750AM The Game

The Dan Patrick Show is solid. I’ve learned to tolerate Jim Rome over the years. John Canzano is good when he sticks to what he knows (Ducks, Beavers, Blazers), less so on other material. Chad Doing is one step up from a disaster. Comes off as kind of douche, which is fine when the host is engaging. Sadly, he is not — he seems to embody every stereotype of the annoying sports radio host. Ugh.

Pros: Good local focus
Cons: Obvious bias towards teams they cover
Sports radio seems to be one of the few radio mediums that actually is going from a syndicated, national model to one that is locally focused. Most stations are doing the exact opposite of this. However, 750AM The Game focuses on Portland and Oregon sports and does it with personalities that are based in Portland. For years, this station was very much a FOX Sports Radio station with the lineup including syndicated heavy weights like Jim Rome, Petros & Money and Steve Hartman. However, starting back in the spring of 2011, these syndicated shows were removed for local personalities instead. In fact, the schedule skews local from 6AM-​10PM on weekdays. I don’t know about others, but I enjoy locally based radio shows (especially sports) much more than syndicated ones where any team that isn’t New York or L.A. is going to get the shaft. I also enjoy the personalities on 750 the Game because they aren’t afraid to be opinionated and sometimes even un PC about their thoughts. The shows I usually catch include the Morning Sports Page with Chad Doing, The Dave Smith Show (I remember him from living in L.A. and he’s doing a great job here creating a great show), and the Bald Face Truth with John Canzano. They all focus first and foremost on local teams, but also hit up important national headlines as well. My one major bit of beef is this station covers games for certain teams, including the Blazers, Timbers, Seahawks and the Ducks. The first two are fine since this is a Portland based station. From my little time in Portland I’m learning there are probably just as many 49ers and Raiders fans here as Seahawks, yet this station leans heavy on Seahawks coverage because they broadcast their games, which I think would get annoying if you were into the 49ers or Raiders. The Ducks, again, I understand they are the major university of the state, but the Beavers consistently get the shaft in coverage on this station, even outside of down seasons such as the current one. Otherwise, my knob stays on 750 and hardly ever leaves, except for a music fix on KNRK or KINK. Great local coverage from personalities based in the actual city the station is in.