Sirius XM Introduces Chris Russo, Gives Him His Own Channel
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Sirius Officially Introduces Russo
As Host Of "Mad Dog Radio" |
Sirius XM Satellite Radio yesterday officially introduced former WFAN-AM radio host Chris Russo, who "not only was given an afternoon drive time show from [2:00-7:00pm ET], but an entire channel," according to Neil Best of NEWSDAY. Russo, who is "believed to have signed a five-year contract worth about $3[M] per year," will serve as Exec Producer for "Mad Dog Radio," which will broadcast on both Sirius and XM. Russo's show will launch September 15, and he said that he would not work with a partner. Russo also will do "three preview shows, likely including remotes" at the NFL Giants' season opener and the U.S. Open. The "freedom to do on-site shows whenever and wherever he chooses was one motivation for leaving WFAN," and Russo said that his "wish list includes Wimbledon and the Masters." Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin said that "because of the publicity Russo's arrival has received, his contract 'has paid for itself already, in my opinion.'" Karmazin added that he is "confident Russo will generate ad revenues and new subscribers." Karmazin: "It's a no-brainer for us" (NEWSDAY, 8/20). In Westchester, Jake Thomases notes Russo's show from 2:00-7:00pm puts it in "direct competition" with former partner Mike Francesa's drive-time show on WFAN, which airs from 1:00-6:30pm (Westchester JOURNAL NEWS, 8/20).
BOON FOR BOTH PARTIES: Karmazin said, "The way I value talent is based on the revenues and based on the audience. Here (at Sirius XM) it's subscribers. There [at WFAN] it was ratings. Chris always managed to deliver ratings and to deliver revenue. That's the way I value talent." In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes in "terms of buzz factor, Sirius XM immediately began cashing in" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/20). Though Russo will start next month, the launch date of his channel was not announced. Karmazin said, "I don't think you could find too many people that would say WFAN is stronger without Chris Russo. If I was one of his competitors I would be very happy today" (N.Y. POST, 8/20). Russo said of his decision to leave WFAN and his "Mike and the Mad Dog" show after 19 years, "I'm not going to deny that money was a factor. But the bottom line is the challenge of the show is the most important thing. Listen, they gave me a channel. ... You can't turn that down" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 8/20).
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