The Flyers and WIP-AM agreed to a five-year deal which
makes WIP the team's flagship station through the 2002-03
season, according to Kevin Mulligan of the PHILADELPHIA
DAILY NEWS. The deal comes 18 months after Flyers Chair Ed
Snider "sued and publicly denounced" the station following a
report regarding Flyers C Eric Lindros. Lindros and WIP
later reached a settlement. Snider could not be reached for
comment, but Flyers COO Ron Ryan said that the team "was
pleased to continue its relationship" with WIP "in a new and
positive spirit of cooperation." Mulligan notes sources who
said there would be no deal had WIP "not assured the Flyers
that personal attacks, unsubstantiated rumors and innuendo
from [talk show] hosts would not be tolerated." Neither
side would disclose details, but Mulligan reports that "any
unprofessional behavior or personal attacks against the
Flyers organization by a WIP employee could jeopardize the
contract." Mulligan points out that the deal "does not,
however, prohibit WIP hosts from constructive criticism of
players, coaches or management" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 8/14).
Tim Saunders and Steve Coates will continue as the team's
radio voices (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/14).
