Jim Rome is burning to attract a younger audience to his show.
The sports radio veteran is set to launch a FAST channel in partnership with A+E Networks and Range Media Partners that will broadcast four hours of The Jim Rome Show. In its current iteration available on radio and the social media site X (formerly Twitter), the show runs three hours. With the launch of his new FAST channel, the show will expand to a fourth hour that will be “lighter and more conversational than the show’s first three hours.”
In a statement provided to Variety, Rome said, “FAST platforms give us an incredible opportunity to reach fans on their terms — whenever and wherever they want to tune in.” He continued, “I’ve always believed that staying relevant in this industry means evolving with your audience, and that’s exactly what I’m doing with this move to FAST. The exclusive fourth hour and weekend content will bring even more real-time sports coverage and sharp commentary to the table.”
The aim with the channel’s launch is to attract a younger audience. According to the report, approximately 60% of A+E’s FAST channel viewers are either a millennial or GenZ.
In February of this year, Rome decided he would leave CBS Sports Network after a six-year run and take his eponymous show to X. After a few months off following the announcement of his departure, the show re-launched in May, remaining on its radio affiliates and SiriusXM.
As someone who likely resonates more with a generation that remembers the height of his radio fame in the ’90s and ’00s, a move to a platform geared towards younger viewers is likely wise. And while A+E isn’t really a network known for sports, perhaps Rome can connect with a new audience that appreciates the lighter fourth hour.
[Variety]
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.