Calgary football fans will be able to get outstanding, one of a kind Calgary Stampeders coverage on News Talk 770 and Global Calgary for the next five years, thanks to a renewed partnership with the football club.
The partnership, announced by Corus Entertainment on Thursday, will give News Talk 770 exclusive radio broadcast rights through 2022, including exclusive play-by-play coverage from Canadian Football Hall of Fame broadcaster Mark Stephen and colour commentator Greg Peterson.
LISTEN: News Talk 770 brand director John Vos has the details on Corus Entertainment’s new partnership with the Calgary Stampeders
“News Talk 770 has been the radio voice for the Stampeders for more than a quarter of a century and for the vast majority of that time, Mark Stephen and Greg Peterson, the longest-serving broadcast team in CFL history, have brought our fans all the excitement of CFL action,” Stampeders president John Hufnagel said in a statement on Thursday.
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Stephen is in his 22nd season doing play-by-play for the Stampeders and says he knows what Calgary football fans want on the broadcast.
“We provide a vivid description for those driving around, stuck in a traffic jam or stuff like that. My philosophy is Calgary-first but not Calgary-only. You don’t discount what other teams do, but 98 per cent of listeners tuning in want the slant from the Calgary viewpoint.”
For the past 21 years, Stephen and former CFL defensive back Peterson have been in the booth calling games together. They are the longest-serving play-by-play and colour commentary team in CFL history. Peterson said it’s an honour to work beside a hall-of-fame broadcaster like Stephen.
“Enjoy doing it with Mark…he’s by far the best play-by-play guy in the CFL. We get along, we feed off each other and I’m excited to possibly do it for another five years.”
Jock Wilson will remain the host of the broadcast, while Dave Rowe will stay on as sideline reporter. Rowe said this radio team gives you something you don’t get on television.
“We’re Calgarians. We are at the stadium every day; we get to know these players; we can tell you what’s going on behind the scenes. And that’s one thing the TV broadcast can’t do.”
Global Calgary remains the official television community partner with Brendan Parker, Kevin Smith and Lisa MacGregor reporting on the sports stories that Calgarians care about, and providing the highlights and stats that fans need on their team.
“With our skilled team of sports journalists, Corus Radio and Global News will continue to provide the most comprehensive game coverage so audiences won’t miss a play,” said Global News and Corus Radio president for Western Canada Kenton Boston.
The Calgary Stampeders and Corus Entertainment have also reached a new marketing and promotion agreement that will result in more giveaways, on-demand fan experiences and exclusive Stampeder event access.
Listeners can catch full Stampeders highlights on-air, online at globalnews.ca or on the RadioPlayer Canada app.
With files from Global’s Kevin Smith
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