CBS station ready to take on ESPN

Any chance we might hear from John Steigerwald in the future? I think Paulsen, Logan, and Crow are good guys, but the show is painful to listen to. This era of sports talk radio could use a Sweet Ol' Bill locally, and a Howard Cosell nationally and I'd never turn the dial.

Im glad Burton will be on the air, we need new personalities. Logan,Paulsen and Crow are compeletly uninformed and just have simplistic views about everything.No steigerwald he is even worse. Also i hope they have someone go against Savran and Junker who are just old, grumpy conservative whiners. new blood will definetly be appreciated.

"Management at 1250 ESPN has refused to budge from this threesome despite some obvious shortcomings -- like no one on the show has a firm handle on anything that’s going on in Pittsburgh sports."

I love it!

It will be interesting to see if this new group gets aggressive with sports rights here. The Steelers, Pirates, Pens and Pitt are all on the Clear Channel stations. Eventually those rights come up and the winners might be the teams which could get new leverage. I can't wait for the new locally based A.M. show. I lived in two other markets and it sure made the ride into work enjoyable when they were talking about "my" teams. I like Mike and Mike....but there's parts of it that are a real tune out like the NBA chatter. And, please, somebody put a muzzle on Dick Vitale! Bad enough hearing him talk about hoops. He's on all year round talking about everything.

"The Drive" stinks! Eddy Crow is moronic Scott Paulsen is just plain awful in this "role". Mike Logan needs public speaking training or something. very hard to listen to For a guy who played Pro-Football he offers very little insight regarding the Steelers and how they operate. This show is painful to listen to. Chris Mack doesn't wow me either and Stan Savran sounds like he has had it. Mark Madden is not even worth litening to. Not to be critical. We need some fresh voices on local sports radio and I am hoping CBS brings us that.

Anyone is better than Colin Cowherd. He annoys me to no end.

I would certainly welcome any decent local morning show, especially since what the two other sports stations are presenting.  I also am not enamored with the afternoon drive shows ... apparently Fox doesn't have the budget to give Bendel help, and while I like all 3 ESPN afternoon hosts individually, there is something obviously missing.

I personally think Paulsen is being misused.  With his personality and wit, I would love to see a show that combines sports, music and humor .... one of the reason I don't like Mike & Mike is how serious Geenie is about everything .. plus I believe there is already way too much rediundancy on sports talk radio  as it is, thus I would welcome something different.

Bob:  "Even if the station insists on putting the infantile Chris Mack on the show."<

Wow, Bob sure doesn't sugarcoat.  lol

-Has Thor Tullo's name been mentioned as a possible candidate in this? Where has he been anyways? Paul Alexander? Ellis coming back to the airwaves?

-I agree that "The Drive" is absolutely awful. I've never listened to such boring radio. I think they will be very easy to beat in the ratings. Actually I think 93.7 has a very strong chance to be successful in all day parts if they do things right. As much as it pains me to admit it, The only true player they will have to go up against will be Mark Madden on The X, and the reason for that (in my opinion) is because sports radio in this town has just grown stale. It's the same personalities talking about the same old crap over and over again. I don't mean to knock anyone in particular, but it's just old, over and done with.  

-Let's get some new talented voices in here and have some interesting conversation to listen to, and for Pete Sakes can someone PLEASE bring Mark Madden down from his high horse!

I will be curious as to how Burton will do.  I think they need to be a bit edgey to compete with Madden.  

I like the idea of a local morning drive show.  We haven't had that since Tunch and Wolf had that awful show 5+ years ago.

(BFD:  Ilkin and Wolfkey were back on the air this football season on 970.  I

 have nothing to substantiate this but I'm thinking we'll hear Burton in the A.M.  He's a very funny guy who does some dead-on impersanations.  If he's on with Colony that would be a good pairing. -- Bob Smizik)

one of the reason I don't like Mike & Mike is how serious Geenie is about everything ..

-----------

You nailed it collegesportsfan.  He talks as if he is discussing the cure for a serious illness........ it's sports for petes sake!  Their act has become tiresome.

BFD,  I always thought Greenie's predecessor, Tony Bruno, had the right perspective. Bruno was knowledgeable and would get his point across but often in a hunorous manner.  He and Golic were so much better than Mike & Mike, it's not even funny (literally.)

