Idaho Radio News Etc.

BOISE – Big changes are coming for the radio and TV broadcasts of Boise State sports – but the full impact won’t be known for a while.

Learfield Communications tells NewsChannel 7 it has been selected as the new broadcast and advertising rights partner for sports. You likely have never heard of the company, because it works behind the scenes. The group sells packages to advertisers that contain a mix of radio, television and in-stadium signs.

Learfield confirms it’s deal with Boise State also gives it the task of finding a sponsor to buy the naming rights to Bronco Stadium.

For now it is unclear where the games will wind up on your TV and radio dials. The KTVB News Group is in the final year of its television contract with the university. Peak Broadcasting and KIDO radio have one year remaining on its deal with the school for radio rights.

It also is not yet known where television games will appear this fall.

Learfield’s deal does not begin until after the upcoming 2009-2010 season ends. Learfield officials say they won’t have an announcement on what local radio and TV stations will air the games – or who will serve as announcers until this fall.

The contract is subject to approval by the Idaho State Board of Education.

The company handles similar packages for a variety of schools across the country – including University of Idaho, Oregon State, Alabama, Oklahoma and dozens of others.

The deal will not affect the Western Athletic Conference’s agreement to carry some games on ESPN.