Cox Media Group Hot Talk “102.5 The Bone” WHPT Sarasota/Tampa has announced the acquisition of the broadcast rights to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning starting with the upcoming 2022-23 season.
WHPT will succeed iHeartMedia News/Talk 970 WFLA Tampa as the home for Lightning broadcasts, with WFLA having hosted the games since 2014. The new deal will include the launch of a Lightning branded format on WHPT-HD2 with original live programming, game replays, and podcasts.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Cox Media Group today announced a multi-year partnership that will make 102.5 The Bone the official flagship station of the team.
“As we continue to grow our brand and fan base throughout the state, the Lightning are excited to partner with Cox Media Group to provide Bolts fans throughout Central Florida and beyond, the opportunity to hear all games on 102.5 The Bone,” said Mark Pitts, Chief Operating Officer for Vinik Sports Group. “As the exclusive professional Tampa Bay sports team with Cox Media Group, we look forward to providing our fans with unfiltered access to all things Lightning, inclusive of our great game broadcasts on The Bone, sports talk and other new programming across all Cox platforms. We’d like to thank Keith Lawless, Jason Meder and the entire team at Cox for their support and look forward to a great partnership that will greatly benefit Bolts Nation in Tampa Bay and beyond.”
“Adding the Tampa Bay Lightning to the market leading line up on 102.5 The Bone is a perfect fit,” said Jason Meder, Vice President and Market Manager for Cox Media Group Tampa. “Vinik Sports Group’s commitment to the community is the perfect match for those of the Cox Media Group and we are honored to be partnered with this amazing and winning organization for years to come!”
This exciting new partnership expands the listening area for Lightning games exponentially, with The Bone boasting the strongest signal in the state of Florida with 100,000-watts serving Tampa Bay and Sarasota, extending into Ft. Myers and Lakeland. It is also available digitally, streaming on the 102.5 The Bone app and other platforms. It features one of the most unique talk format in the country, featuring live, local, compelling talk for 16 hours each day.
Bolts fans will continue to hear the same great broadcast they have become accustomed to with Dave Mishkin on play-by-play alongside Lightning founder and Hockey Hall of Famer, Phil Esposito, serving as color analyst. Greg Linnelli returns as the host for pre-game, intermission, and post-game, along with a other talent and personalities. In addition, fans will soon be able to hear exclusive Bolts content on 102.5 HD-2 via any HD radio. The station will be inclusive of original live programming, game replays, podcasts and more.
A best-in-class product, 102.5 The Bone is No.1 with both adults and men in the 25-54 demographic, Monday through Sunday, 6 a.m. through midnight each week. The consistent success, attracting the most passionate audience in Florida, is made possible with the station’s well-rounded lineup of all-star talent. Starting with iconic morning host Mike Calta, through the dynamic Drew Garabo LIVE! in the afternoon, The Bone’s programming provides a proper lead-in to the most exciting sports broadcasts in Tampa Bay.
In addition to 102.5 The Bone, Cox Media Group boasts five of the top brands in Tampa Bay radio. Collectively, since 2020, CMG radio stations are the most listened to in the market. Combining to reach nearly 33 percent of adults 25-54, men 25-54 and women 25-54 – more than any other operator.
