There are a lot of changes ahead in Cleveland sports radio…some announced, some rumored.
Since the rumors have made it to the public through usually reliable outlets, let’s go there first…
WKNR SHAKEUP: Bob Finnan of the Lake County News-Herald and the Lorain Morning Journal submits possible upcoming lineup changes at Good Karma sports WKNR/850 “ESPN Cleveland”. All were posted on Twitter on Wednesday by Scene’s Vince Grzegorek and Crains Cleveland’s Kevin Kleps
To wit:
* Two major changes would affect WKNR’s flagship show, “The Really Big Show” hosted by Tony Rizzo from 9 AM-1 PM. Rizzo would be joined by Jerod Cherry, as…
* WKNR’s afternoon drive slot, 3-6 PM, would be taken over as a solo show by current TRBS co-host Aaron Goldhammer. But as for the current afternoon drive co-host…
* Bruce Hooley would move both physically (back to Columbus) and on the WKNR schedule, joining Dave DeNatale on the evening show “ESPN Cleveland Tonight”.
Whew!
We have had no confirmation of any of the above, but when three guys who cover sports media the most are hearing this…we have to say something.
Finnan does say this:
Good Karma Radio spokesperson Emily Dillinger said via email that she couldn’t provide any details in the changes. She said morning host Tony Rizzo would share the news on the air “in the coming days.”
Will this come down as rumored?
Or will it be like the time even competing host Mike Trivisonno at Clear Channel talk WTAM/1100 was convinced that Rizzo would be heading to afternoon drive?
The news was, instead, that “The Really Big Show” was extending a single toe into afternoons…a time slot adjustment that ends the show at 1 PM instead of 12 noon.
We’ll see…
BROWNS RADIO CHANGES: The Cleveland Browns have put out their schedule and staffing for the (Bank That Won’t Pay Us For The Plug) Cleveland Browns radio network.
The shows and pairings, and staffing, are mostly identical to the network’s first year on WKNR, CBS Radio sports WKRK/92.3 “The Fan” and CBS Radio classic rock WNCX/98.5 (game broadcast only).
Except…two names are gone.
Part-way into the season, changes at the Galleria bounced veteran sportscaster Michael Reghi from the WKNR schedule.
Reghi remained on the Browns Radio Network for the remainder of the 2013 season, hosting shows after covering preseason game play-by-play for Jim Donovan.
No more. Reghi is nowhere to be found on the 2014 Browns Radio Network schedule.
While Gannett NBC affiliate WKYC/3’s Donovan covers play-by-play in preseason on his home TV station (as previously reported, with Solomon Wilcots in the booth with him), it’ll be “The Fan” midday co-host and Cleveland Cavaliers pregame/postgame host Jeff Phelps taking over the radio call.
The exception is August 18th, a nationally televised game with Washington on ESPN, where WKYC won’t be providing the broadcast team.
As always, Donovan shifts back to the radio booth for good in the regular season, with Browns veteran and long-time Browns radio commentator Doug Dieken once again beside him in the booth.
But there’ll be a change on the field during radio broadcasts, as the Browns tab “senior broadcaster” Nathan Zegura to replace Jamir Howerton as sideline reporter.
It’s been quite a ride for Zegura, who built his reputation as a “fantasy football consultant” into regular radio and TV appearances, and then onto the Browns Radio Network staff as co-host of “Cleveland Browns Daily” (1-3 PM weekdays on WKNR) with Vic Carucci.
Those hoping for the return of Andre Knott to the Browns Radio Network sidelines are reminded that his “day job” is at Clear Channel talk WTAM/1100, which no longer has the Browns radio rights.
Here’s the full press release on Browns Radio in 2014:
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BEREA, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns, Good Karma Brands’ ESPN 850 WKNR, CBS RADIO’s 92.3 The Fan and 98.5 WNCX announced on Wednesday their 2014 season programming on the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network that features more than 23 scheduled hours of Browns coverage each week, including more than nine hours on gamedays.
