Wip

At this point in time, it's almost beside the point to refer to WIP-FM (94.1) as a mere "radio station. " Sure, that's what it is, technically speaking. But a quarter-century after it first got involved with sports-related programming (while it was still on the AM dial), the outlet has established itself as something more than just another over-the-air outlet. Instead, it can be argued that WIP has become so embedded in the culture of the Delaware Valley that it has taken on the status of a public utility.

At this point in time, it's almost beside the point to refer to WIP-FM (94.1) as a mere "radio station. " Sure, that's what it is, technically speaking. But a quarter-century after it first got involved with sports-related programming (while it was still on the AM dial), the outlet has established itself as something more than just another over-the-air outlet. Instead, it can be argued that WIP has become so embedded in the culture of the Delaware Valley that it has taken on the status of a public utility.

HE WAS basically a West Philly kid who never really forgot the life of the corners and the playgrounds and the camaraderie of the streets. But Steve Fredericks rose from that environment to become one of Philadelphia's best- known sportscasters, who raised sports broadcasting above the ordinary with his wry humor and his erudition. "Live," he'd open his "Sports Line" show, "from the palatial, but not overly ostentatious, studios of WCAU Radio . . . " "That's not normal sports language," said Bob Gelb, Steve's producer at the time.

A management shake-up is in the air at sports-talk station WIP-AM (610). Drew Hilles, who last month was appointed to oversee WIP and the four other local CBS/Infinity stations, is expected to announce today that Tim Sabean, program director at sister station WYSP-FM (94.1), will also work for WIP. Sabean's title and responsibilities were not known as of yesterday. Several station insiders said a staff meeting had been called for this morning, reportedly to announce the change and to address the role of WIP program director Tom Bigby.

Chris Therien is in as the Flyers' color analyst on radio broadcasts. Brian Propp is out. Therien, a defenseman who played 11 seasons in two stints with the Flyers, has served as a hockey analyst on Comcast SportsNet's Post Game Live. He also was a part-timer on WIP-AM (610) and has done work for TSN and the NHL Network. "I'm thrilled to be part of the Flyers' family again," said Therien, after being hired by the team to join play-by-play announcer Tim Saunders for all games broadcast on WIP. "I want to make the fan know what the players are thinking and what the coach is saying in different situations.

Although the official word came Friday, employees at WIP (610/AM) were told Thursday afternoon that the radio station was on the block. Owned by the Metropolitan Broadcasting Corp., which purchased it from Metromedia earlier this year, WIP is being sold along with another Metropolitan property: WASH-FM in Washington, D.C. "A great deal of interest has been expressed in these two stations in recent months," said Carl C. Brazell Jr., Metropolitan's president. "We feel this is the optimum time to sell them and expect them to go at a premium price.

WIP (610/AM) went on the air today with a revised lineup that includes the latest addition to the station, Bill Campbell, formerly with WCAU (1210/AM). Ken Garland holds down the 5:30 a.m.-10 a.m. shift, followed by Bill Webber from 10 a.m. to noon. (Webber's time has been cut by two hours). From noon to 4 p.m. it's Steve Martorano, who used to man the 2 p.m.-to-5 p.m. shift. He's followed by "Pat Croce's Sports Medicine" from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Howard Eskin is still bending ears from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with his "Sports Talk" show, followed by "The Bill Campbell Show" from 6 to 8. Also, the "Matt Guokas Show" has changed times.

An offer he couldn't refuse is taking Chuck Cooperstein from WIP-AM back to Dallas. Cooperstein, WIP's host from 10 a.m. to noon for 16 months, will host the afternoon drive time at a new all-sports Dallas station. Cooperstein did his last show on WIP yesterday. At the Dallas station, Cooperstein also hopes to do some play-by-play, plus a Cowboys pregame show. Cooperstein, 34, hosted a nightly sports show in Dallas before switching to WIP. Skip Bayless, a former Dallas columnist who frequently is a guest on ESPN, will host the morning show on the Dallas station.

Ed Snider, the Comcast-Spectacor chairman who last year said, "obviously, we want no relationship with WIP," today has a new five-year marriage with his least favorite radio station. The Flyers and the CBS-owned station yesterday announced an agreement that will make 610-AM the NHL team's radio home through the 2002-03 season. If you think something isn't right with this picture, join the club. Snider, whose Comcast-Spectacor firm owns the Flyers, 76ers, Phantoms, CoreStates Center, CoreStates Spectrum and SportsNet cable outlet, and WIP have not been pals in recent years.

Metromedia Inc., formerly one of the nation's leading broadcast corporations, all but exited that business yesterday by announcing that it was selling nine of its 11 radio stations. Philadelphia ratings leader WMMR-FM (93.3), WIP-AM (610) and seven other stations will be sold for $285 million by Metromedia in a management buy-out led by Metromedia radio president Carl C. Brazell Jr. "It is difficult to leave radio after more than 30 years, but we have decided to concentrate on Metromedia's substantial telecommunications businesses," said John W. Kluge, Metromedia's chairman and president.

