Update 10/1: Genesis has completed the revamps of its Orlando and Tampa Sports stations as they rebrand WHBO Tampa to “Sportstalk 1040 The Team” and WHOO Orlando to “Sportstalk 1080 The Team“.
The new lineup at both stations features David Baumann in mornings from 6am to 9am. The syndicated Dan Patrick will gain clearance in both markets live from 9am to 12pm. Whitney Johnson follows from 12pm to 3pm. The two markets will split in afternoon drive as Charlie Bernstein hosts from 3pm to 7pm in Tampa, while Mike Tuck and Jerry O’Neill hold that shift in Orlando. Both stations, as reported earlier will then carry NBC Sports Radio programming from 7pm to 6am. On weekends, 1040 WHBO will mainly run Yahoo! Sports Radio, while 1080 WHOO uses shows from Sports Byline USA.
Original Report 6/21: On the heels of CBS announcing the debut of “98.7 The Fan” WSJT Tampa in August and a new 24/7 Sports Radio Network that will air 24/7 on 1010 WQYK Tampa, the sports programming landscape in Western and Central Florida continues to undergo upheaval.
Genesis Communications has announced that it will not renew its affiliation with ESPN Radio on 1040 WHBO Tampa and 1080 WHOO Orlando. The two stations that currently brand as “ESPN Florida” will become “Sports Talk Florida“. Both stations currently run ESPN Radio programming with the exception of local afternoon drive programs on each station. No new programming source has been announced although Genesis President Bruce Maduri states, “The time has come to develop more new local stars and original programming not available on other competing audio media platforms. Genesis will focus on bringing new and compelling local and national content to listener and advertisers, which will include sports/talk and play-by-play, all under a branding strategy both will love.” ESPN programming will depart both stations by October 1.
With all of the changes made in the past few weeks, here is how the Sports landscape will shake out in both markets.
Orlando: Clear Channel owned “740 The Game” WYGM remains as is with a Fox Sports Radio affiliation. Hot Talk “Big 810” WEUS will become “Rivalz Sports Orlando” WRSO on July 30. “ESPN 1080” WHOO will drop ESPN programming by October 1.
Tampa. Clear Channel’s 620 WDAE remains as is with Fox Sports Radio affiliation. CBS’ “1010 Sports” WQYK will begin simulcasting on WSJT as “98.7 The Fan” in August before becoming a 24/7 affiliate of CBS Sports Radio on January 2, 2013. “ESPN 1040” WHOO will drop its ESPN affiliation and become “Sports Talk Florida” by October 1.
