That's not the story.
The new, Entercom-owned "All-Sports" 95.7 FM, which just recently won broadcast rights to the A's and San Jose Sharks, had talked to the Stanford sports officials about possibly joining the FM outlet. Out of the blue came Cumulus' KNBR.
A source close to the negotiations told me that Stanford was genuinely interested with 95.7, but that a partnership with KNBR, (which KNBR initiated and pushed) was ultimately approved by Stanford Athletic director, Bob Bowlsby.
Two major factors: Although 1050 AM does not have the audio signal of a strong FM outlet like 95.7, the advantages of an established station with sports programming, (albeit mostly syndicated,) was a major plus.
Another huge factor: Stanford's basketball included in the deal. While basketball is important, Stanford's football team has more cachet, (particularly with Andrew Luck returning)--the idea of the basketball program getting all its 30 or so games broadcast was a major caveat to the deal
95.7 FM reportedly balked at the idea of having to broadcast basketball. That wasn't the deal-breaker, but it was significant.
In the large context, this isn't going to make or break either entity, but it does signify the beginning of a new local radio war. Score the first hit to KNBR.
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"Although 1050 AM does not have the audio signal of a strong FM outlet like 95.7..." ??
ReplyDeleteWhat is your definition of a strong audio signal? 1050 can be heard in a much larger geographical area than 95.7 FM.
In a way good-KNBR fills so much air time with live sports..no time for the idiot talk shows they run.
ReplyDeleteIf I want to hear talk..then WOLF. But,they got to change that name.. to World Of Loving Fans..like that.
1050 comes in loud and clear all over the South Bay. 957 sounds sub par and makes me wish they had an am outlet to simulcast with.
ReplyDeleteHow can 957 be the new home of the sharks when the signal is not totally clear in the market the team plays in? They better remain on 98.5 KFOX as well next season or you will have some pissed of Shark fans
There's a reason why we like competition, not monopolies.
ReplyDeleteGuess Ktrb is now done. Does Sportsbyline pay to air thier shows on that station?.
ReplyDeleteKnow that 1050 airs Jt the brick guess they locked up? fox sports radio and 95.7 has the sporting news radio. No other sports talk options are left.
1050 is better choice for stanford what good is it to broadcast games if you cannot hear it in your home area.