It would only happen if it didn't cost them anything. (Can you say paid time? Maybe something on sports betting?) I can't see Rogers or Bell spending money on an overnight show that no one will listen to. Which is why I think ESPN & CBS Sports will continue - at least in the overnight period, where they are on hundreds of stations so the locals don't have to have anyone live.  

Reruns of their shows from earlier in the day, more out-of-markets live sports, give a guy 100 bucks to air his podcast, or go with another format in off-peak hours (oldies, comedy, and so on....). I doubt ESPN, CBS and Fox sports radio would all go under anytime soon. 

RadioAaron wrote:

Someone in the US will produce *something*, even if it's just a headlines/scores feed.

*THIS*
But also, wouldn't at least one of the two sports stations simply go to Bally sports radio? (aka Fox sports radio)

I could see talk shows not directly related to sports going on these stations. And in fact Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver already has at least one non-sports show; on Saturday nights they actually have a locally produced show dedicated to beer. It’s not a bad fit for a station that already primarily targets men, though I can’t see the ratings being that great.

At the same time there’s also the whole issue around AM radio and electric cars.

Last edited by MJ Vancouver (April 26, 2023 5:59 pm)

I miss the days when the Kentucky Derby and the Stanley Cup finals were both broadcast in May. And the red line, I really miss the red line in hockey.

Last edited by betaylored (April 26, 2023 7:57 pm)

Does TSN radio and The Fan actually play much from ESPN and CBS Sports?  I don't see it as being that big an issue either way, even if ESPN and CBS radio fold.  Somebody in the US will pick up the NFL radio broadcasts or the NFL will produce it themselves.  Same with any NHL games.   TSN 1050 may have a golden opportunity to run Roger Ashby's show then!!  It wouldn't hurt them at all

They may not do well ratings-wise but they keep hundreds of local stations on the air until they can run local play by play or a local drive time show.  As long as stations in the US are running the national ads and stations in Canada are paying a bit of money I think they'll keep it going.  Especially in the US, it's a way to promote the ESPN brand 24/7.  If you have ever heard the US national feed it's non-stop promos for all of the different things ESPN produces. 

I don't think the content even has to be local; it just needs to be relevant.  You can listen to the show that follows any play by play on ESPN Radio and it's never a post game show to hold listeners.  After the final game of the World Series last fall, less than 10 minutes later ESPN Radio was talking football.  That makes no sense.