A+E NETWORKS(R) AND RANGE MEDIA PARTNER WITH JIM ROME TO EXPAND "THE JIM ROME SHOW" TO FAST
Renowned Sports Commentator Adds Exclusive 4th Hour to His Real-Time Sports Radio Program for The Jim Rome Show FAST Channel for Wide Distribution to Platforms Nationwide
Additional Programs Exclusively on the New FAST Channel Include Fresh Weekly Episodes of The Jim Rome Podcast and The Reinvention Project on Weekends
LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (October 17, 2024) - A+E Networks(R) and Range Media Partners are excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with renowned sports commentator Jim Rome, that brings his popular real-time sports radio program, The Jim Rome Show, to an even wider audience via the rapidly growing Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) platform. The news was announced today by Jim Rome and Deborah K. Bradley, EVP, Global Content Sales, A+E Networks.
The Jim Rome Show FAST channel is now available live across major platforms, including Amazon Freevee (also accessible through Prime Video and Fire TV), DirectTV, LG Channels, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, Sling Freestream, and VIZIO WatchFree+.
This new channel enhances Jim Rome's presence on radio and streaming platforms like X (formerly Twitter), further solidifying his place at the forefront of sports talk and demonstrating his commitment to innovation and audience growth.
"FAST platforms give us an incredible opportunity to reach fans on their terms - whenever and wherever they want to tune in," said Jim Rome. "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."
"A+E Networks' partnership with Jim Rome and Range Media Partners adds another powerful, relevant genre to our robust channel offerings," said Bradley. "Jim Rome's move to FAST is a testament to his foresight in recognizing the importance of evolving with the media landscape and reaching a broader, younger audience. The Jim Rome Show FAST Channel provides our valued FAST partners live, excellent content with a prolific and incredibly popular sports host. Launching during this incredibly active time of year for sports, including, of course, football season and baseball playoffs, is optimal for both the platforms and their viewers."
The FAST channel features exclusive content for FAST viewers, including an expanded fourth hour of The Jim Rome Show, along with fresh weekly episodes of The Jim Rome Podcast, and The Reinvention Project. Additional content is also in development, underscoring Jim Rome's dedication to evolving with the fast-changing media landscape and connecting with younger, tech-savvy audiences who demand flexibility and on-demand access to content.
"Partnering with A+E Networks to bring The Jim Rome Show to FAST is an exciting step forward for us at Range Media," added Will Funk, SVP of Strategy & Operations, Range Digital Ventures. "We're focused on innovative ways to connect with today's tech-savvy viewers, offering premium content through free, ad-supported platforms. This partnership with A+E Networks and Jim Rome allows us to deliver that flexibility and reach an untapped sports audience at an optimal moment."
Since approximately 60% of A+E's FAST viewers consist of Gen Z (18+) and Millennials, Rome's move into FAST reflects Rome's and Range's focus on appealing to these additional key demographics.
Jim Rome, known for his engaging, informed, and rapid-fire dialogue, has long been a top choice for athletes and fans seeking sports news and commentary beyond the scoreboard. Through this expansion, Rome is not only adapting to modern viewing habits but also ensuring his content reaches new, tech-savvy audiences looking for flexibility and real-time engagement.
In the new hour of The Jim Rome Show, dubbed The After Hour (working title), he pans out from the hard-hitting sports news and takes of the day to explore the broader universe of sports culture. Lighter and more conversational than the show's first three hours, Jim will riff on topics that resonate with both hard-core sports fans and casual spectators alike, from reacting to the best of sports on social, to exploring the depths of fandom, and maybe even bring in a surprise guest or two. It's the show after the show.
The Reinvention Project highlights peak performers and elite characters. What's their process? How can we apply it? How do we destroy the game like them? Jim Rome finds out in this all-new, video format of his popular weekly podcast.
The Jim Rome Podcast features riveting conversations with some of the biggest names in sports. As he has in the past with greats like Bob Costas, Joe Montana, Jemele Hill and more, Jim Rome goes deep with various athletes, coaches, and personalities to understand their process, how they got here and what's up next.
In addition to FAST and the live three-hour simulcast on X, The Jim Rome Show is in its 30th year of being nationally syndicated and is currently distributed by Audacy and Westwood One.
Jim Rome's extensive career includes hosting successful programs such as Rome for CBS Sports Network, Jim Rome on Showtime, ESPN's Rome Is Burning, and The Last Word with Jim Rome on Fox Sports Net.
Jim Rome is represented by Range Media Partners, Attorney Dave Feldman (Brecheen, Feldman, Breimer, Silver, and Thompson), and manager Kraig Kitchin.
About A+E Networks
A+E Networks(R) is a global content company comprised of some of the most popular and culturally relevant brands in media, including A&E(R), Lifetime(R), The HISTORY(R) Channel, LMN(R), FYI,(R) and VICE TV(R). A+E Networks' portfolio extends across platforms and genres with a scripted production division, A+E Studios(TM); unscripted productions, A+E Factual Studio(TM); and independent film unit, A&E IndieFilms(R). A+E Networks Digital(TM) includes watch apps, games, FAST channels, AVOD, and SVOD products Crime 360; Lifetime Movie Club(R) and HISTORY Vault(R); and podcasts such as History This Week(TM); and A+E Networks Global Content Sales division which includes branded channels around the world; a robust content licensing business; and international scripted/unscripted co-productions. A+E Networks' content reaches more than 414 million households in 200 territories in 40 languages. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks.
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