The "unusual" radio broadcast relationship between the Islanders and Hofstra Univ.'s WRHU-FM "has worked, but the Islanders' recent success could jeopardize the arrangement," according to Dave Caldwell of the N.Y. TIMES. The Islanders seven years ago "opted to simulcast MSG television broadcasts on two Long Island radio stations" in an effort "to save costs." The following season, games were presented on WRHU-FM, and the broadcasts "would largely be produced by Hofstra students." But with the team in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Lightning, the broadcasts are "also simulcast on WFAN or WCBS -- two king-size New York radio stations." Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment Chief Communications Officer & Exec VP Barry Baum, whose company operates the Barclays Center, said, "We created the Islanders Radio Network in order to hit the New York and Long Island market, and Hofstra is our Long Island station. It’s a one-year deal, and there’s been a lot of interest from 50,000-watt stations in New York for next season. Our plan is to explore all options, with the focus on providing the widest possible distribution for Islanders fans." Caldwell notes WRHU "with help from professionals" like play-by-play announcer Chris King and producer John Mullen "has helped the Islanders find a loving home." This is the first season that color commentary for King on the broadcasts "has not been provided by a rotating team of students; Greg Picker, formerly of the Islanders’ communications department, is now the analyst." There is "virtually no difference between the broadcasts in the regular season on WRHU (also carried on WRCN-FM in Suffolk County and WNYE-FM in New York) and those in the playoffs on WFAN and WCBS." Students "collaborate at the studio and on-site, mixing sound, operating the board, producing commercials, cutting highlights and gathering interviews with players" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/6).
RADIO WARS: On Long Island, Neil Best notes this week "brought a memorable back-and-forth" between WFAN-AM's Mike Francesa and ESPN Radio N.Y. 98.7's Rick DiPietro, a former Islanders goalie. Francesa on his show Tuesday said, "Tackling me in the radio business, you know, you’re you, and I’m Gordie Howe. So, you know, clam up." DiPietro on Michael Kay’s show Wednesday responded by calling Francesa "Gordie Chow" (NEWSDAY, 5/6). Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment CEO Brett Yormark said that Francesa's "close relationship with MSG brass was a motive for his Islanders bashing," which kicked off the feud with DiPietro. Yormark: "(Francesa) sits front row at the Garden. He gets VIP treatment there. In some ways it’s his home away from home" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/6).
