KIRO-A Confirms Sports Flip, Ups Pridemore To VP/GM

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BONNEVILLE SEATTLE made it official and announced the planned flip of the AM half of the Talk KIRO-A-F simulcast to Sports as "710 ESPN SEATTLE," and added the announcement that cluster Dir./Sales DAVE PRIDEMORE has been upped to VP/GM of 710 ESPN, continuing as DOS for the cluster and adding the new position effective immediately. PRIDEMORE has been DOS for the cluster since JANUARY 2007 and has been with KIRO for 23 years, serving as VP/GM (2004-2007) and DOS (1999-2004) for ENTERCOM/SEATTLE when that company owned KIRO.

Cluster VP/Market Mgr. CARL GARDNER said, "DAVE is the natural choice to lead 710 ESPN SEATTLE. He has tremendous relationships and experience around the SEATTLE sports industry. On top of that, he’s a SEATTLE native, with a fan’s passion for our teams and athletes. It’s the perfect fit, for DAVE and for the station."

"Our goal is to make 710 ESPN SEATTLE the most significant Sports station and one of the most dominant radio stations in the PACIFIC NORTHWEST," said PRIDEMORE. "SEATTLE sports fans will be thrilled about the programming surrounding the play-by-play of the broadcasts of the MARINERS, the SEAHAWKS, and our in-depth local coverage of the SEATTLE sports scene."

"Bringing more comprehensive sports programming to the NORTHWEST is a win for all fans," said SEATTLE SEAHAWKS CEO TOD LEIWEKE. "We look forward to working with BONNEVILLE to provide even more in-depth SEAHAWKS coverage to their listeners." SEAHAWKS games will simulcast on 710 ESPN SEATTLE and KIRO-F, as will SEAHAWKS pre-game, post-game, coach and quarterback shows.

"I have enjoyed my segments with NEWS TALK 97.3 KIRO FM’s GREGG HERSHOLT and JANE SHANNON tremendously, even on tough MONDAYS," said SEAHAWKS Coach MIKE HOLMGREN. "Their listeners our some of our most ardent fans."

"This is an exciting announcement for sports fans in SEATTLE and the MARINERS are proud to be part of the new 710 ESPN SEATTLE. BONNEVILLE has long been a leader in news and sports programming in this market and this will only solidify that position," said MARINERS President and COO CHUCK ARMSTRONG.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome 710 AM as an ESPN RADIO affiliate," said ESPN SVP/Field Sales SEAN BREEN. "710 AM and BONNEVILLE INTERNATIONAL are widely-recognized broadcasting leaders whose passion to serve the sports fan mirrors ESPN's company-wide vision. 710 ESPN SEATTLE’s commitment to the NORTHWEST, partnership with the SEAHAWKS and MARINERS, and investment in new technology like HD-RADIO will provide fans an unparalleled listening experience."

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