It's amazing how if you're a radio show host that talks with authority sounding like you know what you're talking about ... whether you're Stern, Madden, Cowherd or some of the political shills ... you are going to get many followerswho apparently have little mental capacity to form their own opinions.

i think the Stan, Guy, and Chris show as well as Bendel's are fantastic.

Stan and Guy have a lot of insight regarding the 3 major sports.  They're enjoyable to listen to.

I like how Bendel covers everything Pittsburgh.  He doesn't stick to just Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.  He talks a lot of Pitt and even gets into high school sports, which is a nice change of pace.  

Madden is funny and knows his stuff but having to listen to the X's music while I'm trying to listen to sports talk is frustrating.  His obsession with Big Ben is kind of ridiculous too.

The Drive just doesn't cut it.

I think it would be great to have a local sports show for the morning drive. Mike and Mike have way too much NFL and fluff in their show. They don't even know what the NHL is. I really miss Steve Czaban in the morning. What a dumb thing Fox did by removing him and replacing him with an idiot.

I am not sure an outsider will work for local sports talk in the morning. I think the fans here take quite a while to warm up to a personality. I would love to see Stan and Guy move to that time slot. Without Chris Mack . . . please!!!

What makes Madden so popular? I was a fan of his on 1250 for years. But I still can't get used to his format now. He is obviously being constrained and he has stuck to only Pens talk lately. He is such a fanboy of certain players like Crosby that it clouds his reasoning. But he does have the ratings for such a scripted show.

Bob,

I e-mailed you when the ESPN1250 Drive came out and said it was basically awful.  Other than having the dial already tuned in.....I don't know of any real serious sports fan who listens to that.  It is like "sports lite".    I like Madden, sometimes, sometimes his schtik is overboard, he is at his best when the Pens are rolling and really, the Steelers aren't.   Bendel offers us Pitt fans our best outlet.

I have to ask, aside from School Board members and Congress, are there any more out of touch and incompetent people such as those who run radio?   Removing an hour from Stan and Guy is beyond me....(also as you said adding Chris Mack)....and adding an hour to the insipid "Drive" is ridiculous beyond belief.  

My dream 93.7 local lineup would be JB, have Stan and Guy there, and perhaps Joe Starkey who has really the best show in Pittsburgh sports radio but is buried on Saturday mornings.

Do we really need more "local" sports talk?  I mean, c'mon.  Drving to work in the middle of May and hearing someone call in and say "Jon, I think the Stiller's pass too much and that Arian's should be fahred n'at".  Maybe if the Pirates were worth talking about, but not now.

And please no Thor Tolo or Paul Alexandar.  The worst.  Alexander will keep remininding us of what a PSU insider he is, like he did with his last show.  And Tolo doesn't have a clue.

(There are more than a dozen music stations. Why can't there be three sports-talk stations? No one says you have to listen. --- Bob Smizik

I always thought that the Cowherd decision had to come from above, because there's no way they'd sacrifice and hour of Stan and Guy for that chump. His show is terrible, and as soon as Stan and Guy are off the air, my radio dial goes to "off" as well.

With only two Major Sports Teams [Steelers and Pens] now in the 'Burg" and no NBA or Major League Baseball Team [for the purposes of this discussion the Pirates have to be considered no more than a weak Triple A Franchise], why does Pittsburgh need more local Sports Shows?

I take no issue with having an extra local choice available ... if you don't like it, don't listen. In fact, I have XM in my car and listen to MadDog radio from noon to later afternoon when I'm driving and want to listen to sports talk.

Interesting post, Bob.  I wholeheartedly agree with jtabs about Bendel – he covers the Steelers well, but is versatile enough to talk about anything, including college and high school sports.  I would love for him to have an opportunity at a new FM station.

I do wonder, however, how a station based on local sports talk will survive the summer months.  I would assume that ratings go down as people tune out the Pirates.  What on earth is their for a sports station in Pittsburgh to talk about for  15-20 hours per week in June?

(You'd be surprised how much people like to talk about how bad the Pirates are. Although the summer months can be a drag, let's not forget the Penguins play until May or June and the Steelers start in July.   --- Bob Smizik)

I listen to the Drive and like Logan and Paulsen well enough. I would like to listen to Madden's hockey talk but am too embarrassed to keep the station on while I am in the car with my father (who is a senior). I'm tired of listening to his strippers schtick, even though his show phone-in's are pre-recorded.    

