Jackals saddel up with 99.5 WOKN
Published on May 12, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud member of the ECHL, announced today that they have finalized a broadcast and marketing partnership with the Pembrook Pines Media Group that aligns the area's only professionally-affiliated minor league sports entity with the region's largest radio group.
The two-year agreement, with an option for a third and fourth year, will span the 2008-09 and 2009-10 ECHL seasons and is highlighted by the exclusive broadcast rights of Elmira Jackals game night broadcasts granted to the Pembrook Pines Media Group. All Jackals' game night broadcasts will originate on WOKN-FM "Today's Hot New Country" at 99.5 (Elmira) and 102.5 (Corning). Additionally, the club will expand its broadcast footprint with all game night broadcasts also airing on WVIN-FM "Today's Hits and Yesterday's Favorites" at 98.3 in Bath, New York.
"Coming off of a very successful first season in the ECHL, this partnership provides us with the capabilities of further growing our fan base not only through our game broadcast reach, but also in teaming up with the area's biggest and most prominent radio group," said Jackals' general manager Robbie Nichols.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The agreement includes the exclusive radio broadcast rights of all Jackals-related hockey programming along with extensive marketing opportunities in branding the partnership through assets provided by both parties.
"Our group is thrilled to partner with a winning team at a dynamic regional sports and entertainment venue," said Pembrook Pines Media Group president Robert Pfuntner. "Not only are we excited about being involved as a member of the Jackals family, but we also look forward to our continued and expanded role in helping draw great crowds to a variety of events at First Arena."
"Bob and his group have been outstanding to work with during my two years with the Jackals' organization," Nichols added. "That said, this (partnership) was something that was brewing for a while. Bob's group really wanted to jump on the momentum of this past season and run with it."
The Pembrook Pines Media Group encompasses 15 radio stations throughout the Finger Lakes region, with properties spanning from Ithaca to the Olean/Salamanca market in Western New York. Along with WOKN-FM (99.5/102.5), Pfuntner's holdings in the Elmira/Corning market include WLVY-FM (94.3) "94 Rock", WELM-AM (1410) "ESPN Sports" and WEHH-AM (1600) "Solid Gold".
"In addition to keeping our game night broadcasts on the FM dial, which was imperative in this market, working with a group that includes a sports property and two of the highest rated FM stations in the area is a great outreach opportunity from our perspective," said Jackals Director of Broadcasting Grady Whittenburg.
"Ideas are just ideas until they are put into motion," Whittenburg continued. "But with the enthusiasm and energy put forth by Bob and Tom Willis (General Sales Manager) in our discussions leading up to this announcement, both sides are geared up to maximize the unique opportunities presented by each party."
In their first season in the ECHL, the Jackals finished with a record of 41-24-3-4, good for 89 points and a second place finish behind North Division and regular season league champion Cincinnati. Elmira led the league with 14 sellouts and played to just over 93% capacity at First Arena, averaging 3,525 fans per home game in 2007-08.
Game night broadcasts will continue to be available to fans outside the listening area via an on-line stream to be provided by WOKN-FM that will be available through the team's official web site at www.jackalshockey.com.
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Season tickets for the Elmira Jackals 2008-2009 campaign are currently on sale at the Jackals administrative office at First Arena and at the Gray Street box office (both open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday). Take advantage of great savings with special early bird pricing in effect through June 2nd. Call 734-PUCK (7825) or go on-line to www.jackalshockey.com and click on the "TICKETS" link for more information.
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The Elmira Jackals open their ninth season in the Twin Tiers when they hit the ice in their season opener Friday, October 17th, in a 7:35 p.m. face-off against the Reading Royals. Check back throughout the season at www.jackalshockey.com for information regarding individual ticket purchases. To keep up-to-date on the latest Jackals news, become a member of the Jackals Cyber Club today. Receive all of the latest Jackals news and information via e-mail by signing up today at www.jackalshockey.com.
ECHL Stories from May 12, 2008
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- Jackals saddel up with 99.5 WOKN - Elmira Jackals
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- ECHL Today - ECHL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
