WMVP may lose its grip on Sox

 

March 4, 2005

 

 

Radio industry sources are split on whether WMVP-AM 1000 will retain broadcast rights to the White Sox when its contract with the team expires after this season.

 

But even with WSCR-AM 670 bidding against WMVP, all parties agree the Sox will take a hit, going from an estimated $5 million per season to perhaps $3 million to $3.5 million.

 

The expiring deal was a sweetheart for Sox and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, who received $90 million over 10 years for the rights to both his teams.

 

Analysts say Larry Wert, then the president of Evergreen Media Chicago, overspent in an effort to make a splash and compete with WSCR. When ABC/ESPN purchased the station in 1998, it was saddled with a money-losing deal involving two declining teams.

 

"We inherited that contract," WMVP general manager Jim Pastor said, "and it's fair to say the climate has changed in the last 5-to-10 years."

 

But for the right price, both stations would like to partner with the Sox.

 

Said Paul Agase, WSCR general manager: "We'd love to have a pro sports team, sure. But it has to make business sense."

 

Sources expect Reinsdorf, who declined comment through a spokesman, to decide by April 1.

 

There are some wild cards. Some believe WSCR gained an edge last month when it hired Mitch Rosen as programming director.

 

Rosen, a former WMVP program chief and agent who represented Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and play-by-play man John Rooney, has a close relationship with Reinsdorf.

 

Others theorize WMVP pleased Reinsdorf by parting ways with midday host Jay Mariotti, who has had a decade-long feud with the chairman. (WMVP officials deny that was a motivation, saying Mariotti had become all but impossible to manage.)

 

"Despite all the politicking and relationships and nuances, I believe whoever has the most gumption and the most money will get the deal," said Bob Snyder, a former WMVP executive who now consults teams and stations for Beason Broadcast Partners.

 

"At the end of the day, Jerry is loyal to his partnership, which is looking for the best financial situation."

 

WMVP also would like to keep the Bulls after its deal with the team expires following the 2005-06 season. But competition could come from a number of stations, including, sources say, WGN-AM 720.

 

Analysts say WGN would love to strengthen its evening programming by acquiring the Bulls, although it would create scheduling conflicts with the Cubs that could result in some Bulls games being bumped to another station

So what Kotex Boy quit for nothing?

So what Kotex Boy quit for nothing?   

 

He had to stand up for his principles, dammit!

Considering the Sox are now on Comcast and WSCR is sponsored by Comcast, in their updates its the Comcast updates. It would make sense for them to go to WSCR.

i hope they go to the score cause i can pick it up crystal clear. wmvp is usually hit and miss...