Good news for BGSU on the radio front

Some good news today on the radio front.  One of the weaknesses of our program recently has been that it is often very difficult for people to listen to Falcons sports in Bowling Green.  The network was effective in reaching into some larger markets, but people in town had trouble getting the games over the air.

BGSU (or Falcon Sports Properties) has reached an agreement with Cumulus to carry the games on 1470 The Ticket.  For football, all games will be carried and this will largely eliminate the issue for that sport.  Men's basketball will only be carried on a partial schedule, which doesn't help too much, because the problem right now is that you never know where to turn.  Even so, something is an improvement.  (And, not to be too negative, but given the attendance at men's basketball games, I'm not sure radio audiences would even reach four figures for road games.)

It is a 3-year deal.

I know that BGSU has been conscious of the issues with the radio network.  I'm happy to see that recognition borne out in this announcement.  I understand we want to cultivate fans from other places, but we can't forget our base, either.

Here is the text of the release:

ESPN 1470 THE TICKET WILL NOW BROADCAST FALCON SPORTS

Bowling Green University Sports

 Falcon Sports Properties (FSP), a property of Learfield Sports and the multimedia rights holder for Bowling Green State University Athletics, announced today that WLQR-AM is the newest addition to the Falcon Sports Network beginning this fall. 

             FSP secured a three year agreement with WLQR-AM 1470 The Ticket, Toledo’s ESPN Radio affiliate, to carry all Falcon football games, as well as a partial men’s basketball schedule.  The Ticket also will air daily shows, in addition to coaches’ shows for both sports.  Adding 1470 AM brings the total number of stations in the Falcon Sports Network to seven.

  “I am very excited that we have the radio station available to broadcast everything in sports that is the BG Falcons,” said Scott Meier, regional vice president for Cumulus Midwest and Market Manager.  “The Falcons deserve a voice in Toledo, and The Ticket is a great partner.”

 “We are thrilled to be working with 1470.  For our fans in the Toledo area who can’t make it to a game, this gives them the opportunity to follow the Falcons on the airwaves, as well as get a glimpse of our coaches and student-athletes through call-ins and daily shows,” said Mary Ellen Gillespie, BGSU associate athletic director for external affairs.  “The Toledo area is a large and active alumni/fan base for BGSU, and they are excited to tune in and hear about their Falcons.”