The European Tour and Talk Radio are pleased to announce an agreement that will give golf enthusiasts the opportunity to hear shot by shot commentary at no fewer than 18 events in 1999.
The European Tour and Talk Radio have signed a three-year agreement for on-course broadcast rights for the 1999, 2000 and 2001 seasons. Production will be by European Tour Productions in association with TWI Radio for Talk Radio.
Talk Radio’s coverage of European Tour events will begin with the Deutsche Bank – SAP Open TPC of Europe at St Leon Rot, Heidelberg on May 21-24. Talk will broadcast news items on Thursday and Friday and extensive weekend coverage throughout the season.
Announcing the deal with the European Tour, Moz Dee, Head of Sport at Talk Radio, said: “Golf is the world’s quickest growing sport and Talk Radio wants to be part of that growth. Talk has added yet another sport to its portfolio, giving yet more choice to the listener.”
Talk Radio is the UK’s largest and only commercial speech-based radio station and broadcasts nationally on the 1053-1089 AM frequency.
The station, launched in February 1995, was acquired by TalkCo, a consortium led by Kelvin Mackenzie, the former Managing Director of the Mirror Group and editor of The Sun in November 1998. Talk Radio is the fourth largest commercial station in the UK and reaches 2.6 million listeners every week.
As well as providing radio’s only daily drivetime sports programme, Talk Radio broadcasts a number of major sporting events. During the winter Talk Radio will provide commentary from the England cricket team’s Test series in South Africa and other exclusive broadcast rights so far this year have included Manchester United and Chelsea’s European matches and the world heavyweight title fight between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.
Talk is committed to continuing to acquire prestigious sporting events and offer listeners a high quality, comprehensive sports service.
George O’Grady, Joint Managing Director of European Tour Productions, said: “The Tour is delighted to welcome this important addition to our radio coverage. The outstanding commitment of Talk Radio will fully complement the coverage we presently enjoy from BBC Radio Five Live.”
Commentary will be provided by Richard Kaufman and former European Tour Member Jeremy Bennett.