I'd like to see some of the local personalities do a little more in the podcasting department.  Stan/Guy/Chris have an "online chat" that they podcast but its fairly bland compared to their normal, longer show.  This is generally what I listen to these days to and from work.  If Pompeani could podcast the nightly sports call that would be great! Same goes for action sports sunday or whatever the channel 4 version is)

If anything I'll listen to Bendel on the way home. He's the only one of the locals that actually talks sports for his time slot.  Madden is 1/3 ads, 1/3 Nirvana, 1/3 making fun of callers with the occasional taped interview.  It was good for about 3 months but is starting to get old now.

Everything on ESPN is terrible except for Stan and Guy, which they shortened.  The first time I heard Eddie Crow ask MIke Logan for an opinion on the Penguins was the last time I turned that station on.  To make it worse, they have a show with Jerome Bettis, who is equally bad at providing opinion and commentary (which is why he was taken off NBC's football show).

Jim Shearer is the most entertaining personality in the Steelers-sphere. He's produces his own web shows, Yinz Luv Da Stillers and Yinz Luv the Guins, and works for MTV, or at least he did at one point.

I don't know what CBS Radio is waiting for. Jim's smarter and funnier than a cretin like Mark Madden. And sorry, but unlike Guy Junker and Stan Savran he's got a pulse.

Check out his show and tell me I'm wrong.

www.myspace.com/yinzluvdastillers

I really don't care for Sports talk radio on the whole.  I find it painful to listen to the blabbering opinions of most for any length of time.  Reminds me of...well..me posting on this site.  Hmmmm.

Bob,  you might be able to provide some insight to this.  Can you tell me how Madden is successful?  The hockey talk is fine but the call-in abuse and the Howard Stern wanna-be thing is just exhausting.  I really don't see the entertainment value in a show like that.  

(Madden appeals to a certain element. I have a hard time defining it, but, for example, some of his listeners love that he goes after Hines Ward and Jerome Bettis.  I don't get that. Neither man is a saint, but there are two of the best sports citizens this town ever has had.  But that's the kind of person he appeals to.  I've called it the under-80 crowd (IQ, not age). That's not all his listeners but some of them.

He also caters to the hockey crowd.  I maintain a good talk-show host has to know what he's talking about. To do that you have to get around. Madden is around the Penguins. He knows where of he speaks. He can't do that on other subjects because he's not around.  But too many guys in talk radio are never around. 

Joe Starkey is good because he knows what's going on on all fronts.  Chris Mack is an example of a guy who tries to get by with wise cracks because he knows nothing. There are too many guys like that.  If this new station wants to succeed, its hosts must get out of the studio. -- Bob Smizik)

Thankfully there will be some competition in the AM! I thought Mike and Mike were unlistenable until I heard that non-entity that Fox put on to replace Steve Czaban. I put on my internet radio first thing in the morning and don't change it until Mark Madden comes on in the afternoon.

I feel bad for Scott Paulson and Eddy Crow. They could have a good show if they weren't weighed down with mushmouth on there.  And you could sub Stan & Guy in that sentence and it would still make sense. ATTENTION ESPN1250 MANAGEMENT: You don't need to add a black to a show to hope it'll appeal to black people. If it's good it's good.

(I don't think Mike Logan is on that show because of his race. He's on it because he played in the NFL. -- Bob Smizik)

(I don't think Mike Logan is on that show because of his race. He's on it because he played in the NFL. -- Bob Smizik)

Couldn't they find any other former players that can actually form a thought into a cohesive sentence? The point still remains that the show is unlistenable and his supposed NFL insight adds nothing to it.

(Do you have any suggestions? --- Bob Smizik)

I like Stan and Guy, Chris Mack doesn't bother me... Madden to me is infantile.

Everyone knows that one guy, you know the guy at work/school that makes a lot of witty jokes and everyone says "You should do standup! You'd be really funny!"  When in fact, they would be abysmal because there's more to stand up comedy than just cracking witty jokes at your leisure. You need an act, you need some opinions or a shtick at the least.

That's how I see Bettis and Logan on ESPN1250.  Everyone thought, when they played, man these guys are really good with the media! They'll definitely be in television/radio when their career is over.  However neither has any sort of strong opinion, view, or commentary.  They say the same things they said when they were players.  A lot of "one game at a time, rubber meets the road, hard work" bs coach/player speak that says something without actually saying anything.

"some of his listeners love that he goes after Hines Ward and Jerome Bettis.  I don't get that. Neither man is a saint, but there are two of the best sports citizens this town ever has had.  "

I like those guys but given Bettis' problems in Greensburg a few years ago, I'd hardly call him one of our best sports citizens.

