USA TODAY's A.J. Perez notes S.F.-based KNBR-AM yesterday fired host Patrick Connor in the "wake of his crass comment" about Gold Medal-winning U.S. snowboarder Chloe Kim on a SirusXM Barstool Radio show. Connor currently "remains employed" by Barstool Sports (USATODAY.com, 2/15). Connor was speaking on Barstool Radio's "Dialed-In with Dallas Braden" when he made the comments, and THE ATHLETIC's Steve Berman noted Braden yesterday "spoke on the topic for a few minutes." He "sounded like an angry boss who'll give Connor a second chance." Braden said, “We are not a gutter brand. And I say 'we,' I mean we at Barstool. ... You will clean it the f— up, or day three will be the last day here. This is not how we do s—. It's just not how we do it. And it's not how it's going to be handled moving forward" (THEATHLETIC.com, 2/14).
A NEW HOME: In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal notes WGN-AM yesterday was "named the new radio flagship of the White Sox." Under the multiyear contract, WGN-AM will "carry a weekly year-round program showcasing the team in addition to all regular-season and postseason" games, a pregame and postgame show and a "selection of spring training exhibitions." Financial terms were "not disclosed." The White Sox had been "poised to enter the third season of a six-year contract" with WLS-AM, but a bankruptcy judge put the rights "up for grabs this month at the request of the station’s parent company, Cumulus Media" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/15). Also in Chicago, Madeline Kenney notes WGN was "synonymous with the Cubs before ending a 56-year partnership" in '14, when the Cubs "moved their broadcast" to the White Sox’ former home, WSCR-AM (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 2/15).
DOWN YEAR: In Buffalo, Alan Pergament notes Sabres local TV ratings are "down significantly from a year ago in this disappointing season." As of Tuesday, the Sabres were averaging a 5.2 rating for the season, down about 16% from the 6.2 rating for the entire '16-17 season. The 5.2 rating is "still very strong" for an NHL team. The Sabres are usually is "near the top of the ratings" leaguewide (BUFFALO NEWS, 2/15).
