Dolphins to move games to WINZ, WBGG-FMBy BARRY JACKSON
bjackson@MiamiHerald.comAsix-pack of Dolphins nuggets:
Look for the Dolphins next week to unveil their latest big off-field change. The team will announce it is moving its games from WQAM 560 to two Clear Channel stations for the next six seasons -- WINZ 940 and WBGG-FM 105.9.
The Dolphins opted out of their deal with WQAM that would have paid them $3 million in 2010. Instead, the Dolphins will not get a rights fee but will keep ad revenue.
The Dolphins see positives for fans: WINZ will launch a 5-7 p.m. weekday Dolphins show, ideally by April, that's longer and at a better time than WQAM's 7-8 p.m. weeknight show; and the games will now be simulcast on FM, and ``FM quality sound is better,'' Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said. ``We like having an AM and FM'' carrier. The Dolphins will get a larger promotional platform across Clear Channel's seven South Florida stations, including regular segments in the morning (WIOD) and midafternoon (WINZ).
Dee said the team likes announcers Jimmy Cefalo, Joe Rose and Jim Mandich but has not decided who will call the games. Cefalo works for Clear Channel as a morning host on WIOD. WQAM general manager Joe Bell said the Dolphins asked him about Rose's and Mandich's availability, and Bell will allow them to do their WQAM talk shows and call the Dolphins games on Clear Channel. Mandich, who always intended to give up his talk show after 2010, is dealing with a serious medical issue and it's undetermined when or if he will decide to return to the air.