A deal to bring ESPN's Colin Cowherd to Fox Sports is "nearing completion," and the pact is "not expected to include a radio show," according to sources cited by Joe Flint of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Still, Cowherd will "seek to continue working on the medium" (WSJ.com, 7/16). In N.Y., Ryan Lazo writes while Cowherd's decision to "move on from ESPN is not surprising," it leaves the net "in a bind in its weekday programming" (N.Y. POST, 7/17). In Miami, Barry Jackson reports moving host Dan Le Batard to 10:00am ET in its radio lineup is "one of several options that ESPN has discussed internally" in the wake of Cowherd's decision to leave. Jorge Sedano also "warrants consideration for that slot if ESPN and Le Batard decide to leave Dan where he is" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 7/17). Meanwhile, NEWSWEEK's Jack Martinez noted news of the departure "broke in the midst of Cowherd's show" on Thursday. With his "usual snark, he teased the announcement with 'My phone is blowing up today…. I have no idea why.'" By the end of the show, he "still hadn't referenced the news on-air" (NEWSWEEK.com, 7/16).
LOCAL NATIVES: In N.Y., Bob Raissman ponders whether Cowherd's departure will allow ESPN Radio 98.7 N.Y. to "adopt even more of a local format." Sources said that station execs are "already thinking of moving" to a 10:00am-1:00pm show. Sources added that the station has "talked to candidates about working a three-hour show if they decide not to use talent currently on the 98.7 roster." But there also is the "distinct possibility that the Bristol faculty will call the shots, placing Cowherd’s eventual ESPN Radio successor on 98.7 following another national show, 'Mike & Mike'" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/17).
