"Cavs Box Office Buyout"

In a network first, this Sunday night (Jan. 2, 2011) FOX Sports Ohio is “buying out the Cavs Box Office.” What that means for viewers is if you buy one ticket to the Wednesday, January 5th Cavs vs. Toronto Raptors game at The Q, you will get another one FREE courtesy of FOX Sports Ohio!

It's easy! Watch the Cavs take on the Dallas Mavericks this Sunday, January 2nd at 7pm on FOX Sports Ohio. During the game telecast, viewers will receive instructions on how to buy a ticket to Wednesday night’s game at The Q (which is also Antawn Jamison Bobblehead Night.) At that time, FOX Sports Ohio will buy out the Cavs Box Office, to provide you with two great seats for the price of one.

Make sure to act fast because this exclusive opportunity will only be offered during Sunday night’s game telecast. So tune in this Sunday for the FOX Sports Ohio “Cavs Box Office Buyout!”

FOXSportsOhio.com Gaining Popularity

FOXSportsOhio.com continues to be THE site to visit for all your latest Ohio sports news, videos, polls and in-game interaction. And with 2011 around the corner, the website is only gaining steam in preparation for the new year.

• December is the biggest month in the history of FOXSportsOhio.com.
• Page Views are up 30%

• Unique visitors are up 25%

• 40% of the site's total page views have been since Nov. 1.

As we enter into a new year, look for FOXSportsOhio.com to have even more breaking news coverage, unique and exclusive video coverage, and fan interaction!

Thank You Cavs Fans!

FOX Sports Ohio and the Cleveland Cavaliers are always grateful for the viewers who continue to support the network and the team. So, we and the Cavs are featuring two “Viewer Appreciation Nights” during the 2010-11 season.

The first Viewer Appreciation Night, presented by Budweiser, was Wednesday, December 22 when the Cavs visited the Atlanta Hawks.

Once every quarter during the game, FOX Sports Ohio broadcast team gave a keyword and cue to enter to win various prizes. Fans could enter via text message or online at www.FOXSportsOhio.com. Later that same quarter, the broadcasters selected and announce a winner.

Over 10,000 viewers entered to win:

• Autographed Antawn Jamison Basketball
$100 in Gasoline Gift Cards
FOX Sports Ohio Cavs Prize pack

• Pair of Tickets to 1/5/2011 game (Antawn Jamison Bobblehead Night)
$100 in Gasoline Gift Cards
FOX Sports Ohio Cavs Prize pack

• Autographed Mo Williams Jersey
$100 in Gasoline Gift Cards
FOX Sports Ohio Cavs Prize pack

• Pair of tickets to the January 21, 2011 Cavs/Bucks game and *Benchwarmers opportunity
$100 in Gasoline Gift Cards
FOX Sports Ohio Cavs Prize pack
*Benchwarmers consists of winner and guest sitting on the home bench during pregame shoot-around and greeting players as they run onto the court before player introductions.

We'll be doing the second Viewer Appreciation Night in 2011 on a date to be announced.

We're All About the All Access

This month, FOX Sports Ohio took Cavs and Blue Jackets fans behind the scenes and gave them backstage access to their favorite team's games with ALL ACCESS NIGHT.

On December 18, the network provided inside access to the Blue Jackets - Stars game at Nationwide Arena. Fans gpt to see their favorite players’ pre-game routines with a live camera inside the Blue Jackets locker room before the game. The camera followed the players onto the ice and stayed with them through the National Anthem.

Viewers also got to experience the game through Assistant Coach Bob Boughner, as he wore a microphone during the course of the game. Head Coach Scott Arniel was on headset during the first period and was interviewed prior to the start of the second and third periods. John Michael also featured visits to the NHL off-ice officials’ area within the penalty box and the Blue Jackets video production room.

On December 20, FOX Sports Ohio provided the same experience to Cavaliers fans. While the Cavs hosted the Jazz at Quicken Loans Arena, Cavaliers Head Coach Byron Scott was mic'd up throughout the game and was featured in an interview at the start of the fourth quarter. The telecast also included a behind-the-scenes look at the Cavaliers locker room, the Scream Team, and the FOX Sports Ohio TV truck.

Both special telecasts additionally gave viewers at home the opportunity to interact with the broadcasters via FOXSportsOhio.com. As fans submitted questions online, select questions and comments were answered LIVE during the game!

The next Cavaliers All Access Night will be on Friday, January 21, 2011 when the Cavs host the Milwaukee Bucks. FOX Sports Ohio's next Blue Jackets All Access Night is Saturday, February 5 when the Jackets take on the Edmonton Oilers. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss them!

A Game for MyCom

As part of FOX SupPORTS OHIO’s “Season of Support,” FOX Sports Ohio will feature the Cleveland Foundation’s MyCom program during the Cavaliers game telecast on Saturday, December 18.

MyCom, short for My Commitment, My Community, helps coordinate and fund local agencies that provide quality youth programs, including after-school activities, summer jobs and special help during school transitions to kindergarten, middle school, high school and beyond. MyCom’s partners are committed to providing kids with the positive experiences and caring adults they need to reach their full potential.

When the Cavs take on the New York Knicks at 7:30pm on Dec. 18, the network will highlight MyCom and provide fans an opportunity to make a financial donation. Fans can text Give4Cleve to 20222 to donate $5 to MyCom. They can also visit http://www.mycom.net/ to learn more and donate online.

One hundred percent of all donations will go directly to MyCom.

During the 7pm pre-game show, Cavaliers Live, the network will interview Lisa L. Bottoms, Program Director for Human Services and Child and Youth Development for the Cleveland Foundation. During the game, local children who benefit from the MyCom program will be in attendance of the game and will be interviewed as well.

For additional, detailed information on FOX SupPORTS OHIO, visit www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/support.

LeBron Returns, Traffic Spikes

The anticipation for LeBron James’s return to Cleveland to face his former team had been building ever since he announced his “decision” in July. Though the Dec. 2 Heat vs. Cavs game was exclusive to TNT, FOXSportsOhio.com became a leading news and information source and created unqiue content to cover the game.

LeBron effect on FoxSportsOhio.com traffic:

• Game day (Dec 2): 50% increase in uniques, 40% increase in page views compared to average daily traffic



• The aftermath (Dec 3): 100% increase in uniques and page views compared to average daily traffic
  

Live Chat Draws Record Number of Readers Despite No In-Game Promotional Platform

• More than 3,600 readers visit FoxSportsOhio.com chat room despite telecast being on TNT.


