KU listened to Sports Radio 810, 610 before making decision
This morning the University of Kansas announced they would be making a transition from 610 Sports over to Sports Radio 810-WHB.
It brings to the end a long relationship between KU and 610.
“We had a great relationship with 610,” said Jim Marchiony, Associate Athletics Director, Public Affairs at KU. “I think we were good for them and I think they were good for us.”
Before Kanas athletics director Sheahon Zenger made the decision to switch he and his staff listened to pitches from both radio stations. They were in good shape being courted by two stations in the Kansas City market.
“Both companies made presentations,” Marchiony said. “610 wanted to retain us and 810 wanted us. It was a good position for us to be in. When we weighed everything we thought that 810 was the right choice.”
One of the benefits is the air-time Kansas sports will get on 810. It will be much more than just the high-profile sports like football and men’s basketball.
“There were a combination of things,” Marchiony said. “Part of it is financial and the other part of it is exposure for not only football and men’s basketball, but also women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, and baseball. Some of those events will be on ESPN Kansas City.”
The alumni base of the Jayhawks make them a big target especially in the Kansas City area. When comparing the three local, division one schools, Kansas has close to double the amount of alums in Kansas City than Kansas State and Missouri combined.
Sports Radio 810 will start airing Kansas events immediately. Today Zenger and head football coach David Beaty appeared on the station. Next week they will broadcast the men’s basketball games in Italy.
Chad Boeger, the president of Sports Radio 810, told Jayhawk Slant they will always continue to talk about the local colleges on all of their shows.
“We decided to go in a different direction and we wish them (KSU) nothing but the best,” Boeger said. “We’re going to continue to cover all of the local schools to the best of our ability as we have the past 20 years in the company’s existence.”
Boeger said he did not know what station would air Kansas State games in the future.
Zenger will look to reach Kansas alums even more with the new home of the Jayhawks.
"Sports Radio 810 is a major player in the Kansas City market and we are excited to join forces with the entire Union Broadcasting team," Zenger said. "(810 is) owned and operated by more than 20 Jayhawks and with a vast Kansas City presence. We feel this partnership will continue to strengthen our connection with the large number of KU alumni and fans in the metro area."