Tuesday, July 11th 2006
Jim Rome Makes New Commitment To Radio And Premiere Radio Networks
Contacts: Amir Forester
Premiere Radio Networks
818-461-5404
Melissa Kates
PMK HBH
310-289-6200
LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2006 - Jim Rome, who hosts one of the most-listened-to sports talk radio shows in America, has renewed his contract with Premiere Radio Networks, the radio syndication company that originally signed him in 1996. The Jim Rome Show, a.k.a. The Jungle, will continue to be heard on more than 200 radio stations including affiliations in 9 of the top 10 markets: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston, and Houston. Breaking away from the standard industry practice of affiliating sports talk radio shows in a 24-hour network of programming, The Jim Rome Show will continue to be affiliated to stations as a stand-alone sports talk property. Also, the newly signed long-term agreement acknowledges the future addition of satellite radio to Rome's roster of affiliates.
Rome stated, "Premiere Radio Networks and Clear Channel are the gold standard in our industry and I'm proud of our partnership and our future together. I'd also like to thank the Program Directors at my affiliates for all their support and help in making the show such a success and look forward to continuing our winning streak. Knowing many of my affiliates have been with me since day one, for the entire 10 years, means a lot."
"Jim's radio program is the de facto standard for sports talk programming in the country," said Kraig T. Kitchin, president/COO of Premiere Radio Networks. "He consistently draws the key demographic, Men 25-54 years old, to his program and affiliate stations by constantly raising the bar and performing at an enviable level. I'm extremely proud that Jim has decided to continue his radio career with Premiere Radio."
Known for his aggressive, informed, rapid-fire dialogue, Rome broadcasts live from 9 a.m. - noon Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
In addition to his daily radio show, he hosts Jim Rome is Burning, a daily, provocative sports talk television show on ESPN that airs at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The program originates in Los Angeles and features opinion, Rome's "rants," debate, and guest appearances by some of the biggest names in sports.
Rome began his radio career at KTMS, Santa Barbara as the "$5 dollar-an-hour" traffic reporter and covered University of California, Santa Barbara's sports. Rome left KTMS for San Diego's all-sports station, XTRA Sports 690. It was during a temporary stint on a late-night show for the station that Rome debuted his "smack" (Jungle Gloss term meaning sports talk in a gloating, uninhibited or unbridled manner). The experiment yielded high ratings, and The Jungle was born. In 1996, Premiere Radio Networks began syndicating the show.
Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU), syndicates 70 radio programs and services to more than 5,000 radio affiliations and reaches over 190 million listeners weekly. Premiere Radio is the number one radio network in the country and features the following personalities: Rush Limbaugh, Jim Rome, Casey Kasem, Ryan Seacrest, Glenn Beck, Bob (Kevoian) & Tom (Griswold), Delilah, Steve Harvey, Blair Garner, George Noory, Maria Bartiromo, Ty Pennington, Whoopi Goldberg, John Boy and Billy, Matt Drudge, Art Bell, Donald Trump, Big Tigger, and others. Premiere is based in Sherman Oaks, California, with 12 offices nationwide.