• Most readers for any stand alone chat to date on FoxSportsOhio.com.

More than a dozen articles within 24 hours of the game providing news and analysis, including:

• NO MORE CAVALIER ATTITUDE


• BOOS RAIN, BUT JAMES AND HEAT ROLL TO VICTORY


• CAVS FALL FLAT, CAN’T KEEP UP WITH HEAT


• REPORT: CAVS PROBING HEAT PURSUIT OF JAMES


• CAVS KNOW IT’S NOT JUST ANOTHER GAME


• A CITY SCORNED GETS ITS CHANCE TO SCREAM BACK


• ALL ATWITTER OVER LEBRON’S RETURN


• ROOTING FOR CAVS MAY BE BEST MEDICINE (over 10,000 readers!)


• CAVS GAME VS. HEAT LIKELY TO BE HARD LESSON


• GILBERT EXPECTS FANS TO ACT APPROPRIATELY


• SHAQ ANXIOUS TO WATCH LEBRON’S RETURN
  

Heavy interaction with more than 12,000 fans on Fox Sports Ohio’s Facebook and Twitter platforms about the game and related coverage.

Showing Cavs Viewers Our Appreciation

The final game of the Cavaliers 2009-2010 season featured Viewer Appreciation Night, where Cavs fans watching the game at home on FOX Sports Ohio could enter to win great prizes, including player autographed items and experience packages.

One of the winners finally got to enjoy her prize. On Tuesday, November 30, Cheryl from Brook Park, Ohio, and her guest, Tony, got to go behind the scenes with FOX Sports Ohio prior to a Cavs game.

While the Cavaliers were getting ready to take on the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena, Cheryl and Tony were getting an inside look at how FOX Sports Ohio prepares for the game. The evening began with a tour of the TV truck underneath the Q, followed by a chance to watch the Cavs and Celtics shoot-around from the floor.

Cheryl and Tony also made a stop at the VIP Lounge where Fred McLeod and Campy Russell shoot Cavaliers Live Pregame Show before heading to their seats to enjoy the game.

Bob Frantz joins Cavaliers Live

While FOX Sports Ohio’s co-host of Cavaliers Live, Dionne Miller, heads off on maternity leave, the network welcomes WTAM’s Bob Frantz to fill her role and serve as the new temporary co-host. For every Cavaliers away game starting Saturday, December 4, Frantz will sit alongside Campy Russell to co-host Cavaliers Live pre- and postgame shows until Miller’s expected return from maternity leave.

Frantz currently hosts "The Bob Frantz Show" on WTAM-AM 1100 from 7pm to midnight on weeknights, and following Cavaliers, Indians and Browns games.

Check out Bob Frantz's bio HERE on FOXSportsOhio.com

Giving Cavs Fans ALL ACCESS for 5 Games

Fans to enjoy behind-the-scenes look at Cavaliers telecasts and live online interaction with the broadcast team

FOX Sports Ohio is excited to offer fans the first Cavaliers All Access Night of the season this Saturday, November 27 when the Cavs take on the Memphis Grizzlies at Quicken Loans Arena at 7:30pm.

FOX Sports Ohio is set to do a total of five All Access games this season. These special game telecasts will offer fans a unique behind-the-scenes view of the game with more access to players, coaches and fans than ever before. In addition, fans will experience live, online interaction with the broadcast team. A complete schedule is listed below.

Following Cavaliers Live pre-game show at 7pm this Saturday, the Cavaliers All Access game in HD in begins at 7:30pm.

Cavaliers Head Coach Byron Scott will be wearing a microphone throughout the game and will be featured in an interview at the start of the fourth quarter. The telecast will also include a live tour of the Cavaliers weight room as well as an inside look at the Courtside Club and the Patron Lounge.

In addition, this All Access game telecast will give viewers at home the opportunity to interact with the broadcasters Austin Carr and Fred McLeod. To be part of the action, fans should visit http://www.foxsportsohio.com/. Select questions and comments will be answered LIVE throughout the telecast.

Click HERE for a complete schedule of Cavaliers All Access Nights on FOX Sports Ohio!

The Season of Support is Underway!

As Ohio’s leading regional sports network, FOX Sports Ohio is proud to give back to the community this holiday season. Its charitable effort, FOX SupPORTS Ohio, has launched “Season of Support,” a program in which serves the underprivileged in the Cleveland community through raising awareness, fundraising, and volunteering.

Season of Support Collection Drive
Now through December 15th, employees and guests of FOX Sports Ohio and its neighboring businesses are invited to participate in a collection drive for the Cleveland Foodbank and Toys for Tots. FOX Sports Ohio is currently hosting a collection drive at its Broadview Heights headquarters. Collection boxes are located in the main entrance lobby of the network’s Broadview Heights headquarters as well in as the other building in the South Hills Blvd. Industrial Park. The Cleveland Foodbank is in need of nonperishable food and household items and Toys for Tots collects toys for children in need throughout Greater Cleveland. For more information, visit www.clevelandfoodbank.org and http://www.toysfortots.org/.

Awareness and Fundraising Campaign for MyCom
FOX Sports Ohio has partnered with the Cleveland Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s MyCom program. MyCom, short for My Commitment, My Community, helps coordinate and fund local agencies that provide quality youth programs, including after-school activities, summer jobs and special help during school transitions to kindergarten, middle school, high school and beyond. The network has been working with local community partners within the MyCom program and intends to boost awareness of their causes through a series of PSA’s, vignettes and features running on the network.

Viewers interested in donated $5 to MyCom can do so simply by texting “Give4Cleve” to 20222. Donations can also be made at http://www.mycom.net/.

The network will also feature a special Cavs game committed to raising awareness and funds for MyCom on December 18, when the Cavaliers play New York at Quicken Loans Arena at 7:30pm. The campaign will be featured and viewers will have the opportunity to make a financial contribution to MyCom via text messaging.

Volunteering at the Domestic Violence Center “Twinkle Shop”
FOX Sports Ohio has been a long-time supporter of Cleveland’s Domestic Violence Center (DVC), and this holiday season provides staff the opportunity to give their time. In mid-December, the DVC hosts the “Twinkle Shop,” which provides women and children in need with the chance to shop and give to their families over the holidays. FOX Sports Ohio employees spend the evening helping women and children navigate the shop and make selections. For more information on the DVC, visit www.domesticviolencecenter.org.

