As it continues to look more and more like WJFK (106.7 FM) is headed toward a format change from “guy talk” to all sports, it seems that the FM powerhouse is getting interest from Washington sports franchises.
Three local industry sources have told me that the Capitals, Wizards and Nationals are all looking at having conversations with WJFK about what they may have to offer the local pro teams.
Clearly not all three teams are moving to WJFK, but it is clear that all three teams are looking for an outlet that could provide them the promotion and support they are looking for and perhaps are not getting from their present partners.
The Nationals are with WFED (1500 AM), the Caps are also with WFED and the Wizards are part of the ESPN 980 AM team. The Wizards and Caps buy their airtime and are no doubt looking for the best bang for their buck.
The Nats–Bonneville relationship is a little more complicated with revenue share/rights fees involved.
But the Nationals will also be open to looking for the best deal, just like the Wiz and the Caps.
It is very likely that WJFK will be able to score one of the three teams to anchor their play-by-play programming.
What we can expect to see is the Caps, Wiz and Nats all having their own radio outlet to themselves. With WJFK, WFED and ESPN 980 all having a team — but at this point we don’t know who will be where.
With WJFK in the game it will make the Nationals, Caps and Wizards all able to get better deals and in the end that should be good news for the fans.
A name that I would like to throw into the mix is George Michael — as the drive time host for WJFK.
No one in Washington has the Rolodex that the King has. He was a radio legend long before he was on TV at NBC4.
So let the King hand-pick his partner, we know he has a feeling for talent, and he would be a great addition to any new all-sports station and also add instant credibility.
Michael loves to mix it up and he can get guests that no one else in town can score so I would bring the King out to be my big name to give the station credibility.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
