The Lions have denied reports they will move radio rights
from WWJ-AM to WXYT-AM despite a report by Bill Rose of the
DETROIT FREE PRESS that the team has struck a three-year, $10.2M
deal with Infinity Broadcasting, parent company of WXYT. The
games would reportedly be simulcast on WKYT's sister station,
WOMC-FM. But Lions VP/Administration Bill Keenist said reports
of any deal are "premature." Infinity owns radio rights to the
Falcons, Cowboys, Patriots, Eagles, Bucs, Redskins and Jets, and
is "on the fast track to become the radio voice of the NFL." The
Lions' current $1.55M per year radio deal expires at the end of
this season. It is believed the team is looking to "at least
double" that amount in the new deal (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/19).
COWBOY NATION: Cowboys radio analyst Dale Hansen told the
FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM he believes he will be fired at the end
of the year. Hansen has had "a rocky relationship" with Owner
Jerry Jones and Coach Barry Switzer since the start of last
season, and sources say Hansen has "angered" Jones with his
outspokenness. He recently "ripped" Switzer's 4th-down decision
against the Eagles and said Sunday the Giants "were robbed" when
a late touchdown was called back. Hansen is working under a one-
year deal after 12 years as an analyst. Jones said yesterday any
impending change is "news to me" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM,
12/20).
