ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Robert Portnoy has been named the voice of the Lobos effective July 1, 2013, as announced today by Learfield Sports, the multimedia rights holder for University of New Mexico Athletics. As part of its university relationship, Learfield and its local entity, Lobo Sports Properties, also oversee all management, radio affiliates and personnel for the Lobo Sports Network.
This move marks an expansion of Portnoy’s duties with the Lobos as he currently is the play-by-play broadcaster for baseball. Beginning with the 2013-2014 athletic season, he will be the voice of Lobo baseball, football and men’s basketball and host all radio and television coaches’ shows, a comprehensive role formerly held by Scott Galetti, whose contract is set to expire in June.
Portnoy has been in the Albuquerque market since 2006 and got his start in the industry 13 years ago. In addition to formerly handling broadcast duties for the Albuquerque Isotopes and New Mexico Thunderbirds, Portnoy has done play-by-play for several Double-A and Class A baseball teams and San Jose State University women’s volleyball. He has also served as a television sports anchor and hosted several local sports radio shows. In 2008, Portnoy was honored by the New Mexico Broadcasters Association for sports play-by-play, and in 2004, he was recognized as “Radio Broadcaster of the Year” for the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs.
“Robert is extremely talented, and we’re pleased to have him part of the Lobo Sports Network, knowing he’s the perfect choice to represent the Lobos in a greater capacity,” said Lobo Sports Properties’ General Manager Joe Weiss. “We appreciate the work Scott has done for us over the years and wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”
UNM’s Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs commented, “Robert will be a great addition to our football and men’s basketball radio broadcasts. He is doing a fantastic job with Lobo baseball and look forward to him being the ‘voice of the Lobos’.”
“Since arriving in Albuquerque, I’ve fallen in love with the community and its unbelievable support of Lobo athletics,” said Portnoy. “It’s an honor to be the next voice for the University of New Mexico. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed calling Lobo baseball, and I can’t wait to get started with my expanded role.”
Additionally, Learfield is doing its due diligence in seeking a replacement for Greg Remington, who has chosen to leave his duties as football color analyst to pursue other opportunities.
Lobo Sports Network has bolstered its statewide presence and now encompasses 19 radio affiliates in New Mexico, eastern Arizona and southern Colorado. In addition to UNM, Learfield Sports manages the multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate properties across the country and titles the acclaimed Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup with award co-founders NACDA and USA Today. For more about the company’s complete collegiate portfolio and 40-year history, visit www.learfieldsports.com.