At this point in time, it's almost beside the point to refer to WIP-FM (94.1) as a mere "radio station. " Sure, that's what it is, technically speaking. But a quarter-century after it first got involved with sports-related programming (while it was still on the AM dial), the outlet has established itself as something more than just another over-the-air outlet. Instead, it can be argued that WIP has become so embedded in the culture of the Delaware Valley that it has taken on the status of a public utility.

At this point in time, it's almost beside the point to refer to WIP-FM (94.1) as a mere "radio station. " Sure, that's what it is, technically speaking. But a quarter-century after it first got involved with sports-related programming (while it was still on the AM dial), the outlet has established itself as something more than just another over-the-air outlet. Instead, it can be argued that WIP has become so embedded in the culture of the Delaware Valley that it has taken on the status of a public utility.

So why did the 76ers abruptly leave CBS Radio for 97.5 The Fanatic last Saturday? A breach of contract by CBS Radio, says a source familiar with the deal. This divorce saga all started on April 3, when the Sixers played the Miami Heat in a game that ended up being broadcast on 98.1 WOGL rather than one of the team's usual radio homes — 610 WIP or 94 WIP. The Sixers were notified of the move just one day before the game, though their contract stipulated they be given a longer notice, we're told.

The Flyers are ending their longtime affiliation with WIP and jumping over to 97.5 FM The Fanatic beginning next season. The move comes just days after the Sixers abruptly ended their relationship with WIP and moved over to The Fanatic for postseason games. The Fanatic will be the flagship station, along with simulcast AM station 950 WPEN Radio. Several Flyers games will also be broadcast on WMMR (93.3-FM). "We're thrilled to be working with a partner that is 100 percent committed and excited about the Philadelphia Flyers," Comcast-Spectacor president Peter Luukko said in a statement.

HE WAS basically a West Philly kid who never really forgot the life of the corners and the playgrounds and the camaraderie of the streets. But Steve Fredericks rose from that environment to become one of Philadelphia's best- known sportscasters, who raised sports broadcasting above the ordinary with his wry humor and his erudition. "Live," he'd open his "Sports Line" show, "from the palatial, but not overly ostentatious, studios of WCAU Radio . . . " "That's not normal sports language," said Bob Gelb, Steve's producer at the time.

He was basically a West Philly kid who never really forgot the life of the corners and the playgrounds and the camaraderie of the streets. But Steve Fredericks rose from that environment to become one of Philadelphia's best-known sportscasters, a man who raised sports broadcasting above the ordinary with his wry sense of humor and his erudition. "Live," he would intone on opening his Sports Line show, "from the palatial, but not overly ostentatious, studios of WCAU Radio.

SIDNEY CROSBY had two goals and an assist, James Neal scored the go-ahead goal on a power play, and the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Boston Bruins, 5-3, Tuesday night. In Pittsburgh's first game since a late brawl with the Flyers Sunday, Crosby gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead 7:41 in. He made it 4-2 with 1:11 left in the second period with his club's second power-play goal in 48 seconds. Crosby's performance came after hockey analyst Mike Milbury had apologized earlier Tuesday for critical comments he had made about the Penguins captain.

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY on Thursday to seriouser and seriouser talk-radio host slash political hobnobber slash best-selling author slash Inky columnist slash occasional nudist Michael Smerconish. The Main Liner and onetime major Republican made big waves four years back when he endorsed Barack Obama for prez. Today, his views are solidly middle-of-the-road. Not sure about Smer's opinions on astrology, but the stars say he oughta enjoy where he is now and latch on to adventure in April. Sharing space on this week's birthday list is slenderized sandwich star Tony Luke Jr., also 50 today.

ALL EVAN TURNER wants to do is play basketball. In 76ers coach Doug Collins' ultimate scenario, Turner would play every game as he did last night. A day that began in a bit of controversy surrounding the second-year player ended with Turner having his best game as a pro, scoring a career-high 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a 103-71 blowout of the visiting Boston Celtics. It was an exclamation point at the end of a day that raised many questions about last season's No. 2 overall pick.

PHILLIES GAMES will broadcast on 94WIP as well as on 1210 AM this season, WIP co-hosts Glen Macnow and Anthony Gargano announced yesterday, while broadcasting live from Citizens Bank Park. The Daily News reported Nov. 23 that this would be happening. At the time, neither the Phillies nor CBS Radio would discuss the plans. Both stations are owned by CBS Radio, so the simulcast certainly makes sense. The deal starts this month with live coverage of the team's spring-training camp from Clearwater, Fla. While 1210-AM boasts a strong signal already, the FM signal on 94.1 may be a clearer way to hear Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen 's broadcasts.