In another significant move entering into the 2014-15 season, the Cavs have signed a second iHeartMedia (formerly Clear Channel) powerhouse to serve as the official broadcast home of Cavaliers basketball. The longtime partners have agreed on a new multi-year contract for WTAM 1100 AM as the radio home of the Cavs, that includes the addition of its FM sister station, 100.7 WMMS. All 82 Cavs regular season games, as well as the seven preseason games and all playoff games will be simulcast live on the two Cleveland stations. The 50,000-watt WTAM and 34,000-watt WMMS will serve as flagship stations for the 24-station Cavs Radio Network.
“iHeartMedia is proud to extend our long standing partnership with the Cavaliers,” said Gary Mincer, Cleveland market president of iHeartMedia. “In addition to hearing every game on Newsradio WTAM 1100 AM, we are also excited to now include 100.7 FM WMMS as a second Cleveland flagship station. iHeartMedia looks forward to being a part of the Cavaliers bright future!”
The new agreement makes the Cavs only one of five teams in the NBA that airs its games on both an AM and FM station. (The others are the Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers.)
“Our continued relationship with iHeartMedia will ensure Cavs fans get the same quality broadcasts and Cavs programming that ranks among the best in the NBA,” said Len Komoroski, Cavaliers CEO. “Fans know when they tune in they can count on getting comprehensive game coverage delivered by a team of top broadcasters in the NBA who are experienced Cavaliers insiders.”
Cavs fans can look forward to enjoying complete coverage during the season before, during and after every game. In addition, the Cavs and iHeartMedia will collaborate to develop new content on multiple platforms to engage and interact with fans in all new ways as the team and stations move into an exciting future together.
Veteran broadcaster John Michael will return for his fourth season as play-by-play announcer and will be joined by Cavalier Legend Jim Chones, who will be back for his fifth season as color analyst. Returning for his 23rd year is studio host Mike Snyder, who will anchor all pregame, halftime and postgame shows. Former OSU great and NBA player Brad Sellers is back for his fifth year as postgame studio analyst, while producer and locker room reporter Scott Zurilla is back for his 21st season.
Each broadcast on the Cavaliers Radio Network begins with “The First Merit Tip-Off Show,” an inside look at the upcoming game. Hosted by Snyder, the show airs 30 minutes prior to game time. It is a comprehensive look at what is happening around the NBA, including interviews, highlights, game reports, injury updates and a preview of the Cavaliers game with Head Coach David Blatt and John Michael.
Following each game broadcast, fans can participate in the “Postgame Call-In Show.” Snyder will be joined by Chones and Sellers to provide game analysis, and review the stats and highlights. Fans will hear comments from players in both locker rooms, Coach Blatt’s postgame press conference, live reports and highlights from other games around the league, as well as comments from Cavaliers fans everywhere.
Fans can also hear the “Discount Drug Mart Cavs Insider Radio Show,” every Monday from 7-8 p.m. on Newsradio WTAM 1100 and the Cavaliers Radio Network. The “Discount Drug Mart Cavs Insider Radio Show,” hosted by Snyder offers fans the most up-to-date information on the Cavs and will feature Head Coach David Blatt, players, coaches and others in the Cavs front office, along with newsmakers around the NBA and other special guests.
Also, every Monday through Friday morning at 8:25 a.m., fans can listen to host Bill Wills and Snyder on WTAM 1100 AM for the Cavs Daily Update. They will be joined on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by John Michael or Jim Chones. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, coaches and members of the front office, along with other Cavalier Legends will appear with Wills and Snyder. Michael will also host the daily "Cavaliers Update," which is broadcast mornings and afternoons on WTAM 1100 and the rest of the Cavaliers Radio Network and features the latest news on the Cavaliers, including game recaps, previews and other NBA features.