Isn't Madden's problem with Bettis that he stood him up on his show once?  Or something like that.

And Whines Hard annoys me.  I love the way he plays the game but shut up.

(What was his problem in Greensburg?  As near as I can remember he, a single man, was involved in a sexual relationship with a single woman.  

Bettis was contractually prohibited from appearing on the Madden show after saying he would.  He and the Steelers promised to do any number of other things to make it up.  Madden, of course, preferred to hold it against him.

 --- Bob Smizik

"Management at 1250 ESPN has refused to budge from this threesome despite some obvious shortcomings -- like no one on the show has a firm handle on anything that’s going on in Pittsburgh sports."

Best laugh of the day, and so very true!

Nice crtique of Madden above as well, Bob.

"Couldn't they find any other former players that can actually form a thought into a cohesive sentence? "

I often think this as well, whenever I hear Craig Wolfley speak.

And I don't know if anyone ever listens to Pitt basketball broadcasts on the radio, but Dick Groat is hilarious to listen to.  I'm guessing that Curtis Aiken is on now because they'd like to put Dick out to pasture.  But poor Dick's got nothing other than, "Wow" or "C'mon guys!"

Bob,

Thanks for the insight.  Your points seem to be on-point re: this topic

21sthebest,

I couldn't agree more about Craig Wolfley.  Every time I listen to him its like listening to John Madden...drunk.

I like those guys but given Bettis' problems in Greensburg a few years ago, I'd hardly call him one of our best sports citizens.

________________________

It was a set up to ruin his character, and you fell for it Congratulations.

"It was a set up to ruin his character, and you fell for it Congratulations. "

There's a time and a a place to do things and there's also the judgment of with whom you're doing them.  I wouldn't call Bettis one of our best sports citizens.

(You are free to call him what you want. As someone who covered sports in Pittsburgh going back to the 70s, I regard Bettis as one of the very best.  --- Bob Smizik)

"I feel bad for Scott Paulson and Eddy Crow. They could have a good show if they weren't weighed down with mushmouth on there."

Poor Eddy's cheese-whiz machismo schtick is best suited for a stale cracker.  How he got on the radio, I'll never know.

@21st -

I like those guys but given Bettis' problems in Greensburg a few years ago, I'd hardly call him one of our best sports citizens.

--------

Not sure what the problem in Greensburg was.  He was given sexual favors from a lady who then tried to extort him.  He did nothing wrong in this instance.

========================

Isn't Madden's problem with Bettis that he stood him up on his show once?  Or something like that.

----------

Yes.  I remember this vividly.  Madden actually was a huge fan of him and Bettis was scheduled to be intervied.  I remember because I was listening waiting to hear the interview.  At the 11th hour (so to say) Bettis agent called MM to say he wasn't allowed by contract since he had a regular weekly show on KDKA at the time (I believe with Thor).  Right then and there MM changed his opinion of Bettis

=========================

And Whines Hard annoys me.  I love the way he plays the game but shut up.

----

Somewhat agree with you, but Madden disses him becaue Ward is the Busses bud.

"Not sure what the problem in Greensburg was."

Well he fell for it. He's a professional athlete and should know better.  And I sure hope you wouldn't do what he was doing in a car with someone who you just met.  And did he know her?  Not good judgment on his part.  

This could be pure coincedence, but...

It appears that Randy Baumann has left the WDVE Morning Show as of this week. He has not been on air the past few days and he has now been wiped from the WDVE website as well. As I said, could be coincedence, but the timing is strange to say the least.

Buc Fever,

Good point.  I was listening to DVE this morning and noticed he was off air.  I guess we'll wait and see.

(Bauman apparently is through at DVE in a contract squabble. -- Bob Smizik)

21st - not sure how old you are, but on any given night on the south side or any of the clubs around town, these favors can be found being done inside a car (which Bettis was doing).......JACKPOT!

I would be happy to be able to listen to a sports voice other than Mark madden. I can barely hear 1250 am obviously kdka fm will have better range. That alone would cause me to listen. Just don't put on either of that brother act the Cannons. talk about ego. madden is for the most part an act, Ellis and his brother appear to really believe that what they have to say has some importance to someone other than themselves.

Bob, any chance they go after Pirates broadcasting rights and bring on Rocco DeMaro? I'd love to see Rocco get more time pre-game.

(The Pirates rights are with Clear Channel and 104.7 through the 2011 season. Don't be surprised if Demaro adds the pre-game show to his duties at 104.7 this year. -- Bob Smizik)

No more Rocco Pirate talk....... he does enough of that through 162 agonizing games most of which are losses.  He need to put away him pompoms.......

(Do you have any suggestions? --- Bob Smizik)

Sure do! Ok, how about Charlie Batch? He's a horrible QB whose time is up. What's Mike Tomczak up to? Troy Polamalu isn't doing much these days.  Kevin Greene? Gary Anderson? LC Greenwood? Tommy Maddox? Kimo the assassin?

(How many of them live in Pittsburgh and are available and willing to work for what ESPN is paying? None, I'd bet.  -- Bob Smizik)

about Charlie Batch? He's a horrible QB whose time is up

--------------

Horrible QB?  really?  His time may be up due to age and injuries, but he has served as the back-up QB pretty well.

Horrible QB?  really?  His time may be up due to age and injuries, but he has served as the back-up QB pretty well.

Yeah, when wearing the headset he's been great. When he's been forced into action, he's proven very fragile.

SteelLurker,

Stan may be old and grump but he isn't conservative.  I still like

him doing sports talk though.

Long-Time-Lurker,

Jim Shearer would be a great 2nd guy. Maybe pair Jim Shearer and Dave Dameshek.

Tolo isn't an option anymore.  Ellis needs a new home.

For Steelers talk I like Jim Wexell and Dave Lolley.  They would be a good post game team.

(It's Dale Lolly. --- Bob Smizik)

I have actually been surprised how good Scott Paulsen has been on the Drive.  He gets no help from his partners.

He is pretty knowledgeable , but the one asset he has is that he knows radio, how to run a show, and how to get a point across without talking forever (he should teach Crowe).

The show might be better if he had a better partner...and only one partner.

Here's one reason why I think this new station will have a great chance to succeed - their FM band. While I like a good deal of the programming on 1250, their weak AM signal dies out before I'm halfway home in the evening, and I can barely pick them up in the morning (I live in Beaver County and work out by the Pitt airport). The horrible reception is a real problem. With 93.7 FM, I should have no trouble picking up the broadcast, so that makes it a winner for me. Seeing that Jim Colony will be on the station is another winner - I always liked his work on Madden's show from the 1250 days. As for Madden, he is also on an FM station, but the format of playing three songs followed by five minutes of talk is, well, maddening! I either want to listen to music, or I want talk - I never want a mix. All in all, this new station sounds like it has all the ingredients to be successful, and I will definitely be tuning in.

Black_N_Gold Fan posted exactly what I was about to say. The FM signal is a major selling point. I'm also in Beaver County and forget pulling in 1250 or 970 except between sunrise and sunset.

As much as I like Stan Savran and Guy Junker, their show has gone down hill since Stan showed up. Chris Mack adds nothing. I miss the Jagoff the week Wednesdays and being on only two hours is silly.

I'd prefer Stan have his own show on the new station.

I really don't care for The Drive. Paulsen talks too much, Crow is weird and was better with Junker in the mornings and Logan tries but just doesn't cut it.

Mark Madden who I couldn't stand at 1250 is much better suited at 105.9 the X.  I enjoy listening to him now where at 1250 i wanted to pound him.

I'm looking forward to having another sports talk station. Lets see how they do.

I haven't been around the Burg radio options for a while, but that format Madden has going-10 minutes of music, 5 minutes of Madden-sounds much better than the old format of 15 minutes of Madden. His having less time to expose his ignorance and less time to expose others to his rudeness is a good thing.

Regarding his attacking Hines and Jerome, Madden's whole shtick involves him maintaining a view at odds with the majority, especially if the view is 'edgy.' Thus he also was a huge Barry Bonds cheerleader, minimized Clemente's position in the Pirate pantheon of great players, called Stargell everything but a good man, and made ludicrous accusations about the Rooneys. If you are an adolescent this will make you go "Ooohh, he's a rebel!" like when a kid called the principal a dirty name at school.

I don't know which speaks less of our society, his ratings or Rush's.

(Kevin: Excellent assessment. You said it much better than I did. What's sad is that his fans rally around him when he attacks people like the Rooneys, Stargell, Bettis, Arnold Palmer, etc.  --- Bob Smizik)

I am pleased to hear that Pittsburgh is getting an FM sports talk option, especially because my radio does not pickup AM stations while I'm at work. This new station could have a large impact right away due to the relative weakness of the competitions overall lineup. On ESPN, Mike & Mike are entertaining during the football season, but the rest of the year they are nothing more than a mouth piece for the NBA and all of the large market MLB teams (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, etc.), and Colin Cowherd is more concerned with convincing the listeners of how smart he is rather than giving any real sports analysis. The only thing that Fox Sports Radio has to offer is Joe Bendel, unless you are like the majority of Western PA listeners and couldn't care less about Pitt football and basketball.

The new station's morning drive show should have colorful /insightful regular hosts (perhaps Burton and Paulsen) and combine analysis and interviews with a touch of humor and listener call-in (particularly all the yinzers who are still inebriated after the previous night's Steeler or Penguin loss). For the noon show I think the station would be well severed by wrestling Bendel away from Fox970 and pairing him up with Paul Alexander. Both are capable of discussing everything from the Pirates and Penguins, to high school football. Plus, Alexander can keep Bendel from always getting side tracked on Pitt by interjecting with some PSU and WVU analysis, not to mention he provides a bit of an "edge" that ultra-nice guy Bendel can lack at times.

Am I the only one who finds athletes talking about sports to be about the least interesting guests on radio talk shows?  They say nothing, or rarely anything of interest, alot of cliched, boring and sanitized responses.  I much rather listen to spots on these talk shows that contain the beat writer, or a broadcaster because they tend to be more honest in their assessment.  Rare are the athletes who are truly interesting and introspective when interviewed.

So I sure as hell don't want them to HOST shows, so they can have more of their buddies on and say nothing.   I guess I am no longer 12 years old, so hearing an athlete's perspective doesn't excite me because you know most of it is a facade so as not to say anything controversial.   Unfortunately, and probably too much so, that is what sports talk radio has become.  But even that I am not talking about just being an ass and being controversial, it is being objective, knowledgeable and calling it like you see it.  

And let's face it also....Steeler talk.....my god how much can you actually say about the Steelers?  What new angles that haven't been broached by somebody at some point in Pittsburgh will come with "more Steeler" talk.   I actually find Pirate talk more interesting just because it is that confounding how poorly run a franchise can be.  

Put me on......I want to have my show.  First subject.  Let's talk about "the best management team in sports" and their performance on the Jason Bay trade!  

At one time the Post-Gazette had a TV show on PBS here and Editor John Craig was the host. It was from the news room live and as ackward as it was....and even tho many of the writers had faces and bodies made for newspaper (Vito Stellino!!!!) and not TV, it was great. They talked about the stories they were working on . So I vote for Post-Gazette Sports or Tribune Review Sports Radion Sports ! Just one show, maybe evening drive.  A columnist would host the show on radio each afternoon and he/she would bring in the beat writers to talk about their stories. This could be Smizik (when we need content) or Collier (when we need humor)...or Starkey (who is already good). Reporters make the best hosts ala Cope, Madden, Keidan. No former players. They suck.

Well, the new station has a decided advantage. The 41,000 watt FM signal that will provide static-free listening within a 75 mile radius of Pittsburgh, moreover it will be able to penetrate buildings where thousands of workers are unable to receive AM radio. The weak, directional AM signals from WEAE and WBGG can make listening to them very difficult.

History has shown that if the morning drive pulls a good audience, the rest of the day will follow. Hopefully 93.7 The Fan will have strong local presence in the morning that will provide a clear contrast to the programming syndicated by ESPN Radio.

Cowherd's show is awfull. why would they put him on on the middle of two local shows? It makes no sence.

The Dve morning show has very good sports talk. Just as good as any other station.

I'll echo the sentiments of many that are glad for an FM sports station, not only because of the signal reception, but because there is no FM sports show to catch, now that E is gone (that's right - none).

I'll also look forward to listening to Jim Colony again, not because I enjoyed his most recent demeaning stint, but because I remember his time with WTAE radio. His dry humor appealed to me.

To FriendsOfMarioFan: You said you wanted your own radio show? Check out blogtalkradio.com. I believe you can host your own show, live, and for free, and then archive it as a podcast. Premium plans with more options are available for a subscription. You'd just have to do a little internet marketing (also can be done for free or very little) to start your audience and maybe in a few months or years, you'd be ready to take over one of those FM radio host spots - that is, if radio is still around by then. Hey, it's the social media age!

To 21sthebest: If Dick Groat has lost a little in his vocal strength and analytical skills over the years, he's still earned our respect and tolerance for the athlete he was and the man he is. If you're not old enough to remember (but I suspect you are if your user name refers to Clemente) check out Groat's entry in Wikipedia for a quick summary of what he accomplished.

Wow, lots of info in here and the comments. Baumann out at DVE? That's big

As for ESPN, while Stan, Guy, and Paulsen are good-to-great it seems to have lost a lot when Madden left. It'll be good to have an alternative I can actually get in my building.

Someone needs to add that this is the Internet age, and in this day and age -- except during drive time -- radio now takes a distinctive back seat to "online".

In that realistic context...THIS BLOG is, in fact, the best "sports radio" Pittsburgh has to offer.

It's far more interactive, thorough and up-to-date than anything you can or will be able to find on the radio.  Only the (semi)-literate can post here, which weeds out the total lunatics.  And it can be "heard" world-wide, on the WWW.

Add to the mix that it is run by one of the most knowledgeable and opinionated sports minds in the tri-state area (with a face and voice made for Internet! lol), and you have a real winner -- one that we can only hope Bob never negotiates into a money maker as well.

I'm a Connellsville resident and echo the comments made by Smiz that ESPN is ready to be toppled. I turn the station off once Cowherd comes on. It doesn't get turned on again

until Stan and Guy come on the next day. Need new Blood. Bob have you ever heard of the local guy they have down here on WMBS? I listen to him on Saturdays before I turn on Starkey. His name is Dutch. He's well informed and quite entertaining. Either way, they need some voices.

(I agree on the need for new voices.  I've heard Dutch and he e-mails me quite frequently. He certainly is outside the box. --- Bob Smizik)

ESPN really blew it after they fired Mark Madden. They should give the 10-12 slot to Joe Starkey and Chris Mack, the 2-6 slot to Stan and Guy or 2-5 if Guy can't due to television. Not sure where to put Paulsen and Crow.

Mark Madden appeals to listeners because he's entertaining, he has the same type of followers as Howard Stern. I personally can't listen to him much but he does appeal to WXDX's target audience, young males.

I'm also surprised not to hear anything about Dan Patrick who is on FOX Sports 970. I think his show is the best sports talk show on the radio. He is an excellent interviewer and brings up interesting debates for his listeners.

Static , I agree with your lineup for ESPN. I'd like to hear a little more from Starkey. Problem with 970 am is that signal. Also find myself in complete agreement with Smiz, in that Dutch is outside the box. Couldn't have said it better myself.

For this to succeed, some new voices are a must. It seems the same names have been heard on the air here for years, and everybody already has an opinion on them.  

As far as being in for the long haul, I don't think that anybody should have any doubts about CBS' ability to run a successful radio station. For petes sake, they've only been doing it since about 1922...

Im all for a new sports talk station that will put an emphasis on local programming but if they dont pick the right personnel, then I wont be buying....Some of the names mentioned here arent appealing at all to me...For example, Paul Alexander - cant stand him at FSN at all - cant see him transitioning to radio......This station has only one opportunity to get the listeners attention - ESPN radio 1250 is ripe to be had but they better do a lot of research and due diligence before they sign their talent....New names might be better too with a mix of a few familiar ones....Just dont recycle stale ones..

Bob - might a 2-3 hr time slot interest you since youre not a full time columnist......I heard you today with Joe Bendel and you are a breath of fresh air and have a good voice to be in this profession..

"Bauman apparently is through at DVE in a contract squabble." -- Bob Smizik

Unfortunately, for true sports-talk fans, Bauman's "disappearance" has coincided with Scott Paulsen's proclamation on The Drive yesterday of "...this is my last show," followed, today, by Paulsen's absence on air, with Logan, et al saying he was "off sick."

Connect the dots...and FM morning radio on 93.7 rolls on without much meaningful sports talk.  As Mike & Mike live to "completely agree" with each other another day.

@bradykeys.....Did Paulsen really say this was his last show?  If he replaces Baumann, hes gone full circle hasnt he..I like the Baumann version of DVE morning show better...

I did find it odd that Laird filled in for Paulsen today.....Any other time when one of the guys on The Drive was off, the show went on with just the other two....

Why do I have a fear that Jory Rand may be involved in some way with the new radio station?

If they do, just blow it up now.

Just a guess - and I didn't hear any of the on-air stuff mentioned - but Paulsen's comment had to be a joke ... since he probably had inside info about the Baumann/DVE situation.

Another guess ... wouldn't fret over Jory.  I don't think.

You said THINK L4W.  I want to KNOW not to fret ;)

He reminds me of another former KDKA TV/Radio personality that was a joke among friends.  The joke was:

What do you say to someone that doesn't know much about Pittsburgh sports?

Hi Thor...

Bob, have you heard about Ellis yet?

(Not a word.  Have heard from somone he will be with the new station; heard from someone else he will not. We should know in a few days. -- Bob Smizik)

If the rumors are true that Scott Paulsen is heading back to DVE to replace Randy Baumann (which is a joke, Randy was great) then I would imagine there is going to be a shake up with "The Drive". Crow and Logan are okay for football talk, but neither of them could carry a show. It also bothers me that those two talk about hockey. Am I supposed to believe Mike Logan knows what hes talking about when it comes to hockey? ESPN has been in shambles since Madden was fired. They had a good thing going with Stan & Guy, but to cut that back for Colin Cowherd is a shame. Cowherd's show does not relate to the Pittsburgh audience in my opinion. Someone that says over his airwaves "hockey, nobody cares about hockey" is not going to go over well in Pittsburgh.  

  While I agree with most of the posts on Madden about his format being awful and scripted, he is number one by default.  Anyone else think its a coincidence that the morning and afternoon drive shows that are the broadcast partners for the Penguins both have the number 1 rated shows? Talk about the Steelers special teams in March and April is boring beyond belief. My advise to the people at the fan, get someone that knows their hockey, its working brilliantly for the X.

While it is interesting that Paulsen was out yesterday, we'll see if hes back today..I cant see ESPN letting him go back to DVE in the middle of his contract

Being out in the Midwest I do miss Stan-Guy very much.  Colin Cowherd is an acquired taste.  Lots of things he discusses seem to end up on his TV show Sportsnation (which I do find entertaining if nothing else.  My teenage kids will watch it with me when they come home from school before kicking me out!)  Jim Rome is another acquired taste that I haven't acquired (rack me).  I began appreciating Joe Bendel more and more after ESPN had put :The Drive " together.  I like the guys on "The Drive", but it just doesn't click with me listening.  Madden is Madden.  He just kills everyone in the ratings.  Sometimes his rantings embarass me especially if my kids are in the car, but he is entertaining and has always been friendly and cordial off-air whenever I had been to an event.

Paulsen was out again today.

Is he going back to DVE?

How about Paulsen and Baumann together on the new station?

It's nice to hear that so many people think "The Drive" on ESPN radio is as bad as I think it is.  I'd rather listen to KDKA radio than Eddie Crowe.  Aside from the fact that I disagree with his viewpoints for the most part (which in it of itself isn't a big deal to me), but his radio personna is awful, his attempts at humor are forced and poorly delivered and the diction and delivery with hwhich he makes his points makes him sound like 2/3 of the yinzers who call into the show.  In short...I think he's mediocre at best, awful at worst.

I used to like Madden but his act has wears thin from time to time.

Nothing wrong with some new blood in the market.  Competition, in theory, makes the product better.

I just miss the Man Station, O&A in the AM and Kidd Chriss in the PM

The annoying thing to me about Eddie Crowe is that he ALWAYS has to have the last comment on every single thing spoken in the room. He absolutely cannot let someone say something without him adding something to it.  And it's even more annoying when someone attempts to say something funny and he immediately has to try to add something even funnier to the comment, and it just comes off as so forced and not funny.

The Drive the past two days with Laird filling in has been more easy on the ears....Its not that Paulsen is gone - in my opinion, its that they have a guy in Laird who knows his stuff combined with the other two...You could take any of the three away  (Paulsen - Logan -  Crowe) and by adding Laird, its a better show........Paulsen, Logan and  Crowe in my opinion arent credible sports guys..Logan gives you the ex-jock perspective but thats it....Crowe can be ok at times and Paulsen just doesnt have the sports acumen to be on a sports station in a town like Pgh where his lack of overall sports knowledge stands out like a sore thumb...

I spent the first 25 years of my life in Pittsburgh, so I understand why some people do not like Colin Cowherd - he is not a Pittsburgh guy.  I have heard him rip on the Steelers fans and the city multiple times - but sometimes he is right about the Steelers fans and the city.  

I like his show.