The Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that they have reached an agreement with Gold Chip Communications radio station WVKO 1580ThePraise to become the new Cavs Radio Network affiliate in Columbus. The station will begin broadcasting Cavs games on February 18th when the team takes on the Chicago Bulls and coverage will continue throughout the 2015-16 season, including the NBA Playoffs. The Cavs moved the Columbus broadcast to 1580ThePraise after the former affiliate underwent a format change and were no longer able to carry games.
Cavs fans in the state’s capital will enjoy complete coverage before, during and after every game. Each broadcast starts with the First Merit Tip-Off Show, a 30-minute game preview hosted for the 24th year by Cleveland broadcaster Mike Snyder. It is a comprehensive look at what is happening around the NBA, including interviews, highlights, game reports, injury updates and a preview of the upcoming Cavs game. For the on-court action, veteran broadcaster John Michael teams up with Cavalier Legend Jim Chones for the play-by-play call in their fifth season together. The post-game Call-In Show is also hosted by Snyder, and features Chones and former NBA and Ohio State star Brad Sellers. The trio will cover game analysis, conduct coach and player interviews and take calls from fans around the state.
“We are excited and proud to have a new radio home for Cavaliers basketball in Columbus with our partners at Gold Chip Communications,” said Kerry Bubolz, president, business operations for the Cavaliers Operating Companies. “Columbus is home to many passionate Cavs fans and we’re happy to have them on board as we continue our journey through the 2015-16 season.”
“On behalf of Gold Chip Communications, we are delighted and honored to bring the Cavs to Central Ohio,” said Bishop Mel Griffin, General Manager of 1580ThePraise. “We look forward to establishing a long lasting partnership that builds upon our commitment to being connected to the community, being the voice of the people, and now the new home of the Cleveland Cavaliers.”
Columbus fans can also catch the Emmy Award-winning coverage of the 2015-16 season (except games exclusively on national networks) on Fox Sports Ohio, the official TV home of the Cavs.
For a look at the remainder of the 2015-16 Cavaliers schedule, visit Cavs.com.
About WVKO 1580ThePraise: Since it’s beginnings in 1951 WVKO 1580ThePraise has been the undisputed “Voice of The People” for Central Ohio and its surrounding communities. While featuring an all-gospel music format that highlights both local and nationally known artists, 1580ThePraise also provides community based forums on health & wellness, financial literacy, community news & information as well as global issues that are of particular interest to our listening audience. On Sundays and throughout the week 1580ThePraise continually features and promotes the preached Word of God and other inspired messaging designed to positively impact the daily lives of our listening audience. Truly WVKO-1580 is “The Voice of The People”.
