The Youngstown State University Athletic Department has reached a new four-year radio broadcast rights agreement with Clear Channel Radio Youngstown and will remain on 570 WKBN and 1390 WNIO "The Sports Animal". That joint announcement was made by Ron Strollo, YSU Executive Director of Athletics, and William E. Kelly, Jr., Vice-President/Market Manager Clear Channel Media and Entertainment's Youngstown Radio Cluster.
Clear Channel Youngstown will continue to broadcast all football, men's basketball and women's basketball games, weekly coaches shows and special athletic events.
It has been 11 years since Youngstown State and Clear Channel first parterned. YSU originally moved to Clear Channel in 2002 and since that time the contracts with the station have been extended five times - in 2004, 2006, 2007 (when the move to 570 was made), 2009 and now in 2013.
Programming such as the "Penguin Playbook Coaches Show" featuring head football coach Eric Wolford, head men's basketball coach Jerry Slocum and head women's basketball coach John Barnes will air from August through March.
In addition, special programs like the "YSU/Pizza Hut Tailgate Show" continues to air before each football home game at Stambaugh Stadium. "The Fifth Quarter Call-In Show," a wrap-up of the game's action, follows every football game.
All programs will also air via Clear Channel's I HEART RADIO digital platform and the stations' websites.
"Youngstown State is very thankful for the opportunity to be partnered with Clear Channel Radio Youngstown," Strollo said. "We have enjoyed our partnership over this past decade and are pleased that our fans can continue to listen to Penguins' games throughout northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania on the Voice of the Valley."
"Youngstown State University is a cornerstone of our community," Kelly said. "Clear Channel Media and Entertainment is proud to be continuing our association with the YSU."
Bob Hannon and former Penguin Chris Sammarone will handle football radio duties on 570 WKBN. YSU Assistant Athletic Director Robb Schmidt will continue his duties as the voice of the men's basketball program while Clear Channel Sports Director Jim Campbell returns to handle the women's basketball play-by-play duties.
Updates on a complete broadcast schedule will be made in the near future, which include official sponsor and location of "Penguin Playbook" shows.
The Penguins football team opens the season on Aug. 29 against Dayton. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium and can be heard on 570 WKBN.