Leading the unique local triplecasts on Good Karma Brands’ ESPN 850 WKNR, CBS RADIO’s 92.3 The Fan and WNCX (98.5 FM) are long-time voice of the Browns Jim Donovan (play-by-play) and analyst Doug Dieken, who played in 203 games and earned Pro Bowl honors in 1981 during his 14-year career as a Browns offensive lineman (1971-84). Browns senior broadcaster Nathan Zegura, co-host of Cleveland Browns Daily on ESPN 850 WKNR, will provide fans timely updates from the team’s sideline. Jeff Phelps will handle play-by-play duties during the preseason.
Browns gameday begins with four hours of pregame programming, highlighted by insights from Browns senior editor Vic Carucci, staff writer Kevin Jones and Zegura. Following game action, Dustin Fox and Phelps will recap and analyze the contest for listeners throughout Ohio and the region.
Details are listed below on the eight regularly scheduled Browns programs, including information on The Mike Pettine Show, presented by Allstate, that will air simultaneously on ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network, as well as The Cleveland Browns Preview Show, driven by Liberty Ford.
The seven weekly shows, plus Browns game broadcasts, contribute to the more than 1,000 combined hours of Browns content expected annually on the club’s all-sports radio partner stations and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network.
The Browns in March 2013 announced a long-term partnership with local all-sports stations 92.3 The Fan and ESPN 850 WKNR. Both are now incorporated in the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network.
In 2014, the partnership increases community outreach and further connects these stations and the Browns to the community through joint philanthropic endeavors, including the first-ever radiothon. On Sept. 9-10, the Cleveland Browns Foundation radiothon will feature 28 consecutive hours of Browns programming on ESPN 850 WKNR, highlighted by interviews with coaches, players and team personnel and an auction for special Browns experiences and items. All proceeds will support the Cleveland Browns Foundation, which is dedicated to a solution-based, holistic approach to ensure Northeast Ohio youth receive the development and tools they need as a foundation for independence and success.
The PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network encompasses 27 affiliates plus three flagship stations (ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan and 98.5 WNCX). It carries Browns elements and content throughout the year, providing the team’s fans with unprecedented access and exposure to the club throughout the year.
GAME DAY PROGRAMMING:
Cleveland Browns Game Day (two-hour show beginning four hours before kickoff)
ESPN 850 WKNR and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network
Hosts: Ken Carman and Jerod Cherry
Carman and Cherry get gameday started, featuring analysis and live reports from members of the Browns broadcast team. Cleveland Browns senior editor of content and production Vic Carucci, Jim Donovan and ESPN Cleveland Browns analyst Tony Grossi will also be incorporated in regular live segments. The program will be broadcast from BrownsTown at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, prior to all home games.
The Northeast Ohio Ford Dealers Cleveland Browns Kickoff Show (two-hour show beginning two hours before kickoff)
ESPN 850 WKNR and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network
Hosts: Ken Carman, Dustin Fox and Tony Rizzo
Carman, Fox and Rizzo host a two-hour pregame show, featuring respected Cleveland football voices, including regular segments with Browns senior editor Vic Carucci, staff writer Kevin Jones and senior broadcaster Nathan Zegura. The program will be broadcast from BrownsTown at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, prior to all home games.
Cleveland Browns Football (game broadcast)
ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network
Preseason talent: Jeff Phelps (play-by-play), Doug Dieken (analyst) and Nathan Zegura (sideline reporter)
Regular season talent: Jim Donovan (play-by-play), Doug Dieken (analyst) and Nathan Zegura (sideline reporter)
The Cleveland Browns Postgame Show (two-hour show following the game’s conclusion)
92.3 The Fan and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network
Hosts: Dustin Fox and Jeff Phelps
Fox and Phelps take fans through all the postgame reaction, including live comments from Head Coach Mike Pettine and other members of the team. Fans will also have their voices heard through phone calls and social media. The program will be broadcast from BrownsTown at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, after all home games.
WEEKLY PROGRAMMING:
Cleveland Browns Daily, driven by Liberty Ford (Monday-Friday, 1-3 p.m.)
ESPN 850 WKNR
Hosts: Vic Carucci and Nathan Zegura
Carucci and Zegura host this daily two-hour program from the Cleveland Browns training facility, regularly providing an inside look, detailed analysis and expansive access to the team and Browns personnel.
