(January 14, 2016) The sports podcast that Rob Johnson started five years ago is becoming a network radio show. An STAA member, Johnson is taking his MakinThePlay program to Yahoo Sports Radio. Starting this week, it will air Saturdays from Noon to 3 pm Eastern Time.
“My show has a unique style that appeals to today’s generation of sports talk listeners, and that doesn’t mean just young listeners,” says Johnson. “Joining the YSR lineup is the natural evolution and next appropriate step for my career.”
MakinThePlay started as a podcast in January 2011 and Johnson was quickly broadcasting from sports bars and restaurants in his hometown of Gape Girardeau, MO. Eventually, he got the show on the air in Cape Girardeau, and later, in Paducah, KY. He will continue hosting the national show from Missouri.
Johnson’s move to network radio started last June when YSR COO and Program Director Craig Larson called STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik. They share a quarterly dialogue and review the roster of STAA members.
“My membership in STAA set the foundation for this opportunity,” says Johnson. “Craig Larson discovered me though STAA and spoke with Jon about my story, background and capabilities. I owe this opportunity entirely to STAA.”
In addition to hosting, Johnson will have the option to sell advertising for YSR.
“One of the strengths I developed from starting my career later in life is that I have extensive business, sales and marketing experience. I’m as comfortable speaking with sponsorship prospects and clients and developing marketing strategies for them as I am hosting a show. With YSR, I have as much responsibility as I desire and the flexibility to create programs that are best for advertisers.”
Johnson adds, “YSR is an incredible organization that, under the leadership of David Gow, is growing and providing multiple talk shows that appeal to a wide range of fans.
“Thank you [STAA] for everything you have done to help make this possible,” Johnson smiles.
Hear how Rob took his podcast from online to on-air: