Flames sign five-year radio broadcasting deal with QR Calgary 770AM
The next phase in sports radio in Calgary has finally begun, as the Calgary Flames announced on Wednesday that they’ve agreed to a five-year partnership with Corus Entertainment.
The partnership will give Flames games a new home on the radio, as every home and road game will be broadcast on the QR Calgary 770AM radio station for the next five years. Fans will have access to live game coverage, as well as daily sports coverage through a program on the station called Flames Now.
Calgary-based Sportsnet reporter Eric Francis hinted at the announcement on Monday, but the Flames finally confirmed the news on Wednesday.
“We’re excited to share this news with our fans and, most importantly, to let them know we heard them loud and clear as we now have a new home for the future of Calgary Flames radio broadcasts,” Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation president and CEO Robert Hayes said in a statement released by the team. “Corus has stepped up as a tremendous partner, working closely with us over recent weeks to ensure Flames games remain accessible to our fans throughout the season. Their commitment and collaboration have been invaluable in preserving an important connection with the C of Red, whether they’re listening at home, in their vehicles or wherever the game may take them.”
This announcement comes in the wake of Rogers shutting down their Calgary radio station, Sportsnet 960 The Fan, earlier this offseason, which had left many Calgary sports fans questioning what the future of radio in the city would look like. Between this and the announcement that hockey games would no longer be broadcasted on CBC on Saturday nights, Calgary’s affordable access to hockey content was growing smaller and smaller.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Calgary Flames back home – as the station that broadcast the Stanley Cup-winning team’s games in 1989, this is an incredibly special time for QR Calgary 770AM,” Corus Entertainment vice president (audio) Tammy Cole said in the statement. “This partnership represents a full circle moment, and we’re proud to build on our shared history while creating a new chapter for fans as they continue to follow and support their team for years to come.”
The Flames also mentioned in the statement that they will follow with further announcements about the on-air team for the programs, as well as any future programs planned for the station. Considering notable names like Pat Steinberg were affected with Rogers’ shutdown of 960 The Fan, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of them be brought into this new development.