The Cleveland Browns Preview Show, driven by Liberty Ford (Wednesdays throughout the season, 7-8 p.m.*)
ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network
Hosts: Ken Carman and Vic Carucci
Carman and Carucci host this hour-long weekly preview program, which features a Browns player each week, as well as insights and analysis from other members of the Browns broadcast team.
* The Cleveland Browns Preview Show will air on Mondays leading into the fourth preseason game (Aug. 25) and prior to Week 10 (Nov. 3), Week 13 (Nov. 24) and Week 17 (Dec. 22).
The Mike Pettine Show, presented by Allstate (Thursdays throughout the season, 7-8 p.m.*)
ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network
Hosts: Ken Carman and Nathan Zegura
Carman and Zegura host the hour-long weekly coach’s show, which includes exclusive interviews with Head Coach Mike Pettine.
* The Mike Pettine Show will air on Tuesdays leading into the fourth preseason game (Aug. 26) and prior to Week 10 (Nov. 4), Week 13 (Nov. 25) and Week 17 (Dec. 23).
Cleveland Browns Weekend (Saturdays 6-8 a.m.)
92.3 The Fan and the PNC Bank Cleveland Browns Radio Network
Hosts: Vic Carucci and Nathan Zegura
Browns Weekend wraps up the best of Cleveland Browns Daily, driven by Liberty Ford, in this two-hour weekend format.
PNC BANK CLEVELAND BROWNS RADIO NETWORK
City
Call Letters
Frequency
City
Call Letters
Frequency
Cleveland
WKNR*
850 AM
Cleveland
WKRK*
92.3 FM
Cleveland
WNCX*
98.5 FM
Akron
WAKR
1590 AM
Findlay
WFIN
1330 AM
Akron
WONE
97.5 FM
Fostoria
WFOB
1430 AM
Ashtabula
WFUN
970 AM
Kenton
WKTN
95.3 FM
Ashtabula
WFXJ
107.5 FM
Lima
WWSR
93.1 FM
Bucyrus
WQEL
92.7 FM
Mansfield
WRGM
1440 AM
Canton
WHBC
1480 AM
Mansfield
WVNO
106.1 FM
Canton
WHBC-FM
94.1 FM
Marietta
WJAW
100.9 FM
Celina
WKKI
94.3 FM
Middleport
WYVK
92.1 FM
Sandusky
WMJK
94.3 FM
Toledo
WPFX
107.7 FM
Uhrichsville
WBTC
1540 AM
Columbus
WZOH
95.5 FM
Wheeling (W. Va.)
WKKX
1600 AM
Dayton
WHIO
1290 AM
Wooster
WQKT
104.5 FM
Dayton
WHIO-FM
95.7 FM
Youngstown
WBBW
1240 AM
Dover
WJER
1450 AM
Youngstown
WYFM
102.9 FM
*Denotes gameday flagship stations
WMJK Sandusky frequency is 100.9 FM, not 94.3FM.
In the story about the Browns on-air staff, WMJK in Sandusky OH is listed as being at 94.3. WMJK is at 100.9fm.
Good luck with that PM drive-time dumpster fire. Slim chance this lasts without the ultimate crutch – Rizzy Rizz
Hmmmmm. no mention of Aaron Goldmember being a part of anything…
except for 3-6PM no Browns involvement
Hey OMW,
I don’t know about the WKNR changes…but whenever they make show changes, they are some of the most boring and uninteresting changes. They’ll make a whole spectacular over changes that are really dull and don’t get anyone’s interests up. Basically this time, they are shuffling folks from spots they were in two years ago right back around again…this is asinine. Jerrod was with Tony and Goldhammer several years ago, and now he returns…yeah, big whoop. And an afternoon show with Goldhammer? So what. And now that Hooley is moving to the night-time spot, that spells curtains for his career at WKNR. Everyone knows that everyone in that late night spot is always usually booted from the station or demoted…so please tell WKNR to call me when they make changes that are worth a damn.
Can someone please explain to me why WKNR is constantly rearranging chairs on the deck and why on that deck do the same two people remain no matter how bad the station does? The two I speak of are Aaron Goldhammer and Mark Munch Bishop. They are two of the worst on air hosts and yet they somehow remain no matter what programming changes occur?