DETROIT, Mich. — News/Talk 760 WJR radio and Michigan State University have reached an agreement to extend their current contract 10 years, making News/Talk 760 WJR the flagship station for Spartan football and basketball through 2020. The extension was announced Jan. 19 during “The Paul W. Smith Show.”
“A relationship that began with WJR becoming the voice of MSU football and basketball has transformed into a great partnership that encompasses athletics, academics and everything in between,” said WJR President and General Manager Mike Fezzey. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with President Lou Anna Simon, Athletics Director Mark Hollis and MSU on and off the field.”
WJR and MSU began their current contract in 2006. Since then, their partnership has evolved to include athletics, academic programs, alumni relations and more. They have even joined forces to advance environmental awareness through the weekly show “Greening of the Great Lakes,” heard Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“MSU’s relationship with WJR is truly a partnership,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “It’s more than broadcasting our sporting events. It’s become a mutually reinforcing set of conversations in which we’ve been able to use the power of WJR and MSU together to promote prosperity in the region.
The renewal of the contract is more than guaranteeing that people will be able to hear our games on WJR’s powerful signal, but as guaranteeing that the people of Michigan and the Great Lakes region will have access to the power of the partnership in the years ahead.”
“We’re certainly excited to extend our partnership with WJR: ‘The Great Voice of the Great Lakes,’” said MSU Athletics Director Hollis. “WJR is a powerful component of our communication strategy for the live broadcast of our events and coverage of our teams and university programs, providing opportunities for our alumni and fans to follow MSU across our state and throughout the region.”
Following the 2009 NCAA Final Four at Ford Field, it became evident how much support MSU has in Southeast Michigan and how the partnership is a way to stay connected to those who support the university and athletic programs, Hollis said.
“Mike Fezzey and everyone associated with WJR have become valued friends of the university and athletics department,” he added. “We look forward to continuing to work together with WJR to provide valuable outreach and quality information to people across our state.”
WJR previously served as MSU’s flagship station for 14 years, from 1963 to 1976.
“Under the leadership of Mike Fezzey, WJR is among the most respected organizations in the broadcast community,” Simon said. “We are proud to be associated with the team at WJR who share our commitment to enhance the vitality of Detroit, Michigan, and the Great Lakes region.”
To hear a podcast on the MSU/WJR contract extension, visit http://spartanpodcast.com/?p=678.
Follow MSU News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MSUnews.
###
Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.