Media
NBC Sports Radio refreshing site, rolling out apps
Moves follow launch of network last fall
NBC Sports and radio partner Dial Global this week will relaunch the online home for NBC Sports Radio and release new mobile applications, highlighting the network’s increased emphasis on its radio programming and products.
The enhanced Web page, at NBCSportsRadio.com, will include live streaming audio, social media integration, programming schedules and other tools. The mobile applications for the Apple iOS and Google Android platforms will feature many of the same attributes, as well as the ability to stream audio on background while other mobile applications are open.
Both platforms later this spring will also gain podcasts and video simulcasts of radio shows.
The digital refreshes represent a follow-up step to a larger move last fall by NBC Sports and Dial Global to launch NBC Sports Radio, and coincide with the scheduled launch today of full 24-hours-a-day programming by the network. Each of NBC Sports’ key competitors, notably ESPN and Fox Sports, have robust radio divisions. And while network sports radio does not necessarily receive the attention or acclaim of its TV counterparts, it still represents a critical element of the overall operation.
“There’s a real pervasiveness to radio. It cuts across all dayparts and really gets into local as well,” said Chris Corcoran, Dial Global executive vice president and general manager. “We see these digital products as a key component in the overall distribution of this content.”
NBC Sports Radio’s programming lineup includes Erik Kuselias, Brian Kenny, Newy Scruggs and Dan Schwartzman, among others. The network is aligned with 249 stations; ESPN is aligned with 494 stations and Fox Sports with 389.
“We call it NBC Sports Radio, but we’re truly talking about audio content across a plethora of platforms, from online to traditional airwaves,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, NBC Sports Ventures senior vice president. “This is the way audio content is consumed now.”
