Lions Call Audible, Change Radio Flagship To WKRK-FM

Lions Staying With Infinity, But Move To FM Station

In a "sweeping restructuring of their broadcast format," the Lions announced yesterday that WKRK-FM will replace WXYT-AM as the team's flagship station, according to Mike O'Hara of the DETROIT NEWS, who notes both stations are owned by Infinity Broadcasting, with which the team has "two years remaining on a five-year contract." Lions COO Tom Lewand said that the switch is "amicable and has significant promotional value for the franchise and WKRK." Lewand said that the move "was initiated by WXYT" and added, "There is some risk, in that you're moving fans to a new station and to a new concept, and we have two years left on our contract. ... The upside is far better for our fans and for us. This is a unique opportunity and vehicle that doesn't exist in Detroit, with a station that can be branded around a sports team. For 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days, you go to a station that talks about the Lions." Lewand also noted WKRK has "one of the strongest signals in Metro Detroit." O'Hara adds that the move "will eliminate competition with the Red Wings and Tigers," both of whom are carried by WXYT. The "key elements of game broadcasts will not change." Play-by-play announcer Mark Champion, color commentator Jim Brandstatter and sideline reporter Tony Ortiz will remain in their roles (DETROIT NEWS, 7/11).