ASU extends athletics radio contract
The Sun Devil Sports Network and Arizona State University have reached accord on a three-year partnership extension with Bonneville Radio Phoenix to broadcast Sun Devil athletics, ASU Director of Athletics Lisa Love announced Wednesday. The agreement begins effective immediately.
Under the agreement, KTAR 620 AM will become the flagship station for Sun Devil football and men's basketball. The extension calls for a 90-minute pre- and postgame show for football and a 30-minute pre- and postgame show for men=B9s basketball.
"We are very excited and enthusiastic to be able to continue our partnership agreement with Bonneville Radio Phoenix, KTAR and Erik Hellum," said Love. "This agreement provides continuity for us, our sports programs and our fans, by remaining on KTAR 620 AM. The audience penetration, KTAR's increased ratings and their expanded programming are tremendous features of this partnership."
"For decades, KTAR and ASU have had an excellent partnership," said Hellum, General Manager at Bonneville. "However, with KTAR-AM's evolution to Arizona's first major league all sports radio station and ASU's great commitment to success on the field and on the court, I believe that our best years are in front of us."
Ten-year veteran broadcaster Tim Healey will continue as the "Voice of the Sun Devils" for football and men's basketball. Former Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player and ASU star quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst continues his role as color analyst for football, entering his 12th season in that capacity. Valley sportscaster Amy Bender will serve as the football sideline host.
Additionally, KTAR will air a weekly football and men's basketball coach's call-in segment during drive time in the morning and evening. Healey will be involved in the call-in segments. KTAR will also carry a five-minute weekly interview segment with Lisa Love, the ASU Vice President for Athletics. There will also be a Sun Devil Update feature that will air three times per week for 30 consecutive weeks during the academic year.
"We are thrilled that ASU Athletics and The Sun Devil Sports Network will continue to be one with Sports 620 KTAR," said Garrick Dorn, General Manager of Sun Devil Sports Marketing. "KTAR has been the proud home of ASU Athletics for many years and gives Sun Devil fans the quality broadcasting they expect and deserve."
ASU is currently negotiating locally for a radio home for its baseball and women's basketball broadcasts in 2007-08.