My latest Chicago Tribune column is on WGN-AM 720 and the Cubs.
You also can access via my Twitter feed.
From the column.
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If the Cubs want to continue their long relationship with WGN-AM 720, dating back to 1925, they likely will have to do it at a reduced price.
Strapped with an expensive rights deal and sharply declining ratings because of the Cubs’ struggles on the field, WGN is exercising an option to re-open their contract with the team.
Broadcast sources say WGN is losing significant money on the Cubs broadcasts, with listeners and advertisers tuning out a team that has lost 197 games in the last two years.
Cubs games still will air on the station in 2014, but beyond that, the two sides will have to agree on a new deal.
WGN-AM President Jimmy de Castro declined to discuss any of the specifics of the situation. However, he stressed several times that he hopes the Cubs continue to be on WGN.
“Like any contract, there are periods where you do a business analysis,” de Castro said. “Both the Cubs and WGN are looking at it. We love our partnership and we hope it continues forever. The contract calls for us to take a look at it and we’re going to do that.”
In other words: Forever will end abruptly if the money isn’t right for WGN.
Broadcast insiders say the current contract calls for WGN to pay as much as $10 million per year to Cubs (“Maybe more,” said one source), making it one of the most expensive in Major League Baseball.
The Yankees recently signed a deal with WFAN in New York, calling for an annual payout estimated in the $15-20 million range.
The Cubs reportedly did a new contract with WGN in 2009 in advance of Tribune Co. selling the team to the Ricketts family. Back then, the Cubs were one year removed from back-to-back playoff appearances in 2007-08. They still were considered a hot commodity, attracting strong ratings on both TV and radio.
Well, not so much in 2013.
As it relates to the above article. I’m not so sure it’s the loosing seasons. Summer and the Cubs is part of life. 105 years without a World Championship. I think WGN needs to look at this again. My guess is you’ll find out that Keith Moreland has a lot to do with those dropping ratings. Constant blah, blah, blah babbling on how much he knows about the game of baseball. Nauseating. Granted, Ronnie made it fun and actually nice to turn off TV volume and listen to Ronnie. I’m sure WGN’s peer’s are just salivating at a chance to pick up the Radio broadcasts. If I were WGN, I’d be more concerned about loosing TV rights to Comcast. That’s where the money is. Their pockets aren’t deep enough to continue.
Remembering my childhood days listening to Lou Boudreau and the loosing Cubs, was immaterial. Product on the field, it is what it is. They’ll come around to tease again soon. Hell, who know’s, we may never win this thing. Is that so awful? I choose to be a Cub fan as it’s part of me. If I wanted a winner, I’d do what everybody does, become a Yankee fan and expect it every year. Mark my word, if and when the Cubs ever win this thing, we’ll loose something very special about being a Cub fan.
My motivation, “there’s alway’s hope”.
Cheers Chicago
Marko
“Loose” and “loosing,” eh, Marko? Try a new hobby.
50% of the Cubs problems are the announce staff. Keith Moreland is just another talking baseball head with no qualities that make you want to like him. On the TV side, I can’t even remember the the name of the guy that replaced Brenley. WGN needs to bury the hatchet or swallow their pride and do whatever is necessary to get Steve Stone in the booth with Len Casper.