Sports radio

Radio format Sports commentary box at Unity Arena Sports radio (or sports talk radio) is a radio format devoted entirely to discussion and broadcasting of sporting events. A widespread programming genre that has a narrow audience appeal, sports radio is characterized by an often-boisterous on-air style and extensive debate and analysis by both hosts and callers. Many sports talk stations also carry play-by-play (live commentary) of local sports teams as part of their regular programming. History The Liberty Broadcasting System was the first radio network in the United States to focus on sports. Its cornerstone programming was play-by-play of Major League Baseball broadcasts, some reconstructed from wire reports. Launched in 1948, the network collapsed in 1952 after MLB substantially raised its rights fee and imposed untenable restrictions on the network's operations. In 1955, WHN New York launched the first regular sports talk program featuring a broadcaster/journalist roundtable that aired before and after Brooklyn Dodgers games. By the early 1960s, sports talk content, ranging from individual commentary to roundtable discussions, began appearing in major US markets, initially tie