BYURadio launched BYU Sports Nation Sept. 2, announcing the daily sports show would fulfill a need for BYU fans anxious for more coverage of their teams.
The new programming will be a “groundbreaking live daily sports talk show offering in-depth news, information, analysis and opinion about BYU athletics, as well as the issues impacting college sports, opponents and affiliated conferences,” the network said in a release.
BYU Broadcasting identified the need for a daily sports show in recent months to reach Cougar fans but lacked a broadcast medium. The concept of a live sports talk show began after a suggestion from BYURadio partner Sirius XM. BYURadio has been available on Sirius XM 143 since July 2011.
“BYU is the only university with national reach” on the airwaves, said Jarom Jordan, BYU Sports Nation co-host. “It is the first of its kind.”
Jordan and co-host Spencer Linton bring many years of experience to the show. They have helped make shows such as True Blue and Y-Awards possible. Mikel Minor, senior coordinating producer of BYUtv Sports, and Don Shelline, BYURadio station manager, are working with Jordan and Linton to help produce BYU Sports Nation and get it off the ground.
Since Minor’s arrival to BYU Broadcasting, BYU has developed its relationship with ESPN significantly. As a result, BYU athletics has increased their following nationwide.
Nationwide live sports talk shows such as the Dan Patrick Show have served as a model for BYU Sports Nation. Plans are being made to conduct live simulcasts of the BYURadio-produced talk show similar to popular ESPN sports show Mike and Mike.
“BYU Sports Nation separates itself from other live sports talk shows by not taking phone calls and focusing on facts,” said Jordan, who graduated from BYU in 2009. “We have great guests.”
Jordan also said preparing the show’s launch consisted of heavy amounts of research and networking.
“We are invested, have done research in what we discuss and have personal relationships with the players and coaches,” he said.
Minor emphasized that there is a growing appetite for sports coverage.
“College sports fans and the BYU fan base are hungry for a daily, live source they can turn to, whether via satellite and the Internet nationally or via the airwaves in our local community,” Minor said. “BYU Sports Nation represents our ongoing investment in live sports commentary and coverage, which delivers on our long-standing commitment to broadcasting more live radio coverage of NCAA sports than any other source.”
BYU Sports Nation will air Monday through Friday, 10–11 a.m. MST (12–1 p.m. EST) on Channel 143 Sirius XM and locally in Provo on 89.1 FM. The show will also be available for streaming on www.byuradio.org.
