Generally once a year I like to do a media review; a look at and recommendation guide for where to listen to or read the best Bucs info. I leave myself out of it in case anyone is asking 🙂
The radio waves have changed the most with new options available thanks to FM's 98.7 the fan, which gives radio listeners a second choice for the first time. 620 WDAE has had a variance so long that its been forgotten. Thats why you can hear 620 in Gainesville but not the other stations in your back yard. WDAE has a variance which allows it to amplify its signal more than the other stations due to construction permit for replacing Towers along Gandy Blvd.
With the new Media apps like iHeart and others you can listen to other stations but for drivers in their cars who are not all that tech savy, WDAE has always been the only choice. No longer.
RADIO
Long gone was sometimes moronic 6am Dan Sileo has been off the air for well over a year now and his replacement couldnt be better. Perhaps the 2nd best show available is the Tampa Bay Times influenced and aptly named "The Sports Page" with Rick Stroud and Tom Jones; both sports writers for the Times. Often talking about their morning articles you get the absolute most Bucs and Rays news on this show. The two have differing opinions often which leads to some fun debates. This runs in the 6AM hour.
The 9am slot had been dominated by the Ron and Ian show but I think their mastery is about to meet its demise. Because what could be the best radio show on the air right now is former 620 assistant Justin Pawlowski who teams up with Jim Lighthall for the show called "Fan Interference". Going up against Ron and Ian isnt easy because the 620 has developed awesome chemistry over the years they have been together. Problem is Ron and Ian is Sports Themed but they will admit they are NOT a Sports only show. They are an entertainment show; and thats where Fan Interference takes the hour. You get More Rays and Bucs talk as well great budding chemistry between Pawloswski and Lighthall, and if you come to this site you like your Bucs history and Justin is a big fan of it. Just last week he had Vernon Turner on his show, who was the first Buc to return a punt for a TD to discuss his life story and tragedy.
You wont do wrong to give Justin and Jim a shot in the 9am Hour; They get the Top Honor as Best Radio show.
For some reason NOON to 3 just hasnt taken off for local programming. But at 3Pm we finally have competition for the Big Dog Steve Duemig. Problem is, its really no competition.
Steve Duemig has been No.1 for so long no one can remember the last time he wasnt, and while the power variance has a good part of that its not the sole reason. You could take Duemig out of Tampa Bay and put him anywhere and he would be Number One. He has his opinions and if you come on his show you will find them out and quickly!
Some times tempermental but always educational, The Big Dog is the dean of Tampa Bay Radio and Booger and Rich just doesnt seem to be the team to unseat them. While Booger McFarfarland has his Tampa Bay Buccaneers ties to fall back on his Dialogue and Opinions seem to Waiver; if there is an opinion to be offered.
Where as you always know where you stand with the Big Dog, sometimes following Booger and Rich can be confusing. Its a good show and would be welcome at the 12 PM hour, but the best it can do is put a few fleas on the Big Dog.
My biggest knock on Duemig's show is probably the most attractive feature of the show for listeners; in that Steve can be too argumentative at times; and with fending off all of the "goobers" on twitter and facebook, they seem to have taken their toll on the Big Dog to the point of attacking more and more normal callers. But it makes for good radio and his Wednesday Shows with Derrick Brooks and Joe Bucs Fan are Must Hear Radio.
Tommorrow….Internet!!
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