Press Release

(August 27, 2010) After 14 seasons on Newsradio WOOD 1300, the Grand Rapids Griffins’ radio broadcasts will move to another member of the Clear Channel family this fall, joining The New ESPN 96.1 FM’s all-sports lineup.

This new three-year partnership (through 2012-13) between ESPN and Labatt Griffins Hockey originated with the station’s debut last year, as eight Griffins games during the 2009-10 regular season were carried on WOOD’s sister station.

“It’s somewhat of a bittersweet day for us, as Newsradio WOOD 1300 has been a tremendous flagship for the Griffins since our inaugural 1996-97 season,” said Tim Gortsema, the Griffins’ senior vice president of business operations. “But the opportunities to be on an all-sports FM station, increase our overall signal strength and access ESPN’s audience of local sports fans – all while staying with Clear Channel – made it an easy decision. We look forward to building on the great relationship we’ve enjoyed throughout the years.”

Bob Kaser will commence his 11th season as the Voice of the Griffins when Grand Rapids opens the 2010-11 American Hockey League season at home against the Abbotsford Heat on Friday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. One of the sport’s most decorated broadcasters, Kaser won the AHL’s 2009-10 James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding radio coverage and has received five Michigan Association of Broadcasters awards and three Michigan Associated Press awards since 2002.

“Bob and the Griffins have set a high standard for sports radio in Michigan, and we’re proud to be associated with such a great organization,” said Tim Feagan, VP-West Michigan market manager for Clear Channel. “We’ll continue searching for new and better ways to bring the exciting action of Griffins hockey to local fans.”

All 80 regular season Griffins broadcasts will feature a 15-minute pre-game show, beginning at either 15 or 45 minutes past the hour depending on the game’s start time. Standard post-game shows will last 10 minutes on the road and as long as 30 minutes at home.

Should a scheduling conflict arise with one of ESPN's other sports properties, Griffins broadcasts will revert to either Newsradio WOOD 1300 or another Clear Channel station that can air the game live.

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