UM broadcasting decision confusing Sports radio now a competition of its own

I’m trying to figure out the logic behind the University of Maine in Orono giving the broadcasting rights for radio coverage of their heralded sports teams to the folks at Clear Channel.

Taking that responsibility away from WZON, AM 620, The Sports Zone in Bangor seems like a slap in the face to station owners Stephen and Tabitha King, who have spent the better part of their adult lives uplifting and financially supporting a variety of causes in Orono.

Like most sports junkies in the eastern Maine area, I have come to appreciate the many offerings of the Sports Zone. I have also come to appreciate the hard work station manager Dale Duff and his talented crew have put in to make not only UMaine sports coverage the best, but all other sports offerings outstanding as well.

Now, the people at Clear Channel have set a course that will not only be expensive to maintain, but will also be cumbersome to start as they go about the task of trying to match their predecessors in quality and content.

Why the change, you’re asking?

From this corner, I believe in my heart that this is about strength of signal. WZON is an AM entity. Clear Channel has announced that UMaine sports will be broadcast on two FM stations, WVOM 103.9 FM and WGUY 102.1 FM.

Consider that, then consider if the difference will be so dramatic to warrant a change. Somehow, I doubt it.

Let’s look at both sides of the picture and attempt to ascertain what, if anything, altered sound reasoning in such a decision.

At Clear Channel, the stations under their roof possess the former voice of UMaine Black Bear sports, George Hale, a living legend if there ever was one.

For decades, Hale was the voice of Black Bear football, basketball, and baseball. When WABI, AM 910, a Clear Channel radio station, lost the Maine gig, Hale and his buddies picked up the slack by covering Bangor High sports with the same professionalism and expertise that they did with the college scene.

Now, with Hale in his mid-70s, the stations will attempt to reprise what once was. Problem is, their lead guy may not want to assume such a load.

People in our state like to lock on to an announcer or two and hang on while they’re following their favorite teams.

Having the affable Hale back on board is a nice idea, but how long will that last?

Plus, the Clear Channel boys will have to work long and hard to produce what Sports Zone listeners have become accustomed to: a day filled with other Black Bear stuff.

On the flip side of all this, of course, remains an established sports radio station with a huge hole to fill. Factoring out the financial void created by such a move, one needs to look at what Duff and his cronies will do to fill air time.

The obvious answer to this is expanded high school coverage. That’s all well and good, but thoughts turn to other offshoots of Red Sox baseball immediately. The Zone also has Sox coverage in its arsenal.

How about a complete Sox Florida package? Toss into that mix the Husson College sports scene, which AM 910 did briefly, done with the same professionalism as the UMaine package, and you’ve got a good head start.

Remember this, dear readers: In five years, this same radio bid is up for the calling again.

I know Dale Duff. The wheels are already spinning to not only match Clear Channel in quality programming, but to also trump what he hears on his competitor’s stations.

Stay tuned, my friends. Sports radio in our region just took on a new angle: serious competition.

30-Second Time Out

My wife Shelly and I were the guests of honor at the recently completed Penobscot Valley Conference winter sports banquet, honoring Classes C and D basketball all-stars at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

I am always impressed by coaches such as PCHS of Guilford’s Jamie Russell and Penquis Valley of Milo’s Tony Hamlin, program organizers, who go the extra mile for kids. It was a nice evening.

BDN columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net