ESPN Radio highlights MLB coverage

The fifth season of MLB on ESPN Radio marks the return of Dan Shulman and Dave Campbell as regular-season play-by-play commentator and analyst, respectively. The 2003 season will also feature ESPN Radio's annual coverage of the All-Star Game, which has provided memories including Cal Ripken homering in his final Mid-Season Classic, Ted Williams' emotional pre-game introduction, and the Home Run Derby. Post-season play and every World Series game also highlight the schedule.

The Baseball Show-ESPN Radio's "Boys of Summer" return 4/12 when host Karl Ravech and analyst Rob Dibble anchor The Baseball Show Saturdays 3-7 p.m. ET. The program previews key upcoming series, reviews the previous week, and presents analysis and interviews with topical newsmakers.

Cobb prepared to hold Summit conference

Do you have one of those hard-to-shop-for types on your gift-giving list in the near future? Brian Cobb's Cobbcorp LLC may have just the thing for you - - which could potentially solve your shopping problem twice.

First, if the target of your affections is into television, Cobb has five stations which may be up for sale, although it is also considering the possibility of forming new strategic partnerships. The quintet belongs to Summit America Television Inc. (O:SATH)

The stations are in big markets. The lineup includes KCNS Channel 38 San Francisco, WMFP Channel 62 Boston, WOAC Channel 67 Cleveland, WRAY Channel 30 Raleigh, and, just outside of New York, WSAH Channel 43 Bridgeport CT.

If you buy the stations, and you still need to keep shopping, it may help that all five stations are being LMAd by the Shop At Home Network. Summit itself owns 30% of SAHN. However, Summit is also considering alternatives to running SAHN on the stations.

RBR observation:

If FCC Chairman Michael Powell is successful in his quest to get the broadcast/newspaper ownership rulemaking officially into the books 6/2, watch for the value of these stations to skyrocket on that very day. Newspaper publishers and duopoly-hungry broadcasters will be trolling for deals, and these properties are for the most part sitting in prime beachfront locations.

Sirius expands relationship with Hertz

Sirius and Hertz announced plans to provide, by this summer, satellite radio service to Hertz customers at 33 major airport rental locations around the country. Beginning 4/1, the two will offer satellite radio in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston and Detroit, in addition to the current markets of Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas and primary airport locations in California and Florida. Additional major markets will be rolled out each month thereafter, culminating in 33 markets by July. Along with the major market expansion, Hertz will also be expanding the vehicles available with Sirius to twenty- eight different vehicle models.

ChristianNetcast.com signs two radio nets

ChristianNetcast.com, which provides streaming services for Christian radio stations, recently signed a deal to provide its services for two major Christian radio networks-Bott Radio and Family Life Networks. ChristianNetcast.com streaming enables radio networks and churches to broadcast their programs via the internet. Kansas-based Bott Radio Network serves fourteen markets, including St. Louis,Topeka and Wichita, Memphis, Tenn., and the Fresno-Modesto, Ca., areas. Family Life Network features family-oriented shows, Biblical instruction, news, and drama.

WYNZ-FM's "Duke of Portland" passes

Bob Anderson, the "Duke of Portland" morning driver on Saga's Oldies WYNZ-FM Portland, passed away 3/29 from a heart attack. Anderson spent his entire 40 year career on the air in that city. From the station website:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Bob Anderson, the Duke of Portland, our beloved Morning Show Host on Oldies 100.9. Bob passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning (3/29) doing what he loved best, entertaining listeners on the air. During his 40 years on the radio in Portland, Bob made many friends and touched many lives, including ours. If you would like to pay your respects, visiting hours will be today (3/31) from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Blais and Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St. in Westbrook (off Wayside Drive). The funeral will be tomorrow (4/1) at 10:30am at Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, across from the funeral home.

If you would like to get in touch with us please e-mail: [email protected]. In the meantime, we send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and to all of those who cared about him."

SAS to will launch control surface console at NAB2003

Sierra Automated Systems announced it will debut is new Rubicon Broadcast Console Control Surface at NAB2003. The stand-alone control surface integrates into the SAS 32KD digital audio network and provides mixing, switching, level control and more.

Emmis Indy restructures promotions department

Emmis' Indianapolis cluster announced the restructuring of its radio promotions department. Jo Robinson has stepped into the position of Director of Marketing for WENS and WYXB. Melissa Hook has moved from her position as Assistant Promotion Director for WENS into her new position as Promotions Director for WENS and WYXB.

Robinson joined Emmis in April of 1999 as PD for WNAP- FM, which later became WNOU-FM. Hook started her Emmis career as a part-time air personality on WNOU in July of 2001.