Michigan Sports Network
The Michigan Sports Network is an American radio network consisting of 46 radio stations which carry coverage of Michigan Wolverines football and men's basketball. WXYT-FM (97.1 FM) and WWJ (950 AM), both in Detroit, serve as the network's flagship stations. The network also includes 44 affiliates in the U.S. states of Michigan and Ohio: 27 AM stations, 4 of which extend their signals with low-power FM translators; and 17 full-power FM stations (WQQO Toledo generally only broadcasts Michigan content over its HD Radio digital subchannel).[1][2][3] Games are also available on Sirius XM satellite radio and online via TuneIn.
  | |
| Type | Radio network |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Headquarters | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Broadcast area | Michigan Ohio (limited) |
| Owner | Learfield IMG College |
| Affiliation(s) | Michigan Wolverines CBS Radio |
| Affiliates | 46 (including 1 flagship) |
Official website | Michigan football affiliates Michigan basketball affiliates |
Announcers
Football
Former Michigan offensive tackles Jim Brandstatter and Dan Dierdorf cover football; Brandstatter serves as play-by-play announcer, while veteran NFL broadcaster and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Dierdorf serves as color analyst, with studio analyst Jon Jansen and sideline reporter Doug Karsch. Prior to 2014, Brandstatter had served as color analyst for 34 seasons – first with Michigan announcer Bob Ufer, and later alongside Frank Beckmann.[4][5]
Basketball
Detroit radio and TV personality Matt Shepard currently serves as play-by-play announcer for men's basketball, joined by color analyst Terry Mills, a former Michigan power forward and NBA league veteran.[6][7]
History
Michigan's relationship with IMG College dates back to March 2001 when the school signed a five-year deal with Host Communications, Inc., a sports marketing firm based in Lexington, Kentucky; the deal was predicated to generate $7.5 million in advertising revenue from Michigan football and men's basketball radio broadcasts through 2005–06 (this partnership with Host would ultimately remain in place for the next seven years). In 2007, IMG College purchased Host Communications; in August 2008, IMG announced a new 12-year media rights deal with Michigan reportedly worth $86 million, including gameday radio broadcasts.[8][9]
WJR/Detroit had served as the network flagship station for Michigan football since 1976 (with sister station CKLW serving as backup for those times when Detroit Tigers baseball games took precedence) and men's basketball since 1997. In October 2005, WJR announced a new deal to broadcast rival Michigan State football and men's basketball, while simultaneously dropping its long partnership with Michigan. The news came as a surprise to the Michigan athletic department, including director Bill Martin, who claimed the school had acted "in good faith" throughout months of negotiations with the station. Michigan soon signed a new five-year deal with CBS Radio and CHUM Limited (later CTVglobemedia), owners of WOMC/Detroit and CKLW/Windsor, respectively. In August 2011, new Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon announced a five-year contract extension with CBS Radio, with the majority of network flagship coverage shifting to WOMC AM sister station WWJ.[10][11][12]
Station list
| Callsign | Frequency | Band | City | State | Network status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WXYT-FM | 97.1 | FM | Detroit | Michigan | Flagship (Football only) |
| WWJ | 950 | AM | Detroit | Michigan | Flagship |
| WQBX* | 104.9 | FM | Alma | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WFYC** | 1280 | AM | Alma | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WZTK* | 105.7 | FM | Alpena | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WTKA | 1050 | AM | Ann Arbor | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WWWW-FM | 102.9 | FM | Ann Arbor | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WBXX* | 104.9 | FM | Battle Creek | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WFAT** | 930 | AM | Battle Creek | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| W274AQ** | 102.7 | FM | Battle Creek | Michigan | n/a (simulcasts WFAT) |
| WOUF* | 100.1 | FM | Bear Lake | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WSJM-FM* | 94.9 | FM | Benton Harbor | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WQON* | 99.3 | FM | Beulah | Michigan | n/a (simulcasts WQON) |
| WKAD | 93.7 | FM | Cadillac | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WKYO** | 1360 | AM | Caro | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WIDL* | 92.1 | FM | Cass City | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WGTO** | 910 | AM | Cassopolis | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| W266BS** | 101.1 | FM | Cassopolis | Michigan | n/a (simulcasts WGTO) |
