As first reported here in March, the Cubs are leaving WGN-AM 720. A new seven-year deal with WBBM-AM 780, beginning with the 2015 season, will be announced tomorrow.
Jimmy deCastro, president and general manager of WGN, told RobertFeder.com his station was losing nearly $6 million per year on the Cubs.
“The economics of the deal that we inherited did not make business sense,” deCastro said to Feder.
WBBM’s Rod Zimmerman, senior vice president and market manager of CBS Radio Chicago, will paint a different picture. As I reported in March, this deal is more than about airing Cubs games on the CBS-owned station.
In Chicago, CBS also owns WBBM-FM 96.3, a top 40 station; WJMK-FM 104.3, classic rock; WXRT-FM 93.1, album alternative rock; and WUSN-FM 99.5, country.
The new pact will include CBS-station sponsored concerts and events at Wrigley Field and at new entertainment venues that will be part of the overall ballpark renovation project. There also will be promotional opportunities for the Cubs on CBS’ multiple platforms and for the stations throughout Wrigley Field and its surroundings.
Indeed, it is the end of an era for the Cubs and WGN. The relationship dates back to 1924, and the Cubs have been exclusively on the station since 1958.
Nothing goes on forever. Well, except perhaps the Cubs not winning the World Series.
Of course, WBBM really could hit the jackpot if Theo Epstein’s epic rebuild actually delivers the Cubs to the promised land by the 2021 season.
You forgot to mention that CBS also owns all sports station WSCR 670 AM in Chicago. Cub games could wind up on there by 2016 if the White Sox don’t renew with them after 2015. A real twist would be if WGN bids and wins the Sox contract beginning in 2016. The Score could also air Cubs games when there was a conflict with the Bears.
Surprised that WSCR is not doing Cubs games . It doesn’t seem like They will not do anything with Cubs..