Showing posts with label NHL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NHL. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

"La Commissionaire" Becomes a Broadcaster

It looks like the ranks of my esteemed colleagues has grown larger recently. According to the news reports, NHL Commish Gary Bettman will host a radio show on XM to announce league news and answer questions from fans.
"This program sets the bar high. It marks the first time fans of a professional sports league will have direct access to the sport's top decision makers," said John Bitove, chairman and CEO of XM Canada.

An XM spokesman said the show was created when Bettman's appearance on the channel's NHL Hour received great response.
So, with that being said, I will offer Mr. Bettman my suggestions and tips on how to do great radio.
  1. Don't take yourself seriously. A warm and approachable persona can help dispel a lot of critics. Also, you can take jabs at yourself by including the FAN 590's character of you in your show somehow. Talking to your audio doppelganger would be great radio.
  2. Pick a better sidekick than Bill Clement. Versus kicked him out of the desk for a reason.
  3. The show needs a real catchy swinging signature theme music. All the great radio shows have one.
  4. Don't fall back on using street-wise lingo. Some guys do it to look hip, but only .5% of personalities can pull that off.
  5. One word - trivia.
So, there you go, Mr. Bettman. All you really need to know about the inner workings of doing a radio show. And Mr. Bettman, if you ever really need somebody to help boost your audience cume even further, you can always give me a call!

Monday, September 12, 2005

NHL, XM Become Partners for Next Decade

Well, I'm glad that I didn't impulsively buy the Sirius Radio when I did, because after reading this news, I guess I'll be joining up with XM next year when I have even more money to afford.

The NHL announced a great deal that they have come to terms with XM Satellite Radio to be the exclusive satellite broadcasters for the next 10 years. The contract is set to net the NHL $100,000,000(US).

There is also in the works a satellite channel dedicated to hockey 24/7 for the XM network.

According to a FAN 590 radio interview, NHL Pres. Bettman has stated that they have also extended their agreement with Satellite Radio Canada so that hockey fans there can enjoy the same broadcasts that Americans do.
[Yahoo! Sports & Radio & Records]