On Long Island, Neil Best reports radio ratings "have dispelled any notion that the breakup of 'Mike and the Mad Dog' would bring down" WFAN-AM's Mike Francesa "in the short term." In the last two full quarters with Francesa and Chris Russo together in '08, WFAN "finished second among all New York stations" in afternoon drive time from 3:00-7:00pm among men ages 25-54. In the eight quarters since, discounting summers, WFAN "has been first five times and second three times." Counting Francesa's full 1:00-6:30pm ET shift, "he has finished first in seven of eight quarters" (NEWSDAY, 6/3).
KEEPING THE ROCKETS GROUNDED: In Houston, David Barron reports the Rockets have "extended their radio deal" with KILT-AM, the team's flagship station since '02. Terms of the extension were not disclosed. Play-by-play announcer Craig Ackerman and analyst and studio host Joel Blank "will return for next season." The deal also "provides access to players, coaches and executives on the station’s Rockets Power Hour and a weekly morning segment with GM Daryl Morey" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/3).
VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES: In Utah, Jody Genessy profiles Jazz TV analyst Matt Harpring, who during his first year in the booth last season "tried to combine fun and entertainment, statistical research, personal knowledge and insight of the Jazz and basketball." Harpring has two years remaining on his deal, and he said, "It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but I really enjoyed it." While the former Jazz F "doesn't hide the fact he's 'emotionally invested'" in the team, Harpring tried to "give fair analysis of both the good and the bad." He had to "learn how to distance himself from his emotions at times in order to fairly critique the Jazz while trying to find silver-lining moments in dire situations." Harpring: "I didn't like saying anything negative, but you have to or you lose credibility as a broadcaster" (DESERET NEWS, 6/3).
PEOPLE & PERSONALITIES: The Buccaneers announced that radio play-by-play announcer Gene Deckerhoff "will return after signing a two-year contract extension this week." Deckerhoff, who has called 453 Bucs games since '89, will continue to team with analyst Dave Moore (TAMPABAY.com, 6/2)....FS Indiana and the Pacers "have decided not to renew the contract of studio host and sideline reporter Stacy Paetz," who had been a part of the team's broadcast team since '04 (INDYSTAR.com, 6/2).
