Smizik: Nemacolin deal helps WBGG
Pittsburgh: Bob Smizik of Post-Gazette.com reports that a new advertising partnership between Fox Sports WBGG (970), 84 Lumber and the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort may help level the playing field for the station, which persistently lags ESPN's WEAE (1250) for listeners.
"Fox Sports Radio 970 has been chasing ESPN in the ratings ever since it came into existence," Smizik says. "It was that way when Stan Savran had the afternoon drive-time slot and it remains so with (Joe) Bendel doing the show. The ESPN brand is so persuasive that listeners turn to it regardless of the quality of the show.
"That's not to suggest the shows on 1250 ESPN aren't good," says Smizik, who notes right up front that he appears on Bendel's show every Tuesday. "Some of them are very good. But Bendel's show from 3 to 7 p.m. is a clear winner over 'The Drive,' the ESPN entry from 2 to 6 p.m."
Beginning this week, WBGG's shows are broadcasting from the "Nemacolin Woodlands Studios built by 84 Lumber." Both Nemacolin and 84 were founded by Fayette County businessman and philanthropist Joe Hardy.
It's a naming-rights agreement similar to the deal that earlier this year put KDKA (1020) into the "Lexus of North Hills Studios" (and before them, competing news-talker WPGB-FM).
Of course, WBGG isn't actually relocating to the posh Nemacolin resort. (But wouldn't that be fun?)
As a result, Smizik says, "listeners to the station will be hearing a lot about the resort. It won't change the programming but it might help narrow the gap with ESPN."
If he's talking about revenue, we bet Smizik is on the money.
Readers’ Forum
ESPN, As Bob says, is a brand that demands attention regardless of the quality of it’s content. And then there is Mark Madden on WXDX, who combines sports talk with alternative rock and cutting edge banter.
Hopefully this will call some attention to the fine job being done by Joe Bendel on WBGG. HE is well informed, has good guests nad is very engaging. He has tough competition, but his everyman, conversational approach is definitely worth a listen.
Bruce - December 12, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I like this idea of that because of the addition of Nemecolin Woodlands built by 84 Lumber give credibility to Fox Sports Radio. Been the son of a former contractor in the region 84 Lumber does not signify quality. It signifies shooty lumber products and poor customer service. But hey in Pittsburgh that must mean quality.
Jack - December 14, 2009 at 11:33 am
Wait! No mention of the deal inked between OnLine with Bill Alexander and Phil Giannetti Motors Inc. Giving Phil Giannetti Motors the naming rights to the NETIO Show Studios.
Bill Alexander (URL) - December 14, 2009 at 11:58 am
It isn’t the sports talkers that are awful, but the people who call in who know nothing about sports, and seem to only follow one team in a town with 2 sports championship teams. Which is why I listen to Madden at least he has the B’s to say what needs to be said and actually talk about the Penguins.
Dave - December 14, 2009 at 6:21 pm
The last line of Mr. Toyger’s piece says it all. I wonder how many people will visit the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort looking for WBGG’s 84 Lumber studios, or perhaps drive out there to pick up prizes, if WBGG ever gives anything away (besides naming rights).
Seeing Eye - December 15, 2009 at 01:37 am