KGOW will begin carrying Sporting News’ late night and overnight programs beginning Sept. 14. On Aug. 10, it will launch the network’s Tim Brando Show, which did not air on KILT, with a one-hour delay weekdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

To make room for the Brando show, KGOW will air its morning show from 6-10 a.m., its midday show from 1-3 p.m. and its afternoon drive show from 3-7 p.m. The changes also coincide with the expected completion next month of the station’s new nighttime transmission tower near Katy.

David Gow, chairman of Gow Communications, said the affiliate switch was negotiated after a series of conversations with Sporting News Radio president Clancy Woods, who as station manager helped launch the Mix radio format on KHMX (96.5 FM) in Houston in 1990.

“Clancy has visited us, and I think he feels we’ve got the most momentum in the market,” Gow said. “The whole of who we are and where we are going was the basis for the decision.”

Woods said his objective was to clear as much programming room as possible, including the Brando show and evening programming not being preempted by games, as was the case on KILT because of its Rockets commitments.

“It became apparent as time went on that our opportunity to expand our footprint (at KILT) was limited,” he said. “We have had a chance to know the folks at KGOW, and we’re impressed with their commitment to do something special. We were able to craft some ideas that will turn into a great partnership. We think the Brando show will be a big hit in Houston.”

KGOW had been carrying the Sports Byline network nights and overnights. Brian Purdy, market manager for CBS Radio Houston, did not return a call Thursday seeking details about KILT’s network plans after the affiliate switch.

Brando pleased

KGOW’s announcement Thursday came as good news to Tim Brando on a couple of fronts. Houston will represent the largest market in which his show airs on terrestrial radio (it also is available on Sirius channel 127), and it’s close to his geographic sweet spot.

Brando broadcasts his show from his home in Shreveport, La., and one of his earliest jobs as a teenager was broadcasting high school football games for Longview Pine Tree. So he’s familiar with East and Southeast Texas and the particular rhythms of its sports passions.

“College sports have been given nothing but lip service and condescending comments (by most network shows),” he said.

“We give more than lip service to college sports. In my three hours, more than likely you’ll hear more than half or two-thirds of it be about college football or basketball. Those are my passions.”

He added, “I consider Houston in my wheelhouse, and I think the comfort zone will be good. This (the KGOW affiliation) is a great get for us.”