For additional, detailed information on FOX SupPORTS OHIO, visit www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/support

Flying Away to Florida with the Blue Jackets

In support of the Columbus Blue Jackets new Third Jersey unveiling, FOX Sports Ohio joins the team and Lexus to offer fans the chance to win autographed jerseys and a trip to Florida.

As the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare to unveil their new Third Jersey this week, FOX Sports Ohio has teamed up with the team and Lexus to offer the Lexus Florida Fly Away Giveaway, a contest where fans have a chance to win an authentic, player autographed Third Jersey and a trip for two to Florida.

Beginning Friday, Nov. 26, fans can visit FOXSportsohio.com or BlueJackets.com and enter for the chance to win a nightly prize of an authentic Third Jersey autographed by a player.

Each game in the ten-game window from Friday, Nov. 26 through Thursday, Dec. 16 is a new chance to win an autographed jersey. http://www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/florida_fly_away/

One fan will be randomly selected from the ten nightly qualifiers to win the Florida trip, which includes round-trip airfare from Columbus; accommodations at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort; and tickets to watch the Blue Jackets play the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In addition, the Blue Jackets, Lexus and FOX Sports Ohio will offer the winner the opportunity to participate in an in-game, on-ice intermission contest for the chance to win a luxury Lexus vehicle. Registration via FOXSportsOhio.com and BlueJackets.com begins Friday, Nov. 26.

Welcome Trey Dolle, National Sales Manager

Trey Dolle, an accomplished media and advertising executive, has been named national sales manager of FOX Sports Ohio.

Starting Monday, November 29, 2010, Dolle will lead FOX Sports Ohio’s national advertising sales efforts. He joins FOX Sports Ohio after most recently serving as national/local sales manager of WLWT-TV in Cincinnati, where he was responsible for managing national business in New York, Detroit and Chicago as well as local sales in Cincinnati.

“We’re very pleased to have Trey lead FOX Sports Ohio’s national sales efforts,” said Henry Ford, senior vice president and general manager of FOX Sports Ohio. “His knowledge of the media industry and experience in the Cincinnati market as well as on a national level will be a tremendous asset to our business. We’re confident that his leadership will enhance the value that FOX Sports Ohio delivers to fans, team partners, distributors, and advertisers.”

Prior to joining WLW-TV Cincinnati, Dolle was national sales manager at Hearst Television for 11 years. Prior to that, he served as account executive for several TV and radio stations, including WUBE-AM/FM, WYGY-FM, WKRQ-FM, and WLWT-TV Cincinnati.

Dolle has often been an active member of his local community. He has served as Board Advisor of the Southwest Ohio Council on Child Abuse, as well as was the past athletic commission president, Cardinal Pacelli School, and football coordinator for three area grade schools. He resides in the Cincinnati area with his wife and four children.

Going Behind the Scenes with the Jackets

FOX Sports Ohio is excited to offer Columbus Blue Jackets fans five All Access Nights this season.

These special game telecasts will offer fans a unique behind-the-scenes view of the game with more access to players, coaches and fans than ever before. A complete schedule is listed here at FOXSportsOhio.com.

In addition to offering fans more access to players, coaches and fans throughout the telecasts, the broadcast will also give viewers at home the opportunity to interact with the Blue Jackets broadcast team live online through FOXSportsOhio.com.

Blue Jackets fans can visit http://www.foxsportsohio.com/ and click on the “Blue Jackets All Access” graphic to log in to “Cover It Live.” Once logged in, they can submit questions for broadcasters Jeff Rimer, Bill Davidge and John Michael. Select questions and comments will be answered LIVE throughout the telecast.

Dayton Hoops Now on FSOhio!

FOX Sports Ohio and the University of Dayton have entered into a television rights agreement for UD men’s basketball.

FOX Sports Ohio will produce and televise five men’s basketball games. Tip-off for the first Flyers game on FOX Sports Ohio is Tuesday, November 16 as Dayton hosts Akron. A complete schedule is HERE.

FOX Sports Ohio features a VIDEO of the partnership announcement. Check it out!

"We are very pleased to add yet another strong television partner for the University of Dayton in FOX Sports Ohio. This partnership will allow us to televise additional Flyer games throughout the state of Ohio and beyond, which has been an ongoing strategic initiative to increase exposure for our men's basketball program and the University of Dayton as a whole,” said Tim Wabler, Vice-President and Director of Athletics, University of Dayton. “In addition, our fans and alumni around the country will have the chance to watch our games on sports packages that carry FOX Sports Ohio. The combination of strong local, regional, and national coverage is paramount to our program. FOX Sports Ohio is a known high-quality commodity across the state, and its broadcast footprint aligns well geographically with where many of our alumni reside and also where we recruit students to attend UD."

“As Ohio’s leading regional sports network, this deal was a natural for our network and we are proud to partner with the University of Dayton,” stated Henry Ford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, FOX Sports Ohio. “Flyers fans will be given the same inside access and in-depth, state-of-the-art coverage of their basketball team that sports fans across the state have come to expect from FOX Sports Ohio. We look forward to growing our relationship with the University of Dayton.”

Play-by-play announcer Jeff Piecoro and color analyst Derrick Dukes will call all the action. Piecoro just completed his 13th season with FOX Sports Ohio and 12th season as host of the Reds Live pre- and postgame shows.

A Cincinnati native, Dukes was a four-year starter at the University of Dayton under former Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and current Indiana Pacers Head Coach, Jim O’Brien. He started his broadcast career with WHIO-TV (CBS affiliate in Dayton), Time Warner Regional TV Sports, and WHIO-Radio Show “Flyer Feedback” during the 2005 college basketball season.

Vodcasts! We're Talkin' Browns and Cavs

FOXSportsOhio.com is engaging Browns and Cavs fans regularly through weekly Vodcasts.

Every Monday at 11 AM ET, FOXSportsOhio.com's Zac Jackson and Mike Conley, as well as members of the Orange and Brown Report are teaming up to host Interactive Browns Vodcasts during the 2010 season. Fans can log on each and every Monday to participate in the conversation. They can also submit questions for our analysts to be answered during the show using the chat room.

