Broadcast giant Sinclair is expanding its on-demand audio and podcast division by launching a new series of sports shows over the next few weeks.
The shows include “The Triple Option,” hosted by Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone, which will debut on podcast platforms on August 21, as well as “Throwbacks” hosted by Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara that is scheduled to launch in September.
“As Sinclair continues to evolve into a cross-media platform company, we are thrilled to announce the official launch of our new sports podcast division,” Rob Weisbord, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Local Media at Sinclair, said in a statement on Wednesday. “Podcasting is a natural extension of Sinclair’s commitment to providing our audience with engaging content, and we are excited to bring together top talent and passionate storytellers to deliver in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest news in the world of sports.”
“The Triple Option” will provide analysis, opinions and unique insight on the sport of football, including college and professional athletes, franchises and games. Meyer will offer the perspective as a three-times National Champion Head Coach at Ohio State and Florida, while Ingram — a National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama and a veteran NFL running back with the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans — will offer the perspective from a player’s point of view. Stone brings more than two decades of broadcasting experience to the show.
“Throwbacks” will pair Heisman Trophy winner Leinart with actor Ferrara, whom “both know what it is to experience extreme success, they both love talking sports, and they’re both navigating the challenges of dad-life,” Sinclair said in a release. Both will share stories about the successes in their respective fields — Leinhart in football, Ferrara in film and television — while also offering “thoughtful sports opinions and relatable family adventures.”
Sports shows are a natural extension of Sinclair’s current podcast offering, which leans heavy on news and current events. Weisbord said the company has seen “great success with our existing news-focused podcasts, and these additions will be a game-changer for sports fans everywhere, offering exclusive access to the stories and voices that matter most.”
Sinclair has already seen commitments from a number of advertisers, including BetMGM, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ZipRecruiter and fast food chain Wendy’s, whose campaigns will air during the shows.
“Leveraging the power of Sinclair’s linear, digital, and social assets to power promotion and sales efforts for the Sinclair Sports Group fundamentally sets us apart in the marketplace,” said Eric Welles, the Chief Digital Monetization Officer at Sinclair.
“We could not be more excited to partner with this incredible lineup of talent as we continue to build our podcasting and social division, strengthening our commitment to providing engaging content to audiences across all platforms,” Rich Cooke, the Vice President of Audio Programming at Sinclair, said on Wednesday. “Our approach for these shows will allow creators to develop deep, authentic connections that drive impact. They’ll be able to provide unique access and insight, while having fun and letting their entertaining personalities shine. This is an exciting first step for us, with more big announcements on the horizon.”
Both shows will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other major podcast platforms.
