CBS, Cumulus Partner To Launch New Sports Network

New Network

CBS CORPORATION is launching a 24-hour, seven-day a week sports radio network, CBS SPORTS RADIO, to be aired on several of its Sports format stations and in syndication through CUMULUS MEDIA NETWORKS, with 67 CUMULUS-owned stations adding the programming as well.

"As one of the leading media companies in the world, and a dominant force in sports programming, we look forward to bringing to bear the full resources of CBS and capitalizing on an exciting new growth opportunity for the company," said CBS President and CEO LESLIE MOONVES.  "CBS SPORTS and CBS RADIO have been widely recognized for their outstanding contributions to sports broadcasting.  This next step in their evolution will serve an ever-expanding audience of sports fans from coast to coast."

"We are pleased to partner with CBS to deliver the leading entrant into the sports radio market," said CUMULUS Chairman, President and CEO LEW DICKEY. "CBS SPORTS RADIO is an exciting opportunity for us to offer compelling sports content to listeners nationwide, and unique sports marketing opportunities for our advertisers."

"This is a great day for CBS RADIO and sports fans nationwide," said CBS RADIO President and CEO DAN MASON.  "For more than two decades we have owned local sports radio and appreciate great talent and programming that resonates with listeners and elicits passionate dialogue and debate.  We are bullish our expertise and prior achievements will allow us to successfully complement our existing businesses while expanding into what until now has been a largely unchallenged sector of the radio business."

"In this era of growing multimedia platforms, the addition of a national radio network to CBS SPORTS' broadcast, cable and digital properties allows us to extend the storied CBS SPORTS brand to radio listeners across the country," said CBS SPORTS Chairman SEAN MCMANUS.  "We are pleased CBS SPORTS RADIO will allow fans to consume CBS SPORTS content on a different platform from some of the most recognizable and respected broadcasters in the industry."

The network will offer a full lineup debuting on JANUARY 2, 2013.  Affiliates will also have the opportunity to pick from some programs offered on a regional basis from CBS or CUMULUS Sports stations.  Hourly CBS SPORTS update reports will launch on SEPTEMBER 4, 2012.

CBS Sports stations WFAN-A/NEW YORK, WSCR-A (670 THE SCORE)/CHICAGO, KRLD-F (105.3 THE FAN)/DALLAS, KILT-A (SPORTS RADIO 610)/HOUSTON, WJFK (106.7 THE FAN)/WASHINGTON, WIP-F/PHILADELPHIA, WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB)/BOSTON, WXYT-F (97.1 THE TICKET)/DETROIT, WSJT (98.7 THE FAN)/TAMPA, WJZ-F (105.7 THE FAN)/BALTIMORE, WFNZ-A/CHARLOTTE, KDKA-F (93.7 THE FAN)/PITTSBURGH, KHTK-A (1140 THE FAN)/SACRAMENTO, and WKRK (92.3 THE FAN)/CLEVELAND will pick up elements of the network; KIKK-A/HOUSTON (flipping from Talk), WIP-A/PHILADELPHIA (splitting from the mostly-simulcast lineup of the FM), WXYT-A/DETROIT (flipping from Talk), WQYK-A/TAMPA (breaking the previously-announced simulcast with its FM sister), WJZ-A/BALTIMORE (dropping ESPN RADIO), WBCN-A/CHARLOTTE (dropping Talk), KRAK-A/HESPERIA-VICTORVILLE (also dropping ESPN), and KYDZ-A (dropping a locally-programmed Children's format) will carry the network 24/7.

Among the CUMULUS stations adding CBS SPORTS RADIO programming will be KNBR-A and KTCT-A/SAN FRANCISCO, KTCK-A (THE TICKET)/DALLAS, WCNN-A (680 THE FAN)/ATLANTA, WGFX (104.5 THE ZONE)/NASHVILLE, and several more.

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