Aug. 23, 2006
PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh and Clear Channel Communications announced today that Pitt will move its FM flagship station to 3WS (WWSW, 94.5 FM) beginning in November with the start of men's basketball season.
The Panthers are currently heard on flagships FM NewsTalk 104.7 (WPGB-FM) and Fox Sports Radio 970 (WBGG-AM). Pitt will maintain its AM flagship on WBGG after the move to 3WS, a 50,000-watt station.
To acquaint listeners, Pitt's final three regular-season football games (Nov. 11, Connecticut; Nov. 16, West Virginia; and Nov. 25, Louisville) will be simulcast on 3WS, 104.7 FM and 970 AM in addition to the Pittsburgh ISP Sports Network.
The first men's basketball broadcast will be on Nov. 12 (against Western Michigan, at West Point, N.Y.).
The Panthers' move was prompted by the Pittsburgh Penguins' change in flagships from 3WS to WXDX-FM (105.9). Additionally, the Penguins' move also opens up more time slots on Fox Sports Radio 970, ensuring that each of the Panthers' women's basketball games will be aired live.
"We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Clear Channel the last two years and our move to 3WS is yet another example of our productive partnership," said Pitt athletic director Jeff Long. "With its abundance of local programming, we will benefit from increased promotional opportunities. Additionally, we are excited that each Pitt women's basketball game will enjoy live radio coverage this year."
"I applaud Pitt for approaching us when they saw an opportunity to move to 3WS," Clear Channel Regional Vice President John Rohm said. "The University of Pittsburgh and Clear Channel are excited to offer Panther fans the benefits of airing total game day coverage on a station with the heritage of 3WS. As a Pitt fan, I'm looking forward to exceptional seasons for the Panthers in both football and basketball, and to extending and strengthening our relationship with the University of Pittsburgh."
