It continues to build momentum in sports audio, with a marketing alliance with FanDuel, an acquisition of sports data and iGaming affiliate platform QL Gaming Group and the launch of the BetQL Audio Network exciting investors of Entercom Communications of late.
Now, it is adding a Vice President of Sports who arrives at Entercom from regional NBC Sports Washington.
Starting today, Matthew Volk is Entercom’s Vice President of Sports.
Mike Dee, appointed President of Sports in May 2017, stays in that role.
However, an Entercom representative explains to RBR+TVBR that Dee’s focus is on revenue strategy and business growth, while Volk’s role is content-based. This explains why Volk reports to EVP/Programing Jeff Sottolano and not to Dee.
Nevertheless, Dee and Volk will collaborate on their respective sports-focused efforts at Entercom.
According to Entercom, Volk will collaborate with national and market-level leadership “to ideate and manage the integration of existing and new sports and sports-betting content and partnerships” across the company’s broadcast, podcast and on-demand sports audio portfolio. He will also be charged with expanding on Entercom’s sports betting content through the expansion of the BetQL Audio Network and additional broadcast and digital concepts.
“This is an incredible opportunity to build on the core assets of Entercom’s sports brands and its broadcast pipes to drive its premier content both locally and nationally across digital, editorial, audio, video and betting content on all platforms,” said Volk. “Our multiplatform first approach will enable us to leverage our market-leading talent, programs and access to bring our fans all of the content they crave on the devices they choose.”
Volk had been VP of Content Strategy for NBC Sports Washington since 2018. Before that, Volk held multiple roles for ESPN from 2003 to 2018, including Director of Programming and Acquisitions for its NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL content. From 2001 to 2003, Volk was a Coaching Assistant and Football Operations Assistant for the New England Patriots.
Former Entercom VP of Sales & Strategy James Ingrassia now serves as VP of Media Strategy of Oxford Road, based in Sherman Oaks, Calif. He’s held the role since June 2020.