Cavs fans can log on every Wednesday at 12 Noon ET to enjoy a Talkin' Cavs Interactive Vodcast. FOXSportsOhio.com's Zac Jackson and Sam Amico will host the conversation and fans can participate through the live online chat.

Miss a Vodcast? Be sure to check out the Vodcast archive available shortly after the completion of the live event each week.

Cavs Start Season With High Ratings

The Cavaliers not only opened their season strong at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday, October 27 with a 95-87 win over the Boston Celtics, but they also come out on top on TV. The Cavaliers posted their highest opening night rating on FOX Sports Ohio with a 10.38 household rating in the Cleveland/Akron market.

That represents almost 158,000 households in the Cleveland/Akron market tuned into the Cavs. It was the highest rated program in Cleveland for the night, and it peaked at a 17.04!

Columbus fans also tuned in to watch their season opener, where over 20,000 households had their TVs on the game. (2.24 household rating)

UC Basketball on FOX Sports Ohio

FOX Sports Ohio will produce six men’s and two women’s University of Cincinnati basketball games this season, presented by Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers. In addition, the network will carry eight men’s basketball games as part of the BIG EAST Network, bringing the total to 16 UC basketball games on the state-wide network.

The complete schedule is listed HERE.

FOX Sports Ohio further prepares for the start of the Bearcats basketball season with a preview show. The 30 minute Inside Bearcats Basketball Preview special will premiere November 10 at 6pm with replays throughout the week.

“The relationship we have with FOX Sports Ohio is truly a partnership,” said UC Director of Athletics Mike Thomas. “The coverage they bring to the University of Cincinnati athletics programs and the BIG EAST Conference with its statewide footprint is invaluable when it comes to recruiting. They bring current and future Bearcats fans a unique and in-depth look at our programs with their game productions and Bearcats Sports Weekly. We are proud of this partnership.”

Coverage of Bearcats men’s basketball begins Nov. 15 with a match-up versus Mt. St. Mary’s at 7pm. FOX Sports Ohio will also produce games featuring opponents including IPFW, Savannah State, Utah Valley State, Georgia Southern and St. Francis. FOX Sports Ohio will also produce two women’s games featuring match-ups with Robert Morris and Marshall.

Tom Gelehrter will do play-by-play for both men’s and women’s games produced by FOX Sports Ohio. Anthony Buford will be the color analyst for the men’s games while Betsy Ross will be the color analyst for the women’s games.

New Life To Edgewater Park

FOX SupPORTS OHIO volunteers were out in the community again. This time, they joined the Cavaliers as part of the 2010 NBA Week of Service (October 18th- 25th).

During this week, the Cavaliers give back to communities throughout Ohio with a variety of hands-on service projects while encouraging volunteerism and generating awareness about the importance of community service.

FOX Supports Ohio joined in to help on their final service project on October 25 at Cleveland’s own Edgewater Park.

During an afternoon of cleanup, FOX Supports Ohio volunteers, members of the Cavaliers organiziation and Charter One gave a new life to Edgewater Park by cleaning up the beach, landscaping the park and painting the pavilion.

For more information on the Cavaliers and the 2010 NBA Week of Service, click here. To learn more about FOX SupPORTS Ohio, visit www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/support.

Announcing a NEW Cavs Special

UNBREAKABLE
Cleveland and Their Cavaliers

FOX Sports Ohio is excited to add a new Cavaliers special to its “Tip-Tober” programming, presented by Continental Airlines.

Unbreakable: Cleveland and their Cavaliers is a one-hour special that will highlight the 2010-11 Cavaliers team and the unbreakable spirit of Cleveland. It premieres Wednesday, October 27 at 11pm, following the Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics game on FOX Sports Ohio.

Unbreakable features this year’s Cavaliers in a way that lets fans get to know them personally. They discuss why they are happy to be playing for the Cavs, what they love about Cleveland, and what they hope to achieve this season. Fans will also hear from new Head Coach Byron Scott about his up-tempo style and what he expects from this year’s team.

Unbreakable is produced by Leo Simone, whose credits for FOX Sports Ohio include Make ‘em Forget and Light It Up Like Vegas. Both productions won multiple Emmy Awards which included the award for best overall sports special.

For the replay schedule, visit FOXSportsOhio.com.

Are you ready to be the X Factor?

As the television home of Xavier Musketeers basketball we're excited to the start the 2010-2011 seasonof Xavier men’s basketball.

Xavier’s schedule on FOX Sports Ohio includes nine games locally-produced by FOX Sports Ohio and five games produced by the A-10. Fox Sports Ohio will also produce Musketeers Live, a 30-minute pre-game show before each of the nine locally-produced games, as well as an hour-long preseason special.

"Our relationship with Fox Sports Ohio provides Xavier University and our basketball program with a regional television distribution package that is amongst the very best in the country," said Xavier University Associate Vice President and Athletic Director Mike Bobinski. "The broad exposure we receive from FOX Sports Ohio broadcasts enables us to expand our fan base and strengthen the connection of viewers to both our program and Xavier University. FOX Sports Ohio will be a great television Home of Xavier Basketball again this season."

FOX Sports Ohio further prepares for the start of the Musketeer basketball season with a preview show. The hour-long preseason special will premiere November 8 at 7pm with replays throughout the week. In addition to featuring highlights from last season, the show will provide analysis of this offseason and projections of the upcoming season.

Tip-off for the first Musketeer game on FOX Sports Ohio is Friday, November 12 at 7pm as Xavier hosts Western Michigan.

A complete schedule is listed HERE.

Play-by-play announcer Brad Johansen and color analyst Steve Wolf will return to the broadcast booth to call all the action for the FOX Sports Ohio-produced games. Jim Day will host the pregame show as well as serve as sideline reporter.

FOXSportsOhio.com Takes Blue Jackets Fans to Sweden with the Swedish Producer!

FOX Sports Ohio producer Tim Baker's daily blog gives Jackets fans a behind-the-scenes look at the team and his experiences while in Sweden. Be sure to visit http://www.foxsportsohio.com/ for continued coverage of the Jackets, including Eric Smith’s blog, daily videos, and more.

DIRECTV’s The Dan Patrick Show Joins FSO

Fox Sports Ohio will Distribute the Popular Sports Talk TV Series beginning Oct. 25

DIRECTV, the nation’s most popular video service, and Fox Sports Net (FSN), are making broadcast history through a syndication deal that enables FSN to distribute DIRECTV’s popular The Dan Patrick Show – seen on DIRECTV’s The 101® Network – to its regional sports networks (RSNs) and affiliates, including FOX Sports Ohio.

