Officials from Detroit-based WJR-AM, which carried Tigers and Red Wings radio broadcasts for decades ahead of its move to a statewide network of affiliates, are "beginning conversations" with the teams' Owner Ilitch Holdings "on a new relationship" for '16 and beyond, according to Lynn Henning of the DETROIT NEWS. WJR, which carried the Tigers from '64-00, is "believed to be discussing a single-station deal akin to its
earlier agreements." Sources said that WJR "would benefit not only by
the advertising revenue a return to the Tigers and Wings games would
promise, but by a relationship natural to many listeners who regularly
listen to play-by-play broadcasts." Also making a "full-throttle bid to retain Tigers and Red Wings broadcasts" will be CBS Radio, which owns current flagship stations WXYT-AM and WXYT-FM, the Metro Detroit "powerhouses for a 39-affiliate, three-state network that won Tigers-Red Wings radio rights" in '01. CBS Radio is expected to make a "furious appeal to extend its 15-year alliance" with the teams and is "considered a favorite to retain those rights." Sources said that a third bidder, Greater Media Inc., which owns three FM stations -- WCSX, WRIF, and WMGC -- "also will be involved ... and could raise the stakes on any new deal." It is possible the two Ilitch-owned teams "could negotiate separate deals with separate networks." But sources said that they "expect the Tigers and Red Wings to remain with one carrier" (DETROIT NEWS, 5/12).
