Tuesday, March 07, 2000
Bengals may need new radio home
Brown shopping if Clear Channel's sales go through
BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Clear Channel's plan to sell four local radio stations could have a drastic effect on the local sports radio landscape.
Among the four stations being sold are all-sports WBOB (1160 AM) and BOB2 WUBE (1230 AM). Also being sold: WUBE (105.1 FM), which holds the rights to Bengals games, along with WBOB.
If the sale goes through, where will Bengals games end up?
A Clear Channel source said that there is a good chance they'll remain on a Clear Channel station, either WLW or WKRC.
Bengals President Mike Brown said Monday's events mean the club is looking for a new deal for next year. He's not sure the new owner and the club, “fit each other's needs.”
Brown said the team plans to talk to Clear Channel about their interest, but he said it's doubtful they will be on the same station as the Reds because of the scheduling conflicts.
“We don't know what's going to happen at this point,” said Darryl Parks, Clear Channel's AM operations manager. “Something has to happen pretty soon because you have to start selling (ads for) the season. That's a big nut to crack.”
The Bengals left WLW three years ago for WBOB. Brown admits the breakup with Jacor over how the company treated the team on the air was messy and public, but he doesn't think it's a factor now.
“The past is the past,” Brown said. “They've said their piece, I've probably said mine and maybe we're both a little wiser. I don't know if that should control how we feel about matters now.”
The pending sale also could mean a format change for WBOB. The station was sold to Salem Communications, a California company that operates religion stations.
Parks said Clear Channel will continue to operate HOMER (WCKY 1360-AM) as an all-sports format.
If BOB changes formats, some of its on-air people could end up on WLW or HOMER.
“We've talked to some people,” Parks said. “Actually, they've contacted us. We'd like to have Dave Lapham on staff. Lance McAlister is good. There may be a place for them at HOMER or WLW.”
HOMER uses only two local hosts during the day. Wildman Walker has a show from 9 a.m. to noon, and Marc Amazon from 3 to 6 p.m. The station uses syndicated shows (ESPN's morning show from 6 to 9 a.m. and Jim Rome from noon to 3 p.m.).
Clear Channel Communications Inc., which purchased the former Covington-based Jacor Communications last year, must sell the stations to comply with federal ownership rules. Clear Channel's agreement to buy AMFM, which owns the above stations, puts it over the limit of the eight stations in a market.
Bengals Stories
Long men on the hot seat
Bichette won't waste fortune on wheels
REDS NOTEBOOK
Monday's report
Xavier women make return trip to NCAA
XAVIER NOTEBOOK
Bearcats back on top - for now
UC gets J.C. commitment
St. X beats Milford for sectional title
Spartans seek revenge vs. Miami
MIAMI NOTEBOOK
Lady Surge play for district title
