HARRISONBURG ,Va. – James Madison Athletics and long-time radio partner Harrisonburg Radio Group (HRG) have extended their relationship with a new four-year agreement through June 30, 2024.
“We are thrilled with the ongoing relationship between JMU Athletics and Harrisonburg Radio Group,” Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. “HRG continues to prioritize JMU Athletics as a cornerstone of its sports programing, and we feel it is a great partnership for the Shenandoah Valley. I’d like to thank Kim Mitchell, Dave Thomas and the entire HRG team for this significant commitment.”
As part of the deal, WSVA AM 550 and FM 92.1 in Harrisonburg will continue to serve as the flagship home for the Dukes in football and men’s basketball. Women’s basketball will stay on ESPN 1360 AM (106.9 FM). Programming conflicts could occasionally require shifts in station coverage.
“Supporting the local community has always been our number one focus at Harrisonburg Radio Group,” HRG General Manager Kim Mitchell said. “We are elated about continuing our long-standing relationship with JMU Athletics. I can’t think of a better way to be involved and support the continued growth of JMU. Their athletic programs are such an important part of our programming, and they offer great value to both our listeners and advertisers. We value the relationship that we’ve built over the years with Jeff Bourne and his team. Go Dukes!”
The agreement was secured by JMU Athletics’ multimedia rights partner, Learfield IMG College, and its local entity, JMU Sports Properties. Under contract terms, JMU Sports Properties holds exclusive rights to hire all broadcast crews. Currently, HRG lead sports personality Dave Thomas handles play-by-play for men’s basketball and football with Clint Estes providing color on football. Women’s basketball play-by-play duties are handled by Craig Orndorff. In addition to football and basketball, the new agreement adds four radio events each for baseball and softball on an annual basis.
While not part of the contract, JMU benefits from daily coverage on WHBG’s Daily Sports Feed with Dave Thomas, which airs Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. JMU Director of Broadcast Services, Curt Dudley, also airs the Dukes Sports Center throughout the day on ESPN 1360 with news updates on JMU Athletics.
“We’re excited to have the ability to continue our outstanding partnership with Harrisonburg Radio Group,” JMU Sports Properties General Manager Mike Chatburn said. “The best place for our fans to follow our game actions throughout the year is with HRG, which is highly respected in our community. JMU Athletics is pleased to have them as our flagship radio partner. We have worked closely with the Harrisonburg Radio Group for many years now and feel confident they deliver the best in radio broadcast for JMU fans.”
JMU ATHLETICS & HARRISONBURG RADIO GROUP EXTEND PARTNERSHIP
