Orioles radio broadcasts are "heading back to the FM dial" in '15, as the team has "signed a multiyear deal" with WJZ-FM to become its flagship station, according to Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore SUN. The station will "broadcast all 162 regular-season games," as well as select Spring Training contests. The switch "doesn’t affect the radio broadcast team of Joe Angel and Fred Manfra," who will return for their 12th season together. The move comes after the Orioles "had signed a multiyear extension" with WBAL-AM before the '14 season. However, the deal "contained a standard-based opt-out clause that allowed the team to bring the broadcast rights up for negotiation again after the season." Orioles VP/Communications & Marketing Greg Bader said that the move back to WJZ, which previously held radio rights from '07-10, "will give the Orioles added exposure on CBS Radio's other stations in the market, crossing over different demographics." Bader: "Our fan base is incredibly diverse in terms of age and background, so a 105.7 (deal) is also a deal with CBS’ other stations in the market" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 1/12). CBS Radio-Baltimore Senior VP Bob Philips said, "Baseball is a sport with lots of games and it's always done very well ratings on radio." The Orioles through the new deal "will also receive cross promotion" on WLIF-FM and WWMX-FM (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/12).
