New content replaces traditional radio lineup in Toronto
TORONTO — Rogers Sports and Media’s Sportsnet announced today it is launching new multiplatform audio content on Monday, Oct. 4 that will feature both new and familiar names and voices.
Sportsnet’s new audio strategy is designed to provide a “flexible slate of programming that caters to fans’ personal interests,” says a press release.
“Whether on live radio or on-demand podcasts, Sportsnet’s new audio content plans replace the traditional radio lineup in Toronto in favour of seasonal, sport-specific and spontaneous programming so that fans can consume the content that matters most to them on their preferred platforms,” the release reads.
“This is a fan-inspired approach to programming that will focus on team-centric content, recognizing that audiences are most interested in listening to shows that talk about their favourite teams and players,” said Dan Toman, director of audio programming at Sportsnet, in the release. “Our new slate of programming is more podcast-friendly and personality driven as we continue our efforts to build a community of sports fans.”
Some of the flexibility built into Sportsnet’s new audio strategy for Toronto includes the ability for shows to move timeslots and increase or decrease frequency “to reflect the news of the day,” the release says.
In addition, many of the shows will offer on-demand-only episodes, “ensuring the conversation continues when and where fans are having it outside the live broadcast windows,” according to the release.
With these changes, some Sportsnet radio staff are being let go.
“We are incredibly excited to start this new chapter of audio programming at Sportsnet,” Toman said. “However, in making these changes, we are saying goodbye to some incredibly talented and valued colleagues. We would like to thank those individuals for their unwavering passion and the dedication they have shown to entertaining our listeners day in and day out, especially through the challenges of the pandemic over the past year and a half.”
When contacted by Cartt.ca, a Rogers Sports and Media spokesperson declined to comment further on how Sportsnet’s new audio content strategy is affecting radio employees.
Sportsnet’s new and returning audio shows include:
The FAN Morning Show with JD Bunkis, Blake Murphy and Ailish Forfar (Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET on Sportsnet 590 The FAN and available on demand.)
Blair & Barker (During the MLB season, Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET on Sportsnet 590 The FAN and available on demand.)
Jays Talk (During the Blue Jays season, Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s popular post-game show will expand to include daytime episodes hosted by Ben Ennis from 10 a.m. to noon ET. The post-game edition will now be hosted by Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker.)
Real Kyper and Bourne (During the NHL season, Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Sportsnet 590 The FAN and available on demand.)
The Jeff Marek Show (During the NHL season, Monday to Friday from noon to 2 p.m. ET in Toronto, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. PT in Vancouver and 10 a.m. to noon MT in Calgary on the Sportsnet Radio Network and available on demand.)
The Raptors Show with Will Lou (During the NBA season, Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Sportsnet 590 The FAN and available on demand.)
The FAN Drive Time (During the NHL and NBA seasons, Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET and available on demand.)
Leafs Nation Post-Game (During the NHL season, hosts Brent Gunning and Gord Stellick will provide pre- and post-game coverage on Sportsnet 590 The FAN.)
For more details, please click here.
Updated, Oct. 4:
While Sportsnet declined to comment further on the layoffs that resulted from the change in audio format at the network, we now know a bit more on what is happening in Toronto and Vancouver from Twitter announcements made by individuals, as reported in Awful Announcing, The Athletic, and The Province.
Leaving Sportsnet The Fan 590:
- Richard Deitsch (drive-time co-host)
- Scott MacArthur (morning co-host)
- Rob Wong (long-time personality)
- Jason Rozon (assistant program director)
- Josh Goldberg (Blue Jays coverage)
- Alex Seixeiro (update anchor and host)
- Andrew Nie (anchor)
Leaving Sportsnet 650 Vancouver:
- Scott Rintoul (morning host)
- Karen Surman (morning host)
- Adam Forsythe (afternoon anchor)
The Province also reported a source confirmed news updates have been cancelled at 650.
According to Awful Announcing, not only are there more cuts in Toronto and Vancouver than listed above, there are also likely cuts happening in Calgary.
