According to multiple sources in Cleveland, the team’s radio play-by-play will remain on the AM dial, staying with Clear Channel’s WTAM-AM, where it’s been since 1998.
The other serious bidder was said to be WKRK-FM, a CBS Radio station that only got into the Sports format business in 2011.
Although terms haven’t been released, according to reports WTAM offered a five-year deal to WKRK’s two-year package.
An official announcement is expected in a few days.
WTAM is a more than just a Clear Channel station – it’s an actual clear channel, a 50 kW-U on 1100 kHz with a signal that reaches almost the entire state of Ohio with varying degrees of strength.
WKRK is a much more limited Class B on 92.3 MHz with 40 kW @ 548’. It is pretty much local to Cleveland.
Despite the reports, the Cleveland Indians themselves are not confirming anything and say there is no contract yet.
One person who doesn’t have to sweat the result is play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton, who is an employee of the Indians rather than Clear Channel and is signed through 2016.
