TUNING IN…
With Ardith StephansonLine driv(ing)
Baseball is an ideal sport for radio.
On a recent road trip, bored with listening to FM radio music, I tuned in to CFSL 1190 AM Weyburn, which has carried Toronto Blue Jays games for what seems like forever. It was a great way to pass the time while driving.
Sportsnet radio carries all 162 Blue Jays games, featuring Jerry Howarth and Mike Wilner. In Saskatchewan, we can catch them on CFSL, as well as CJSL 1280 AM Estevan, CJYM 1330 AM Rosetown, and CFYM 1210 AM Kindersley.
I think baseball is so easy to listen to because of the pace. It’s easy to visualize, is a slower pace than a sport like hockey, and is relaxing. Whether or not you’re a Blue Jays fan, it is nice to have an option (without paying for satellite radio) when you’re on a road trip.
I need a Kleenex
What an emotional week for the city of Boston and its residents.
Last week was the memorial of the Boston Marathon tragedy of a year ago. Monday was the running of the 2014 edition of the race. And prior to Sunday night’s Red Sox baseball game was a touching 30-minute pregame show in honour of the anniversary of the tragedy.
It was powerful to watch survivors, families of survivors, rescue workers, police officers and of course the baseball players from the Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles gather on the field.
Sports have a way of bringing us together. When a tragedy strikes, it can help to heal the wounds caused by the tragedy, and the Boston Strong movement that culminated in the Red Sox World Series victory is an example of that.
Again, whether or not you cheer for the Red Sox, it was touching to watch how the city rallied around the team, and how the team helped the city on the road to healing.
From rocks to mics
Other than the final games together for many of the teams at the Grand Slam of Curling Players’ Championship this past weekend, the biggest news was the announcement by Kevin Martin that he is retiring and moving to the other side of the camera. In the final Grand Slam of Curling event of the season, Martin went out a winner after the announcement that he was putting away his broom in exchange for a microphone.
Martin will be joining SportsNet next year as both a broadcast analyst and official spokesperson for the Grand Slam of Curling series. The Slam will also expand to five events with a new event, the Elite 10, joining the Masters, National, Canadian Open and Players’ Championships. Total prize money will be increasing to a total minimum of $700,000, with the $1 million bonus still available to the men’s team who can win all five Slams in a season.
Sportsnet’s curling broadcast coverage will increase to up to 200 hours for next season, with the Grand Slam events as well as the Alberta, B.C., Manitoba and Ontario Provincial Curling Championships.
According to Sportsnet, in addition to serving as a broadcast insider and analyst, Martin will help to shape the future of the Grand Slam of Curling, working with the players, communities and sponsors.
They need a replacement for Richard Hart, who is going in the opposite direction of Martin – exchanging his microphone for his broom as he comes out of retirement to curl with Glenn Howard next season. Not a bad finish for Martin – he shot 98% in the Championship final.
Sportsnet has owned and operated the Grand Slam of Curling since 2012 and it has been interesting to watch the rise in popularity of the World Curling Tour events. Hours of coverage continue to increase, and ratings for events like the Brier are also doing well, while in-person attendance at events like the Brier continues to suffer.
Are we all getting used to watching curling from the comfort of our couches and now prefer that to watching in person?
Around the Dial
In the last week, I’ve gotten a chuckle at all the Habs and Pens fans who have told me in the most sincere manner how much they are cheering for the Red Wings. Being naturally suspicious, I wonder if it is because they hate the Bruins? … I wondered why the women’s Players’ Championship Grand Slam event was televised Sunday in prime time after the men’s. Duh. Then I realized it was a repeat from the morning. Interesting that Sportsnet would replay it, unless they figured it would draw viewers in that prime-time slot…The Grand Slam finals seemed like replays as Martin and Jennifer Jones won. Again.
Send in your thoughts and follow me on Twitter @Ardith_S
Wow Rod, CKRM isn't the first to report the Pats sale, now heard first by CJME just reminded me why I stopped listening to your bush league show.
Brutal Rod, love how your trying to cover yourself on air right now….pretty poor Rod, heres to hoping you have nothing to do with this team now BP is officially gone.
Al
Pats sold Roddy, why aren't you reporting this bud?
Rod and CKRM doesn't specialize in TMZ journalism like CJME is famous for in both their news and sports reporting. Rod and CKRM have these stories in their backpocket and are doing what they are at the request of their business partners. Its really not that hard to comprehend. Anyone with a brain knows this team has been sold since before the playoffs, but the WHL has said no until the time is right. I'm surprised CJME or the LP hasn't reported on this before today.
Why can't theyes tell us at the news conference who they were sold too
Will you come clean once Brent Parker is no longer pulling the strings Rod and will you now go back to the booth now that he is no longer part of the equation? Everyone knows it is because of Parker why you aren't in the booth. You are a great hockey p x p man and the Pats would be lucky to have you back. I think Scruffy can handle the Cage in your absence.
Rick
CJME = TMZ journalism. Its funny cuz its true!
Al! You're back!! And aren't you in for a BIG surprise!!!!!
RP
And yet here you are all writing on Rods bllog while admitting your listening to his show. Jealous much or just a big man crush?
Here is what I know.
I own a business. I advertise my business with the Regina Pats. I also advertise my business through Harvard Broadcasting.
For the Regina Pats' Owner's son to leak this story to Rawlco Radio I can tell you this. Tomorrow morning Cliff is getting a call and an earful. I will also not be renewing my contract with this organization.
You can't buy class put it that way.
…it is going to be vicious when the cage is opened to assess the historical impact of this ownership tenure
oh Roddy, what surprise will Al have?
The story has been confirmed by 3 media outlets now. Who is Al anyway, you two seem to have a long running game going?
Hi Rod,
I've been back for a long time, surprised I didn't hear back from the email I sent you.
I'm sure the surprise you have is that your back in the booth next year, hurray for you and too bad for us.
Fire me that response big fellas, been waiting only four months now.
Al
No disrespect to Rod but I think Phil the thrill Andrews does a great job on the Pats broadcast and would like to see him stay in that spot. But if Rods back in the booth we will have either of the best 2 voices in the WHL, fine by me.
T
Who has time to report about the sale of the Regiba Pats, its way more interesting to read about Rod's Vegas adventure. After all this is a sports blog.
I see the Beverly Hillbillies are all out of the crowbar hotel. Have fun with them Rod.
14 posts deleted, and not one relevant to Ardeth Stephanson the author of this article. I feel sorry for this lady who contributed her time and effort to this blog, what a waste.