WPEN, WIP sports talk switches in Philly

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On 12/21 Greater Media’s WPEN-FM (97.5) in that market became the only home for the Fanatic, as Family Radio took over the 950 AM spot. Family sold its 106.9 frequency to Merlin Media in April.


Down the dial, as of Jan. 2, CBS Radio’s WIP’s full local lineup will be heard only at 94.1 FM, as the CBS Sports Radio Network launches on 610 AM, the original home of WIP.

“We can and will preempt national content for local programming,” WIP program director Jeff Sottolano told Philly.com. “We will continue, for instance, to broadcast Eagles game coverage on both 94.1 and 610. That includes not only the game action itself but pre- and postgame coverage.”

Preemptions are also expected for Villanova and St. Joseph’s basketball, while selected national NFL and NCAA basketball games, including March Madness, might run on both stations, thanks to deals secured by WIP.

The new network’s weekday lineup will consist of former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, with Brandon Tierney and Dana Jacobson, both formerly with ESPN, in the morning; sportswriter John Feinstein from 9 a.m. to noon; veteran talker Jim Rome from noon to 3 p.m.; and basketballer-turned-analyst Doug Gottlieb from 3 to 6 p.m.

WIP-FM will continue to air its current cast of characters, beginning with Angelo Cataldi, Al Morganti, and Rhea Hughes in the morning; followed by Ike Reese and Michael Barkann at 10 a.m.; Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow at 1 p.m.; Rob Ellis in the evenings; and Big Daddy Graham overnight.

Likewise, at the Fanatic, no changes are expected to the usual lineup, which includes Mike & Mike in the Morning, Brian Baldinger, Tony Bruno, and Mike Missanelli, as well as Sixers and – eventually – Flyers games once the NHL lockout is settled.

If the Sixers and Flyers conflict, the hockey game will be broadcast on WMMR-FM, said the story.

The station will also continue to air some national games, such as college bowls and the NBA playoffs, made available through its affiliation with ESPN.

See the Philly.com story here