Update 8/29: 92.3 The Fan launched on schedule today at 6am. I could write a detailed listing of the programming lineup, but Ohio Media Watch did that and more.
Listen to the launch of 92.3 The Fan at FormatChange.com.
Update 8/4: CBS finally makes it official. Modern Rock “Radio 92.3” WKRK Cleveland will shift to Sports “92.3 The Fan” on Monday, August 29.
Andy Roth has been named Program Director. Roth most recently served in that role for Entercom’s 550 WGR Buffalo. Kevin Kiley and Chuck Booms will handle mornings. The duo hosted afternoons on Fox Sports Radio together a decade ago. Kiley most recently was co-hosting with Michael Irvin at WQAM Miami. Adam “The Bull” Gerstenhaber will shift from WFAN New York to host afternoons. The remainder of the lineup has yet to be announced.
Original Report 5/11: We’ve been sitting on this one for a few weeks while waiting for the final piece of the puzzle, but with the rumor mill at a boil locally we’re going to add what we know.
923TheFan.com was registered anonymously in March. This followed CBS’ registration of CBSCleveland.com for its network of local sites in markets where it operates Television or Spoken Word Radio stations. The roll-out of these sites ended earlier this winter, however one site remains password protected awaiting launch: http://Cleveland.CBSLocal.com. None of the markets where CBS only owns music stations have such as site in development.
This would all appear to lead to a flip at Modern Rock “Radio 92.3” WKRK. Such as flip would place the station in competition with Good Karma Broadcasting’s “ESPN 850” WKNR and “KNR2” 1540 WWGK along with Clear Channel News/Talk 1100 WTAM, which holds the broadcast rights to all three Cleveland professional sports teams.
CBS also owns Classic Rock 98.5 WNCX, AC “SoftRock 102.1” WDOK, and Hot AC “Q104” WQAL in the Cleveland market.
Joseph
It’s interesting that CBS would launch an all-sports radio station in Cleveland without having the local radio broadcast rights to any of Cleveland’s pro teams. All three of Cleveland’s teams in the “big four” sports (Cleveland does not have an NHL team) are, if my memory serves me correct, on WTAM-1100.
I wonder if any or all of those contracts are about to expire.
Note that the new logo of WKRK-92.3 (and ‘d expect a call letter change) is in the team colors of the Cleveland Browns, orange and brown.