Entercom has announced a deal with Twitch to bring video streams from their Sports stations to the platform.
The strategic programming partnership will see Entercom use its over-the-air and digital platforms to promote the video streams. The initial roll-out will include WFAN New York, WSCR Chicago, KRLD-FM Dallas, WEEI Boston, WZGC Atlanta and WXYT-FM Detroit. Those stations will also integrate Twitch’s live chat into their broadcasts.
Entercom, the undisputed leader in local sports & news talk radio and home of RADIO.COM, the fastest growing digital audio platform in America, announced a first of its kind, strategic programming partnership with Twitch, the world’s leading live, interactive streaming service for gaming, sports, entertainment, music, and more, which will bring live video simulcasts of market-leading sports talk programs to Twitch and its 17.5 million daily users.
Initially, live video streaming of leading RADIO.COM Sports stations from six major markets across the country will be accessible to Twitch users via individually tailored, branded station channels, providing the Twitch community a full week’s worth of appointment viewing from some of the nation’s most iconic sports talk stations, such as WEEI in Boston, WFAN 101.9 FM/660 AM in New York, 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, 670 The Score in Chicago, 92.9 The Game in Atlanta and 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit. Fans of hometown heroes such as the Red Sox, Yankees, Falcons, Pirates, Bulls etc. have come to depend on these stations for exclusive interviews with their favorite players and coaches, early access to pivotal team releases, and game analysis. By leveraging its suite of premier personalities, RADIO.COM Sports stations have cultivated a community of passionate and engaged fans both on air and digitally, which will thrive in Twitch’s similarly interactive platform.
“Twitch has built a substantial platform for audiences to connect through video content and we’re looking forward to working with them to bring our unrivaled sports programming to millions of viewers,” said David Rosenbloom, Vice President, Corporate Business Development, Entercom. “This partnership will expand how listeners can connect with our on-air talent through real-time engagement on Twitch and introduce a new generation of sports fans to legendary sports brands like WEEI, WFAN 101.9 FM/660 AM, and 92.9 The Game.”
“Twitch is the place where people come to connect and engage over their shared interests, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a group of people more passionate than sports fans,” said Jane Weedon, Director of New Verticals, Twitch. “Over the last several years, there has been a growing sports community on Twitch. With the addition of sports radio, on-air talent and fans will be able to interact and discuss their favorite athletes, teams and leagues with one another in real time. Through features like Twitch Chat, now the entire audience will be able to participate in the coveted ‘call ins’ and ‘hot takes’ that have come to define sports talk radio.”
Entercom will leverage its robust portfolio of over-the-air, digital and social assets to provide additional promotional support of the channels.
