Paul Finebaum Leaving Cumulus Station For Cox Competitor

Alabama-based WJOX-FM afternoon host Paul Finebaum is leaving one of Cumulus Media's "Southern sports powerhouses for a big payday" from competitor WZNN-FM, which is owned by Cox Communications. This is a "big move" because Finebaum "brings in several million dollars a year in ad revenue on one of the highest rated sports talk stations in the country," and his show is "simulcast nationwide" on SiriusXM Radio. Finebaum "will have to serve a three-month non-compete in the Birmingham market" (OUTKICKTHECOVERAGE.com, 1/22).

Another report indicates Finebaum is "still exploring his options." He has hired a new national agent, Nick Khan, whose clients include Keith Olbermann, CNN's Nancy Grace and ESPN's Hannah Storm and Kirk Herbstreit (AL.com, 1/22).