JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Channel 4 is once again the official station of the Jacksonville Jaguars after 11 years, the organization announced Wednesday.
The Jaguars reached agreements with new flagship radio and TV broadcast partners for carriage of their on-air programming in and around the Jacksonville area.
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The TV programming, which includes preseason game broadcasts, will return after 11 years to WJXT-TV Channel 4, and in addition, the preseason games will air in the Orlando market on Channel 4's partner station, WKMG Local 6. WJXT was previously the Jaguars' local television partner in 2001-02.
For the first time, Jaguars games and official team radio programming will be heard on 1010XL AM and 92.5 FM, the team's flagship radio partner. In addition, the games will be simulcast on 99.9 Gator Country.
"We're very proud to team with all of these partners - 1010XL, 99.9 Gator Country and WJXT Channel 4 and WKMG - and we look forward to expanding our radio and TV programming with them," Jaguars President Mark Lamping said in making the announcement. "Given the size of the Jacksonville market, it is critical that we reach all current and potential Jaguars fans. Our new partners will help us do that in Jacksonville as well as the surrounding region, including the important market of Orlando.
"1010XL brings a broad audience of loyal listeners and avid sports fans, 99.9 Gator Country gives us greater reach with our game day broadcasts to an important new demographic, and no TV station is more focused on Jacksonville and the local market than Channel 4," Lamping added.
The partnerships are multiyear agreements and terms are undisclosed.
The new television agreement calls for WJXT to air the Jaguars' non-national preseason games in addition to pregame shows, the Gus Bradley Show and other programs and specials that are mutually developed. The Jaguars expect to announce their preseason schedule next month.
"We are thrilled to be growing our partnership with the Jaguars," said Channel 4 Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis. "As The Local Station, to be working more closely with the premier local franchise in Jacksonville makes perfect sense. Everyone at Channel 4 is eager to tell the stories of hard work going on behind the scenes to build the team both in the community and on the field. Stay tuned, we've got some exciting things planned."
"The Jaguars are the most important sports franchise in our city's history, and we are honored to become the flagship station and to be part of the team," said 1010XL General Manager Steve Griffin. "Everyone is impressed with the team's new regime, their dedication to the city and the fans, and the positive momentum coming from EverBank Field. We are excited about using our resources to help the cause and to grow together in the years to come."
99.9 Gator Country, which is owned by Renda Broadcasting, will serve as a promotional partner for the Jaguars and will simulcast Jaguars game broadcasts as part of a six-hour window on every Jaguars game day. The six-hour window will accommodate pregame and postgame shows in addition to the game broadcast.
"99.9 Gator County and Renda Broadcasting are very excited to be a media partner with the Jacksonville Jaguars starting with the 2014 season," said Renda Broadcasting General Manager Bill Reese. "The Jaguars have a reputation in the NFL as a first-class organization from ownership, to management, to the coaching staff and players. Renda Broadcasting is proud to be affiliated with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are committed to not only winning but representing the city of Jacksonville in a very positive way. As their radio partner, we look forward and are committed to helping the Jaguars grow their franchise to the next level."
"There's a lot of anticipation building in and around the Jaguars family as we embark on our 20th season," Lamping added, "and these new broadcast partners will help deliver that to longtime fans and new audiences throughout the Southeast region. We're working hard to grow our fan base, and we are confident that our new partners will help us achieve that goal."