The innovative TV show, based on the nationally syndicated weekday radio program, The Dan Patrick Show, will be launched beginning Monday, Oct. 25. The show airs live, from 9 a.m. to noon ET, Monday through Friday.

“I think this is an incredible opportunity for Dan and the Danettes to showcase their talents to a larger audience,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, Entertainment, DIRECTV. “Dan is one of the most talented broadcasters in the business and in the past year we have created a truly unique TV experience for our loyal customers.”

“I’m proud that the show we’ve developed will be seen by even more fans,” said Patrick. “DIRECTV took a radio show and seamlessly developed it into a hybrid of radio and television in one show. And it’s not stagnant. It’s not us doing a radio show with two cameras showing us talking. We will show you the good and bad of what goes on during a show and during the breaks. If we screw up, we can’t hide it.”

Jeff Krolik, executive vice president, FSN, added, “Dan’s is a unique talent who has a razor-sharp wit and a piercing insight into the world of sports. The show consistently delivers great, timely guests, smart conversation, and an unpredictable cast of characters that will connect with our viewers.”

The Dan Patrick Show began airing exclusively on DIRECTV’s The 101 Network, DIRECTV’s original programming channel, Aug. 3, 2009, and expanded on the radio
show format using Patrick’s trademark humor and interaction with his production staff that includes Paul Pabst, Patrick O’Connor, Andrew Perloff and Todd Fritz, known as “The Danettes.”

Amid the revealing behind-the-scenes antics and interstitial videos, the series is known for its unique blend of situational comedy, breaking sports news, unparalleled insider access and pop culture commentary. By allowing viewers to see the true comedy that surrounds Patrick and his team, The Dan Patrick Show reveals the humor in sports broadcasting while opening the locker room doors to the world of sports. Patrick’s on-air guests include many high profile athletes and celebrities.

Cavs and Blue Jackets HD schedules are out!

FOX Sports Ohio is excited for the start of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Cleveland Cavaliers seasons. We previously announced their regular season TV schedules, but now HD is out as well.

We've increased the Blue Jackets HD schedule by 17 games this season, featuring 67 Jackets action in high def.

For the Cavaliers this season, we not only picked up 10 extra games, but we've also added 6 HD games, featuring 76 HD Cavs games.

Monsters on FOX Sports Ohio!

FOX Sports Ohio recently announced its 2010-11 telecast schedule of the Lake Erie Monsters. The network will televise the Monsters’ productions of eight games beginning Friday, October 8 at 7:30pm when the Monsters host the Syracuse Crunch in their season opener at Quicken Loans Arena.

Click here for complete schedule of the Monsters on FOX Sports Ohio.

Covering the Quest for a World Series Championship

As THE television home of the 2010 NL Central Division Champion Cincinnati Reds, FOX Sports Ohio is excited for the Reds’ first playoff appearance since 1995. As the team pursues their mission of a World Series Championship, the network will give fans an inside look at the Reds postseason with Reds Live postgame coverage.

Reds Live will air LIVE following Reds playoff games. Each show will recap the game and preview upcoming contests as well as feature highlights, analysis, and interviews of the Reds and their opponents.

Jim Day and Chris Welsh will host the show from the FOX Sports Ohio studio with Jeff Piecoro reporting from the game site.

Fans can also visit http://www.foxsportsohio.com/ for news, polls, videos and more surrounding Reds postseason. During home games, Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy will host live chats online from Great American Ball Park.

“As the proud home of the Cincinnati Reds for over 20 years, fans have come to know and trust our coverage of the team,” stated Henry Ford, Senior Vice President & General Manager, FOX Sports Ohio. “We congratulate the Reds on an outstanding season, and as they march through postseason, we’re delighted to take fans along and provide insight they can’t get anywhere else.”

REDS CLINCH!

The Cincinnati Reds broke out the champagne the night of Tuesday, September 28 after Jay Bruce hit a walk-off homer and the team officially clinched the NL Central Division Title, the first since 1995. FOX Sports Ohio was in the thick of it to air and stream online the postgame clubhouse celebrations LIVE .

That night's game received a 12.2 household rating in Cincinnati, and a 4.3 in Columbus. During the postgame show, ratings rode the wave and soared at 11.41 in Cincinnati.

While thousands tuned in to FOX Sports Ohio for live coverage, over 1400 fans hit up FOXSportsOhio.com to watch the live streaming online.

To relive the excitement following the game, check out the CELEBRATION VIDEOS posted on FOXSportsOhio.com.

FOX Sports Ohio Reporters Teach From Experience

Fox Sports Ohio reporters Ray Crawford and Dionne Miller made their way from Columbus to Bowling Green University on Monday, September 21 to talk to students about broadcasting. Crawford, a 1993 University alum, spent the last 20 years building his career as a journalist, working in Ohio, Missouri and North Carolina. Miller's career also took her across the country from Alaska to Florida.

Crawford is the host of Blue Jackets Live, and Miller is the host of Cavaliers Live. Both are also reporters for the network's coverage of high school football and produce the Ohio Sports Mix podcast on http://www.foxsportsohio.com/.

For more on their presentation at Bowling Green, click here!

As the Cleveland Cavaliers gear up for the 2010-11 season, FOX Sports Ohio helps get fans ready too by featuring special Cavs programming throughout the month of October, or “Tip-tober,” presented by Continental Airlines. In the return of Tip-tober, FOX Sports Ohio features various programs, including three Cavaliers Showcase replays, two Cavaliers Roundtables, a Cavs preseason game, Cavaliers Live: Season Preview, and Access Cavaliers.

Ohio’s leading regional sports network will telecast the Cavs’ preseason game on Tuesday, October 19 when the Cavs take on the Philadelphia 76ers at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.

FOX Sports Ohio is also delighted to air three Cavaliers Showcase replays. Each replay will be called by Cavaliers Hall of Fame play-by-play man Joe Tait, who is in his last year as the Voice of the Cavaliers. These games did not originally feature Tait on the telecast, so they are never-before-seen versions of the games.

Two Cavaliers Roundtables will additionally air during Tip-tober, where Cavaliers Broadcaster Jeff Phelps sits down with Cavs players to talk Cavs basketball in two 30-minute programs. Both Roundtables will replay throughout the rest of the month. To find out what players will be in each roundtable, click here.

