Alzugaray (c) spoke often and critically of the Dolphins, but the team had nothing to do with his firingORLANDO ALZUGARAY
In Miami, Barry Jackson cited sources as saying that WQAM, the Dolphins' flagship radio station, fired longtime host Orlando Alzugaray, who "spoke often and critically" about the team. The station and Alzugaray "declined to divulge the reason for his firing, but he was informed of the decision moments after leaving the air for the final time Tuesday." The Dolphins had "nothing to do with Alzugaray’s firing," and the team had "never tried to force his ouster even as he repeatedly criticized management" and QB Ryan Tannehill (MIAMI HERALD, 11/15).
LOCAL APPROVAL: In Boston, Shirley Leung writes Entercom made the "right call" by taking "one of its biggest stars," Kirk Minihane, off of WEEI-AM, one of its most prominent radio stations. During his five years on WEEI, Minihane has "been suspended or abruptly went on vacation several times after making rude or otherwise unacceptable comments." It is a "risky move all around," but listeners and advertisers "who are tired of the vile commentary will thank the broadcasting behemoth for cleaning up the airwaves" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/16).
TOP OF HER GAME: TIME's Seam Gregory profiles ESPN's Doris Burke, who is the "rare broadcaster" that has "earned respect and admiration from players, coaches and fans alike." She stands out for "dropping insightful factoids and sharing her passion sans shtick." Her style has "earned Burke a cult following." She was the "first female broadcaster to receive" the Basketball HOF’s Curt Gowdy Media Award. Burke said of the honor, “My imagination could not have dreamed this up” (TIME, 11/26 issue).
NO LANGUAGE BARRIERS: In Oklahoma City, Joe Mussatto noted Oklahoma football last Saturday was "broadcast on Spanish radio" for the first time in OKC (KRXO-FM) and Tulsa (KIZS-FM). OU games this season are "being carried in Spanish for the second year, but the first on local stations." Enrique Vasquez and Luis Rendon are the "voices of Los Sooners." Rendon wants to be a "bridge between OU football and the state’s Hispanic community." Vasquez said that they "have support" from OU AD Joe Castiglione and the athletic department. The Spanish radio crew has been to "every game this season besides the trip to Texas Tech" (OKLAHOMAN, 11/15).
