The Baltimore Ravens have entered a six-year partnership that will keep Hearst-owned WBAL News Radio 1090 AM and 98 Rock (WIYY 97.9) as the Flagship Home of the Baltimore Ravens through the 2022 season. Additionally, under the extended contract, WBAL-TV will continue to serve as an official broadcast partner by televising preseason games and three weekly, in-season programs created by the team's in-house broadcasting group, Ravens Productions.
The new deal officially begins in 2017 as an extension of the previous relationship that was agreed upon from 2011-2016. It also marks the second contract extension between the Ravens and the broadcast organizations, following an initial agreement that was first established in 2006.
"WBAL-TV, 98 Rock and WBAL News Radio 1090 are thrilled to continue as the Official Television and Radio Broadcast Partners of the Baltimore Ravens," Dan Joerres, President and General Manager of WBAL-TV, and Cary Pahigian, President and General Manager of WBAL-AM and WIYY-FM, said in a joint statement. "Our partnership is amongst the strongest in the NFL, and we intend to make it even stronger on all of our market-leading platforms."
"The Ravens are pleased to extend our partnership with Hearst, WBAL-TV, 98 Rock and WBAL-AM," said Kevin Rochlitz, the Ravens' Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales and Business Development. "Hearst is a highly-respected company, and we know this relationship allows us an opportunity to further connect with our fanbase."
In 2016, every Ravens game will continue to be called by the radio team of Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Stan White (analyst) and Qadry Ismail (analyst). The Broadcast Team will also handle preseason television broadcasts.
"Over the past 10 years, Hearst's dedication and combination of on-air talent, led by Gerry Sandusky, has helped strengthen the bond we have with our fans," Ravens President Dick Cass stated. "We believe this extended partnership will continue to assist in growing our fanbase while also building on many exciting promotional efforts."
In addition to being heard on WBAL and 98 Rock, the Ravens' radio broadcast is streamed to www.baltimoreravens.com and transmits to 19 regional affiliates that span four states – including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia – and Washington, D.C.
This six-year contract extension will continue to showcase the Ravens' in-season television programming on WBAL-TV, including Ravens Report (Saturdays at 7 p.m.), Ravens Wired (Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.), Ravens Unscripted (Saturdays after Saturday Night Live) and Ravens Wrap-Up (Sunday nights following 11 News).
About Hearst Television
Hearst Television owns and operates local television and radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst. The Company's Web address is www.hearsttelevision.com.
