WGIR: ESPN Sox coverage instead of Joe and Jerry?

[WCTB-FM/WHQO-FM/WSKW-AM]

Hey, I'm an affiliate, and I'm not even clear on what the reason is. As I 
understand it, though, it's always been that way. The theory I've heard is 
that it's due to contractual obligations between MLB and ESPN, but seems to 
me WEEI also benefits from not having to set aside local avails on the 
network.

What you were listening to lass night likely was WEEI's network feed. 'EEI 
offered (and we carried) coverage starting at 6:30: a half hour of talk (no 
local avails) and then the extended pre-game we had for the playoffs. At 
7:30, with an audible pop as the switch was thrown, WEEI started feeding us 
ESPN's pregame.

I have to say, I'm just a little disappointed with 'EEI on this, not because 
we're getting ESPN's play-by-play, which is beyond their control, but 
because of what we did get from WEEI: The hour of coverage which originated 
from their studios didn't follow their format and had local spots and WEEI 
promos in network positions. Additionally, we were informed with minimal 
notice that there would be no automation closures for the game.

-J.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeff Lehmann" <jjlehmann@comcast.net>
To: "'John J. Francini'" <francini@mac.com>; <bri@bostonradio.org>
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 10:50 PM
Subject: RE: WGIR: ESPN Sox coverage instead of Joe and Jerry?


> For some reason, affiliates aren't able to carry the World Series or
> Superbowl. WEEI is the only station broadcasting with Joe and Jerry. Can
> someone explain why? It seems crazy to me. This is the time that people
> would most want to hear their local announcers!
>
> Jeff Lehmann
> Hanson, MA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: boston-radio-interest-bounces@rolinin.BostonRadio.org
> [mailto:boston-radio-interest-bounces@rolinin.BostonRadio.org] On Behalf
> Of John J. Francini
> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 10:42 PM
> To: bri@bostonradio.org
> Subject: WGIR: ESPN Sox coverage instead of Joe and Jerry?
>
> I was surprised to note that WGIR is carrying ESPN's radio feed of
> the Sox in the World Series instead of the Red Sox Radio Network.
> What's up with that? Contractual obligations?
>
> Where I am I can't get WEEI worth a darn after sunset, even with
> vintage highly sensitive vacuum-tube radios...
>
> Any thoughts out there besides listening on the Internet (which is a
> good minute or more behind the live action?)  Where can I find info
> on constructing some sort of viable external AM-band antenna?
>
> Nevertheless, the ESPN coverage is significantly better than the
> execrable Tim McCarver on Fox.
>
> john
> -- 
> ----
> John Francini <mailto:francini@mac.com>
> +-----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----+
> | "I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a
> disgrace; |
> |  that two are called a law firm; and that three or more become a
> Congress.|
> |  And by God I have had _this_ Congress!"
> |
> |                                                       -- John Adams
> |
> +-----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----+
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>