FOX Sports Ohio further prepares for the start of the Cavs season with a preview show featuring highlights from last season, analysis of this off season preparation and projections of the upcoming season. Premiering Monday, October 18 at 7:30pm, Cavaliers Live: Season Preview is a half hour program hosted by Phelps with visits by Austin Carr, Fred McLeod and Campy Russell, and it will replay throughout the rest of the month.

FOX Sports Ohio rounds out its Tip-tober programming with Access Cavaliers, the show where fans get total behind-the-scenes access they can’t get anywhere else. This 30-minute Cavaliers-produced show will air every Friday at 2:30pm with replays each week.

A complete listing of programming details is HERE!

USA Today's Super 25-Massey Challenge High School

FOX Sports Ohio will televise USA Today’s Super 25-Massey Challenge high school football game between defending National Champion Don Bosco Prep out of Ramsey, N.J., and Cleveland’s St. Ignatius.

Scheduled for 4pm on Saturday, September 25, the game will played at Steubenville's tradition-rich Harding Stadium.

“FOX Sports Ohio is happy to be bringing our Emmy award winning coverage to the heart of Southeast Ohio high school football,” stated Tom Farmer, Executive Producer, FOX Sports Ohio. “We’re even more thrilled to be telecasting two of the top teams in the country with Don Bosco Prep and St. Ignatius.”

The game will feature the broadcast team of FOX Sports Ohio’s Northeast Ohio High School Football Game of the Week. Hanford Dixon, who played defensive back on the Cleveland Browns for nine seasons and was named to three Pro Bowls, will serve as game analyst. Three-time Emmy award winner and Cavaliers sideline reporter Jeff Phelps will call play-by-play. Dionne Miller, the network’s co-host of Cavaliers Live, will serve as sideline reporter.

Bruce Hooley Covers Big Ten

FOX Sports Ohio is thrilled to announce BRUCE HOOLEY is joining the FOX Sports Ohio team to serve as the Big Ten reporter on http://www.foxsportsohio.com/. Hooley will provide fans with comprehensive analysis of the Big Ten in his column, which runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Hooley is no stranger to the Big Ten. He has covered the conference’s sports teams for 23 years at The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, ESPN.com, FoxSports.com and WBNS-FM in Columbus. He hosts The Kirk Herbstreit Show and The Big Show with Chris Spielman on WBNS-FM and is a regular on Buckeye Blitz on the Ohio News Network and SportsTime Ohio.
“Big Ten football stirs the passions of fans throughout Ohio, the Midwest and the nation,” stated Hooley. “I look forward to writing columns about the Big Ten and engaging in spirited debate with our readers.”

For more information and to follow Hooley’s coverage, visit http://www.foxsportsohio.com/.

NovaCare Comes on Board for High School Football

NovaCare Rehabilitation is the "Official Sports Rehabilitation Provider" of FOX Sports Ohio.

NovaCare is also the sponsor of Northeast Ohio’s High School Football Game of the Week postgame show. During each week’s Thursday night high school football game, FOX Sports Ohio will highlight the “NovaCare Comeback Kid of the Week,” a student-athlete who has recovered from an orthopedic injury and returned to their sport.

NovaCare will also have a presence onsite at every FOX Sports Ohio Northeast Ohio High School Football Game of the Week. Representatives will distribute VIP Sports Injury Hotline cards, which provide a phone number that immediately directs you to a certified athletic trainer to assist in triaging your injury.

“We are proud to be the Official Sports Rehabilitation Provider of Fox Sports Ohio”, said Deb Singer, Vice President of NovaCare. “The partnership between our two organizations will optimize the NE Ohio sports communities’ access to professional level sports medicine, which is something we are excited about.”

For information regarding FOX Sports Ohio’s Northeast Ohio High School Football Games of the Week, visit www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/neohio_hssports.

FOX Sports Ohio On Pace for Record Reds Ratings

The Cincinnati Reds are the biggest story in Cincinnati as they continue their march towards their first division title in 15 years. Reds ratings on FOX Sports Ohio are setting records.

• Reds September Ratings Up 303% vs. Last Year
• Overall Ratings Up 84% Year to Year

FOX 19 in Cincinnati reports on the Reds stretch run and its impact on attendance and ratings.

Reds ratings soar, will attendance increase for final home stand?

CINCINNATI (FOX 19) -- Fox Sports Ohio (FSN) reports the highest ratings ever for CincinnatiReds games during the month of September. FSN's Henry Ford, vice president and general manager, says nearly 100,000 Cincinnati households have tuned into games every night in September. This as the magic number continues to drop and October is becoming more of a reality every day.

For more on this story, click here!

A Podcast of All Things Sports in the Buckeye State

FOXSportsOhio.com recently launched the OHIO SPORTS MIX podcast, a blend of all that is making sports news in the Buckeye state. During these podcasts, hosts Ray Crawford and Dionne Miller talk with the game changers on and off the field, legends of the past and those who cover the games. Fans of any Ohio sports don’t want to miss the discussion and banter between Crawford, Miller and their guests. Listeners can submit questions for the Ohio Sports Mix crew to potentially be featured during the podcast as well as vote on featured polls.

FOXSportsOhio.com will feature up to three new podcasts of Ohio Sports Mix a week and each one will be available at the running archive on the site for users to replay.

Crawford is a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets team on FOX Sports Ohio as the host of Blue Jackets Live pre- and post-game show. His is also the host of the pre-game show for the network’s Southern Ohio High School Football Game of the Week. Miller the host of Cavaliers Live pre- and post-game shows on FOX Sports Ohio as well as serves as sideline reporter for Northeast Ohio High School Football Game of the Week.

FOXSportsOhio.com Heads ON CAMPUS

A Blog for the Students, by the Students

FOX Sports Ohio has teamed up with select Division I Universities in the state of Ohio to launch ON CAMPUS, a new section on FOXSportsOhio.com to provide fans with the most comprehensive online coverage of 2010 college football.

Student journalists from Ohio schools were hand-picked by their college’s athletic department to provide content for FOXSportsOhio.com. Through their blogs, fans can get the latest news and inside information, all from the student’s perspective. Not only does On Campus provide fans with in-depth coverage of college football throughout the state of Ohio, but it also gives local college students the opportunity to showcase their writing talent and knowledge of their team.

