The radio station I work for, News/Talk 1290 CJBK, is breaking with tradition tonight. Instead of presenting wall-to-wall election coverage, like we’re expected to do, we’re going to air the Blue Jays/Royals game.
Some old-school journalists will get huffy about it and that’s, in part, what makes it the right thing to do. If this genre of AM radio is going to survive, it has to leave the old school and enroll in the new school.
On the one hand, there’s the federal election where London has several hotly contested ridings. It also has TV coverage, the Internet and likely other radio stations.
On the other, there are the Blue Jays who haven’t come this far in more than two decades, and we’re the only local radio station with broadcast rights. It’s a no-brainer, to me. What will be more exciting and less predictable to listen to? A recap of Ed Holder’s career as an MP in London West (no offense, Ed!) or this long-awaited chance for the Blue Jays to defeat another rival and make it to the World Series?
Our News Director will provide regular, concise updates on the election throughout the game. As geeky scientist Leonard Hofstader once said on The Big Bang Theory, “Go sports”!
Sounds like a good decision to me from a business standpoint and from giving the listeners what they want! I for one am just really looking forward to no more political ads during baseball TV broadcasts. If I want my stomach turned I can just wait for the 7th inning drama like I usually do! LOL