By David Scott
Boston Sports Media Watch

Here’s the official statement from Entercom on the D&C renewal. You will note that no word from Entercom president and CEO David Field is included, despite the fact that he played hero in salvaging the deal. Quite a team guy, we’d say:

SPORTS RADIO 850 WEEI-AM ANNOUNCES IT HAS SIGNED JOHN DENNIS AND GERRY CALLAHAN TO MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS

BOSTON (September 10, 2007) Sports Radio 850 WEEI-AM today announced that it has signed “Dennis and Callahan Show” co-hosts John Dennis and Gerry Callahan to new multi-year contracts. The “Dennis and Callahan Show” airs in WEEI’s 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. slot, Monday through Friday.

“John and Gerry have been a big part of WEEI’s success, and we’re happy to have them back,” said Jason Wolfe, Entercom Vice President of AM Programming and Operations.

“It was a long process, but I’m thrilled at the conclusion. D&C do a simply fantastic job and it’s great to have them anchoring morning drive for many years to come,” said Julie Kahn, Entercom New England Vice President and Market Manager.

The “Dennis & Callahan Show” originally aired from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., beginning in October of 1997. In September of 1999, the “Dennis & Callahan Show” was promoted to its current morning drive slot. Prior to joining WEEI, Dennis spent three decades on air at Channel 7 in Boston (1977-1997), with roles including weekend sports anchor, feature reporter, and Sports Director. He won eight Emmy awards for broadcast excellence. Callahan, a Boston native, began his career at the Lowell Sun in 1983. After 6 ½ years of service at the Lowell Sun, he went to the Boston Herald for five years before accepting a Senior Writer position at Sports Illustrated. He returned to the Herald in 1997 as a columnist, a role he still holds.

“I’m excited to be back and to be working with Gerry again,” said Dennis. “This was the outcome I wanted and I’m glad it’s done.”

“It’s been a long, tiring negotiation. I think I’m due for a vacation,” added Callahan. “But in all seriousness, this is the best place for us to be and I’m happy to stay.”

Entercom is one of the nation’s largest radio broadcasters with operations, pro forma for pending acquisitions, in Boston, Seattle, Denver, Sacramento, Cincinnati, Portland, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Austin, Norfolk, Buffalo, New Orleans, Providence, Memphis, Greensboro, Rochester, Greenville/Spartanburg, Madison, Wichita, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Springfield and Gainesville/Ocala.

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