For the complete list of schools and students participating, visit www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/oncampus.

Bearcats Football Action Returns

The two-time defending BIG EAST Champion, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team, is back on FOX Sports Ohio, presented by The Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers.

This season, the network will produce the Sept. 11 v. Indiana State game, to be televised LIVE on WXIX FOX 19 in Cincinnati, and televise 12 tape delayed games and 13 weekly episodes of Bearcats Sports Weekly with Butch Jones. For a detailed schedule of programming, click here.

The production of the UC v. Indiana State game live from Nippert Stadium on Saturday, September 11 at 12 noon, will be televised by WXIX FOX19 only. Michael Reghi and Artrell Hawkins will be in the booth for this game. The game will also replay on FOX Sports Ohio on Sunday, September 12 at 11:30pm.

Fans can also visit the UC Game Lounge on FOXSportsOhio.com during the game, as well as during every UC football game all season long, to enjoy an in-game chat with UC student writer, Sam Elliot. Elliott is a senior at the University of Cincinnati and the sports editor at The News Record, the independent student news organization at UC.

The coaches’ show, Bearcats Sports Weekly with Butch Jones, is hosted by UC’s Tom Gelehrter, the Bearcats’ radio sideline reporter for football and director of new media for the department of athletics, who will answer questions and provide analysis. This 30-minute show will air Thursday nights beginning September 9 at 6:00 p.m. Additional replays will also be scheduled around the network’s programming later the same evening. Bearcats Sports Weekly will feature an “ask the coach” segment where fans can submit questions for Coach Butch Jones on FOXSportsOhio.com. Gelehrter is also the feature UC Bearcats reporter on the site. His coverage includes recaps, notebooks, video hits and photo galleries, giving fans a behind-the-scenes experience they can’t get anywhere else.

Welcome Back Eric!

FOX Sports Ohio will feature extensive coverage of the Blue Jackets on FOXSportsOhio.com all season long. This week, we welcomed back Eric Smith to provide exclusive analysis of the team. To learn more about Eric, click here.

Fans will be able to submit questions to Smith online via “Eric’s Mailbag.” Smith will provide his answers to five questions each week as well as offer additional insight through exclusive video, in-depth interviews, pre-game and post-game break downs and appearances on Blue Jackets Live on FOX Sports Ohio.

His weekly podcast, “Fire The Cannon,” features interviews with management and players alike from the Jackets organization as well as hockey experts from all over.

New Show: Blue Jackets Slap Shots

FOX Sports Ohio announced a new program, Blue Jackets Slap Shots, premiering Monday, October 11 at 6pm. This 30-minute show, hosted by FOX Sports Ohio Blue Jackets broadcaster Ray Crawford, will offer Blue Jackets fans a chance to revisit the top moments from the Blue Jackets’ previous week.

Blue Jackets Slap Shots is a week-in-review show that will bring back interviews and highlights as the Jackets battle through the 2010-2011 NHL season. The show will also open up the archives to peer back at some of the moments and memories of the 10-season history of the Columbus franchise.
Following the premiere on October 18, fans can catch the show every Monday at 6pm. Replays will also run during the week surrounding Blue Jackets games.

FOXSportsOhio.com Streams High School Football

FOX Sports Ohio's Emmy-Award winning high school football coverage has expanded to the web. While the network produces and airs local games each Thursday, FOXSportsOhio.com is streaming those games live, presented by hhgregg.

The network's second week match up featured the Massillon Tigers, the defending Region 2 Champions, battling one of the most successful programs of the past decade, the GlenOak Golden Eagles. The game was FOXSportsOhio.com's most-streamed football game to date with over 5,100 hits to the live streaming video.

During the games, FOXSportsOhio.com also features an in-game chat and the opportunity for fans to ask questions of the FOX Sports Ohio broadcasters to be answered on air.

Honda Returns for UC and XU

FOX Sports Ohio is excited to announce the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers return as the 2010-11 presenting sponsor of the network’s coverage of Xavier University Musketeer basketball and University of Cincinnati Bearcat football and basketball.

“FOX Sports Ohio is delighted to have Honda return as the presenting sponsor of its UC and Xavier programming,” remarked Ford. “Honda is a strong supporter of both UC and XU athletics and sees the extraordinary value of connecting with our viewers.”

Through this one-year deal as presenting sponsor, Honda will receive a tremendous amount of media value that includes traditional commercial inventory and unique on air elements.

“The area Honda Dealers are proud to support college athletics in the Greater Cincinnati area. We find this to be a viable way to reach present and future Honda customers,” said Neil Bambrick, president of the local dealer group.

For information regarding FOX Sports Ohio’s coverage of the Xavier Musketeers and UC Bearcats, visit www.foxsportsohio.com.

10th Season of Blue Jackets Action

FOX Sports Ohio is excited for the 10th season of Columbus Blue Jackets hockey! This season, the network will once again carry 75 live regular season games.
Our coverage of the Columbus Blue Jackets begins on Friday, October 15 when the Blue Jackets begin the home portion the season with a 7pm match-up against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

With 37 home games and 38 away contests, the schedule continues to emphasize division rivalries as the Blue Jackets will face off several times against Central Division opponents Chicago, Detroit, Nashville and St. Louis.

The FOX Sports Ohio/Blue Jackets broadcast team features play-by-play announcer Jeff Rimer alongside color analyst Bill Davidge. Returning to the Blue Jackets broadcasts for his second season is John Michael, former play-by-play voice and host for the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters, as the broadcast’s in-game reporter.

Coverage each game night will begin with Blue Jackets Live pre-game show, presented by Central Ohio Toyota Dealers, featuring highlights, player interviews and analysis 30 minutes prior to each game. And immediately following the final horn, the coverage will continue with the post-game edition of Blue Jackets Live, presented by IGS Energy. Ray Crawford will host the pre- and post-game shows live from Nationwide Arena for home games and from the FOX Sports Ohio studio for road games.

For a complete schedule, click HERE!

More Cavs on FOX Sports Ohio

FOX Sports Ohio increased its Cavaliers coverage to 80 regular season games! The network will telecast 39 home games and 41 games from the road during the season, beginning Wednesday, October 27 at 7pm when the Cavs host the Boston Celtics.

