[Heath]

Matt700WLW might be more of a resource - this more of a IIRC post -

Most teams run their radio networks through a particular station. That station hires the announces, sells the time, etc. The Reds do it differently. They control the radio network and then they go find stations.

What's the difference? Well, big box radio companies (Clear Channel, Cumulus, CBS Radio, etc.) control the programming on those stations. The big wigs wherever they are choose the main programming. Most local items get dropped unless the ratings are noticable.

The Cleveland Browns are a Clear Channel Radio Network. Clear Channel pays the announcers, set's the affiliates, etc. Clear Channel assigns what stations get the Browns games in their region.

Another way to combat that problem, is to do what the Cardinals did and buy their own radio station. The Indians tried that with WKNR in Cleveland, but were not successful, so back they went to WTAM - 1100.