn it into a KNBR-like radio fortress benefiting the Silver and Black.
Since the Raiders return back to the Bay Area sixteen years ago, they have not been able to secure a big station to broadcast their games and related content.
In the late 90's and early 2000's they meandered from KNBR 1050, (The Ticket) to KSFO and now, via Compass Broadcasts, 1550 AM and 105.3 FM.
None of those stations have the availability nor format that could benefit the Raiders vision of an all-sports outlet that would program around the franchise's games, news, and yes, of course, talk shows, a la KNBR that builds its content around the Giants, Warriors, and 49ers.
I don't know the specifics of the Raiders' deal with CBS/Compass, but I'm quite sure there are buyouts and/or options that would allow both clients to negate the current deal.
The Raiders would love the opportunity to have in possession a clear, 50,000-watt radio station that could be the centerpiece of their product and more importantly, build up and act as a virtual 24/7 advertisement of their business.
KTRB, now virtually a radio albatross without the A's and operating on an audio prayer, would be ripe for the picking. Their receivership-status and lack of real programming makes them a potential bargain. I don't think Comerica, (the bank that owns them) could have such a more ripe time to make a deal with a ready and willing potential buyer.
What's a few million bucks for an NFL franchise looking for a strong radio broadcast wing that would boost its presence in the 4th largest market in the country? At the very least, I'm betting it'd be a great outlet to sell tickets and promote the team.
Yes, there's a myriad of obstacles that would negate a deal, but not big enough to which nothing could be negotiated. This is a no-brainer. The Raiders should hop on this immediately. It makes too much sense.
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