| WMKT | 1270 | AM | Charlevoix | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| W272CR | 102.3 | FM | Petoskey | Michigan | n/a (simulcasts WMKT) |
| WHKW* | 1220 | AM | Cleveland | Ohio | Network affiliate |
| WXYT-HD2 WXYT-HD3* |
97.1 HD2 97.1 HD3 |
FM | Detroit | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WDBC | 680 | AM | Escanaba | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WTRX | 1330 | AM | Flint | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WBNZ** | 92.3 | FM | Frankfort | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WGHN* | 1370 | AM | Grand Haven | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WOOD | 1300 | AM | Grand Rapids | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WQON | 100.3 | FM | Grayling | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WKHM | 970 | AM | Jackson | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WQLR | 1660 | AM | Kalamazoo | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WQTX | 92.1 | FM | Lansing | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WKZC | 94.9 | FM | Ludington | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WHLX* | 1590 | AM | Marine City | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| W288BT* | 105.5 | FM | St. Clair | Michigan | n/a (simulcasts WHLX) |
| WDMJ** | 1320 | AM | Marquette | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WOOD-FM | 106.9 | FM | Muskegon | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WNBY | 1450 | AM | Newberry | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WNIL** | 1290 | AM | Niles | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WWTH | 100.7 | FM | Oscoda | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WMBN | 1340 | AM | Petoskey | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WHLS* | 1450 | AM | Port Huron | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WHAK | 980 | AM | Rogers City | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WHAK-FM | 99.9 | FM | Rogers City | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WSGW | 790 | AM | Saginaw | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WSGW-FM | 100.5 | FM | Saginaw | Michigan | Network affiliate (football only) |
| WKNW** | 1400 | AM | Sault Ste. Marie | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WBET | 1230 | AM | Sturgis | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WQQO-HD2 | 105.5 HD2 | FM | Toledo | Ohio | Network affiliate |
| W264AK | 100.7 | FM | Toledo | Ohio | n/a (simulc. WQQO-HD2) |
| WTCM* | 580 | AM | Traverse City | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WCCW** | 1310 | AM | Traverse City | Michigan | Network affiliate |
| WHKZ* | 1440 | AM | Youngstown | Ohio | Network affiliate |
- Gray background indicates low-power translator
- * football only
- ** men's basketball only
Network map(s)
References
- Press release (August 8, 2011). "Michigan Signs Five-Year Extension With CBS Radio". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
WWJ Newsradio 950 AM will serve as the flagship station for football and men's basketball starting this season.
- Quinn, Brendan F. (August 30, 2014). "It's Gameday! Michigan opens against Appalachian State, with 2007 still a fresh memory". MLive.com. MLive Media Group. Archived from the original on September 4, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
Radio: Michigan IMG Sports Network, WTKA-AM (1050) in Ann Arbor, WWJ-AM (950) in Detroit...
- Helfand, Zach (October 16, 2013). "For first time in Hoke's tenure, a week under siege". MichiganDaily.com. The Michigan Daily. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
'Why are we talking about it?' he asked Jim Brandstatter on Hoke's weekly radio show on the Michigan IMG Sports Network.
- "Dan Dierdorf joins Jim Brandstatter to call Michigan Football". AllAccess.com. All Access Media Group. April 17, 2014. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
IMG College VP of Broadcasting Chris Ferris said, 'We are more than excited to have two great Michigan men who are great broadcasters... for the fans listening each week to the Michigan IMG Sports Network.'
- Helfand, Zach (October 16, 2013). "For first time in Hoke's tenure, a week under siege". MichiganDaily.com. The Michigan Daily. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- Vuolo, Jr., Art (October 7, 2011). "Michigan Football returning to Detroit FM via HD". Michiguide.com. Michiguide.com. Archived from the original on November 29, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
... WXYT-FM, which already has WWJ-AM (950) on their HD-2 channel, has now fired up a HD-3 channel with a simulcast of WXYT-AM (1270) which recently flipped to all-talk... but when the University of Michigan is playing football the pre-game, the game itself, and the post-game show will all be on WXYT-FM HD-3!
CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - "Dierdorf to Join Brandstatter in Radio Booth for Michigan Football". Detroit.CBSLocal.com. CBS Local Media. April 17, 2014. Archived from the original on July 17, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
Brandstatter, who has served as the team's color commentator on the flagship radio broadcast for the past 34 years, will handle play-by-play duties, and Dierdorf will provide color commentary.
- Baumgardner, Nick (April 18, 2014). "Jim Brandstatter thrilled for new challenge in Michigan radio booth alongside Dan Dierdorf". MLive.com. MLive Media Group. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
... becomes just the third full-time play-by-play Wolverine radio broadcaster since 1945. The former Michigan offensive lineman will follow the recently retired Frank Beckmann, who took over for the late Bob Ufer in 1981 after Ufer's 36-year run in the booth.
- Sandomir, Richard (April 17, 2014). "Dierdorf, Ex-Wolverine, Joins Michigan Radio". NYTimes.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
Now, Dierdorf will have to adjust to being the university's local football analyst after decades of pursuing objectivity as a national network analyst for CBS and ABC.
- Snyder, Mark (October 29, 2014). "Voice of Michigan's Bob Ufer still resonates with fans". Detroit Free Press via Freep.com. Gannett Company. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
Though more than three decades and hundreds of miles removed from Ufer's last broadcast, the Michigan broadcasting legend's audio signature remained vibrant.
- Sandomir, Richard (April 17, 2014). "Dierdorf, Ex-Wolverine, Joins Michigan Radio". NYTimes.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- "Former All-American Terry Mills Joins Michigan Radio Crew". Detroit.CBSLocal.com. CBS Local Media. October 27, 2013. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
Mills joins lead play-by-play announcer Matt Shepard. In addition to all U-M's game broadcasts, Mills is scheduled to assist with the Inside Michigan Basketball Radio Show.
- Quinn, Brendan F. (October 25, 2013). "Terry Mills to join Michigan basketball radio crew as analyst". MLive.com. MLive Media Group. Archived from the original on November 8, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
Mills was the 16th pick in the first round of the 1990 NBA draft by Denver Nuggets and went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA. His career took him to Denver, the New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers.
- Blade wire reports (March 21, 2001). "UM Guaranteed $7.5M". The Toledo Blade. Block Communications. p. C4 - City.
The University of Michigan said yesterday that it has signed a deal guaranteeing the school $7.4 million in advertising revenue for its football and men's basketball radio broadcasts. The deal with Host Communications Inc. of Lexington, Ky., would pay the university a minimum of $1.3 million for the 2001-2 season, rising to $1.6 million for 2005-6, Michigan said in a news release.
- Heuser, John (August 5, 2008). "University of Michigan inks $86 million deal with IMG College to manage sports marketing". MLive.com. MLive Media Group. Archived from the original on June 18, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
The University of Michigan athletic department has struck a marketing and media rights deal with IMG College that will bring the department at least $86 million during the 12-year length of the contract. ... Last fall, IMG College purchased Host Communications, which has controlled Michigan's radio broadcast rights the past seven years. In addition to the game day radio broadcasts, IMG College will manage and market rights associated with...
- Blade staff (October 16, 2005). "Coyotes' Hull puts end to career - Scored 741 goals in 19-plus seasons". The Toledo Blade. Block Communications. p. C3 - Sports.
Detroit radio station WJR (760 AM) has announced a five-year deal to broadcast Michigan State football and basketball games beginning in 2006. WJR's announcement apparently took University of Michigan officials by surprise. The radio station has broadcast Michigan football games since 1976 and UM basketball games since 1997.
- "CKLW, WOMC Ink Michigan Football Deal, Beckmann Remains Voice". AllAccess.com. All Access Media Group. May 25, 2006. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
... despite the team's move from WJR to crosstown Chum Ltd. Talk CKLW-A and CBS Oldies WOMC for the 2006 season.
- Meinke, Kyle (August 8, 2011). "Michigan athletic department announces 5-year radio deal with CBS less than month before football opener". The Ann Arbor News. MLive Media Group. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
The University of Michigan athletic department announced today it has reached a five-year contract extension with CBS Radio. ... The agreement comes less than a month before the Wolverines will face Western Michigan in its football opener Sept. 3. Michigan's previous five-year deal with CBS, which was signed in 2006, had been allowed to expire.