| Smizik on TV: KDKA sports anchor finally gets talk show
One of the more amazing things about local radio the past few years is that of all the various openings there have been for talk-show hosts, John Steigerwald never was given his own program. ESPN Radio 1250, Fox Sports Radio 970, KDKA-Radio and WPBG (NewsTalk 104.7) all have filled slots, but none went to Steigerwald. As a full-time sports anchor for KDKA-TV, Steigerwald can't work just any shift, but for someone as knowledgeable, as well-spoken and as highly opinionated as Steigerwald you'd have thought they'd find a spot. At last, someone has. WTZN-FM (93.7)/The Zone, a CBS-owned station, has given Steigerwald, who briefly did a Saturday morning show on Fox Sports Radio a few years ago, an hour every weekday at 9 a.m. "The John Steigerwald Show" is worth a listen. Steigerwald says his show is about "sports and other stuff," and sometimes the other stuff takes precedence.
Utes extend deal with KALL
The University of Utah will continue its long relationship with KALL Radio and introduce a new "Voice of the Utes" later this year.
Mike Lageschulte, who has worked in the U. sports information office for the past 12 years, will take over as the play-by-play announcer for football and basketball games beginning this fall.
The university announced the change Wednesday and also that KALL 700 Sports Radio, which has been the radio home to University of Utah athletics for the past 56 years, has renewed its commitment to the Utes. The term is for five years between the station and Utah Sports Properties, which is the new marketing and multimedia rights holder for Utah athletics.
"We are thrilled that KALL 700 Sports Radio will remain our broadcast partner," said Utah athletic director Chris Hill.
WXYT, WDFN battle for 1st place in sports radio
If there's one thing Metro Detroit can't get enough of, it's sports. But are there enough sports fanatics in the metropolitan area to support two 24-hour sports-talk radio stations? So far, the answer is yes. Southfield-based WXYT-AM (1270) in January announced a contract extension with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, making it clear the station will continue battling Farmington-based ratings and revenue leader WDFN-AM (1130). "The great thing about sports stations has been even though they never do well - if you look at the ratings book, they're never a big contender - they're wonderful for reaching males," said Dick Kernen, vice president of industry relations for the Southfield-based Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. "As such, they are great favorites for people who like to sell things to men." Because of that, both stations have earned revenue that would be hard to match if they changed formats.
Steiner returns to radio
Brandon Steiner has gained plenty of recognition in the past decade or so through his New Rochelle-based Steiner Sports memorabilia and marketing company. But he's always loved radio, dating back to a mid-1990s sports-business show he did on WPAT. Starting tonight, Steiner returns to that medium with his new three-hour talk show on Sirius Satellite Radio. The show airs Mondays from 6-9 p.m. on channel 123, and the debut broadcast focuses on Jackie Robinson and his impact on baseball. Sirius' Andrew Bogusch, a Fordham graduate, will co-host. "This radio show will really be more about the interviews with the athletes," said Steiner, who is also hoping to revive his memorabilia television show on YES. "Each week, I want to concentrate on a theme and use all the energy and connections I have." Steiner said his scheduled guests tonight include Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson and Johnny Podres, plus he was hoping to book Jackie Robinson's teammate, Duke Snider.
50 years of sports cars in New York
The Chowderheads are turning 50. The Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving & Chowder Society, a group of car enthusiasts who have been meeting and eating at Sardi's restaurant in New York City since 1957, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in style. This group, which has included famous racers, celebrities, journalists and average, everyday car nuts of every stripe, was founded by CBS Radio exec Art Peck and advertiser King Moore back in March, 1957. The purpose of the organization was to push car enthusiasm into the mainstream. By the '70s and '80s they were better known for their wild races across the city. Like the time in 1978 when they had Phil Hill, Janet Guthrie, Bob Tullius, Steve Behr and Jacques Vaucher race a small fleet of career cabbies through New York. The cabbies had their usual steeds, while the racers had 4 Ferraris and a Saab.
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