The new "four-year, live play-by-play radio deal" between the Pistons and Greater Media's WMGC-FM is "being hailed by the team’s management as a groundbreaking type of contract between a broadcaster and a pro sports franchise," according to Bill Shea of CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS. Palace Sports & Entertainment CMO, Chief Communications Officer & VP Charlie Metzger said that the Pistons will "retain all radio advertising revenue from the live broadcasts of the 82 regular season games and all preseason and playoff games ... as was the case with the expired four-year contract" with WXYT-FM. Metzger: "There are revenue streams for Greater Media. They’ve got the ability to generate incremental revenue based on metrics we mutually agreed to." WMGC’s first "major Pistons broadcast as the team’s flagship station will be the June 26 NBA draft." The contract involves "not only live game broadcasts and pre- and post-game shows, but also content creation and streaming for all types of digital platforms." There also will be "content on the station’s HD radio frequency." Games and other content "will be streamed live on the station and team websites and mobile apps." A person will "be hired to create Pistons content from both the Palace of Auburn Hills and Greater Media’s offices" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 4/22). In Detroit, Vince Ellis noted WMGC will "broadcast all 82 regular-season games as well as all pregame and postgame shows." Broadcasters Mark Champion, Rick Mahorn and George Blaha will "continue their play-by-play and analyst roles under the new agreement" (FREEP.com, 4/22).
CAT'S OUT OF THE BAG: In Jacksonville, Ryan O'Halloran noted the Jaguars, WJXL-AM and WGNE-FM have "unveiled a new daily line-up set to begin on Monday." The "addition to the schedule" is "Jaguars Today," which will air weekdays from 10:00am-12:00pm ET and "originate from EverBank Field." The show will be "hosted by Mike Dempsey, who will be joined by various Jaguars and NFL insiders" (JACKSONVILLE.com, 4/22).