“When presented with the opportunity to produce ten additional Cavs games, it was a quick and easy decision,” stated Henry Ford, Senior Vice President & General Manager, FOX Sports Ohio. “We are the television home of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Increasing our schedule to 80 games demonstrates our support for the team and the loyal fans that have supported us. We’re delighted that many of our sponsors are reaffirming their commitment to Cavaliers basketball as well.”

Austin Carr will continue to spice up the color analysis for the entire 80-game schedule. Joining him on the floor will be veteran play-by-play man Fred McLeod, calling the games for his fifth season. Jeff Phelps returns to the Cavs’ in-game broadcast team for his 8th season, where he will be seen on the sideline for all Cavaliers’ games.

FOX Sports Ohio will continue its comprehensive coverage of the team with the return of Cavaliers Live 30 minutes prior to every game telecast. Immediately following the final buzzer of each game, the post-game edition of Cavaliers Live, presented by Conrad’s, will feature highlights, player interviews and analysis.

The shows will once again be hosted by Phelps and Campy Russell for home games. For road games, Russell and Dionne Miller return to host the pre-game show from Aaron’s Studio and Phelps will report from the game site.

For the complete schedule, click HERE!

On TV, Online and On-site with High School Football. OH MY!

High School Football Game of the Week is Here!

FOX Sports Ohio is ready for its Emmy-Award winning coverage of high school football, featuring the most celebrated rival matchups in Northeast and Southwest Ohio each Thursday night at 7pm. Action starts 30 minutes before kick off at with High School Football Live, presented by Grange Insurance, providing fans with commentary, features, and in-depth pre-game coverage.

Online Coverage: Live Streaming and Interaction
FOX Sports Ohio expands its exposure of high school football with online coverage including an interactive component. Each week, the game will stream live on FOXSportsOhio.com. Through an online chat, fans can interact with each other as well as ask questions of the FOX Sports Ohio broadcasters. Select questions will be recognized and answered live during the telecast.

On-Site Activities:
Not only will FOX Sports Ohio’s broadcasters and production crew be at each game, but the network’s event staff will also be on site, offering fans the opportunity to participate in activities and win great prizes.

Beacon Orthopedic Play of the Week
After each Southern Ohio High School Football Game of the Week, fans can go to www.FOXSportsOhio.com/pages/swohio_hssports and vote for their favorite play. The play that receives the most votes will be recognized on-air in the next High School Football Game of the Week telecast as the Beacon Orthopedic Play of the Week.

Pledge 2b Safe :)
One activity features FOX Sports Ohio’s partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS). The network and ODPS will be giving students and parents of both home and visiting schools the chance to sign a pledge banner, stating they will not text message while driving. The goal of this “Pledge 2b Safe” campaign is to educate student and parents on the dangers of distracted driving as well as ask for their commitment to be safe behind the wheel. Following each week’s game, the participating schools will be given their signature-filled banner to proudly display at the school.

A Round of "Appaws" for FOX Supports Ohio

The FOX Supports Ohio volunteer committee was at it again. It turns out that there are some folks at FOX Sports Ohio who love animals just as much as they do sports! A group of six employees headed on over to the Berea Animal Rescue to volunteer their time on August 18, 2010.
The Berea Animal Rescue Fund, Inc. (ARF) is a non-profit organization that finds homes for the stray animals of Berea. ARF was incorporated in 1988 and is supported entirely through donations, adoption fees and fundraising events. The animals are housed in a “no time limit” facility until they are adopted.

When the FOX Supports Ohio crew arrived, they met the staff and learned a bit about the rescue. Then it was time to do some dirty work. And boy did they get dirty! From washing floors and windows to scrubbing cages and carriers, the team worked to make the shelter sparkle. Even their van got a thorough cleaning. FOX Supports Ohio team members also spent time raking the dog pens and weeding. And when they were done, they got to enjoy some time socializing with the dogs and cats.

At the time of FOX Supports Ohio’s visit, the rescue had about 8 dogs and 75 cats on location. An additional 100+ dogs and cats were in foster care.

Although the team felt a little sore the next day, they were so happy to have made a difference in helping the rescue maintain its facility and work with the animals that will hopefully get adopted soon. They look forward to the next visit to the Berea ARF. For more information on volunteer opportunities at Berea ARF or to foster or adopt an animal, visit www.bereaanimalrescue.com.

Reds Production Makes News!

Earlier this month, FOX Sports Ohio invited John Kiesewetter, the TV and media columnist for the Cincinnati Enquirer, to take a special behind-the-scenes peek at a Reds production. His tour couldn't have come at a hotter time for the Reds. The Reds were hosting the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park and ratings for our Reds productions were (and continue to be) at all-time highs.

Kiesewetter, AKA "Kiese," spent time with FOX Sports Ohio Executive Producer Tom Farmer as he was escorted back and forth between the TV truck and the broadcast booth. Kiese was especially interested in X-Mo slow motion and FOX Trax pitch locator. He had the opportunity to meet the production crew in the TV truck as well as sit between Reds broadcasters Paul Keels and Chris Welsh and listen in via headset for an inning or two.

His feature story, Fox Sports Ohio keeps fans connected to Reds, was in the Sunday edition, and starts off as follows:

In the TV booth above home plate - arguably the best seat in Great American Ball Park - Reds TV analyst Chris Welsh is looking at his laptop instead of watching the game. What's up with that?

Click here to read the entire article!

FOXSportsOhio.com's Hal McCoy Covers Reds-Cards Tensions

Hal McCoy, FoxSportsOhio.com’s hall-of-fame baseball writer, was at the center of the Cardinals vs. Reds scuffle that dominated sports talk on Tuesday, August 10 and Wednesday, August 11. McCoy broke the story that revealed underlying tensions between the teams that led to the in-game brawl on Tuesday.

Following that game, McCoy appeared on FOX Sports Ohio's Reds Live postgame show as well as the following Wednesday's pregame show. Click HERE to read his postgame article and watch the video of the recap.

He hosts an in-game chat every home Reds game on http://www.foxsportsohio.com/, and his chat following the brawl attracted 400% more traffic than an average night.

McCoy's insider coverage attracted media outlets nationwide.

His appearances included The Dan Patrick Show, ESPN First Take, FOX 45 in Dayton, Real Talk 1160 in Cincinnati, 101ESPN radio and KMOX radio in St. Louis, WHIO radio in Dayton, and KRJ radio in Seattle.