The John Riggins Show Returns in Afternoon Drive!

WTOP Expands Partnership with Riggins


Deal Includes Return of “John Riggins Show” on HD


Washington, DC February 4, 2010

WTOP Radio 103.5 FM today announced a new multi-year broadcasting partnership with NFL Hall of Famer John Riggins. “Riggo” just completed his first year of providing expert analysis and commentary for WTOP during the Redskins’ season and will continue in that role during the 2010 NFL season. 

Riggins will also host one-hour “Ask Riggo” specials throughout the year, giving listeners and fans the chance to interact and discuss the team. In addition The John Riggins Show will return to the air in afternoon drive via WTOP’s HD-3 Channel. The John Riggins Show will air Monday through Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. Riggins will also host a pre-game and post-game show during the NFL season.

Riggins says, “Spot duty was never meant for me. I’m an every down broadcaster. Thanks to the Goliath of D.C. Radio, WTOP HD-3 will soon offer Diesel Fuel Monday through Friday; pumps will be open 4-7 p.m. I know I’ve got one more great run left in the tank - how can I not with WTOP in front of me. It’s going to be just like old times.”


The broker of the deal, WTOP Sales Manager Ralph Renzi says, “We are thrilled to have Riggo join WTOP 103.5 FM and to bring his talk show to WTOP HD-3. His expertise and candor are always a must-listen. This is an innovative move that showcases radio’s many distribution channels.”

WTOP VP of Programming Jim Farley says, "He's not just the most popular Redskin of all times, he's also the most articulate. He is fearless in calling it like it is. Now he's blazing a path in carving out the new free over-the-air channels created by cutting-edge HD Radio technology."


All John Riggins programming is managed and executive produced by sports programming veteran Tod Castleberry who formerly programmed WTEM and ESPN 980/Redskins Radio Network. Says Castleberry, “Riggo is a compelling, entertaining personality who always tells it like he sees it. He has a lot to say and we’re going to have fun interacting with the fans. This is an exciting partnership with Washington’s most listened to radio station, WTOP.”

The John Riggins Show will launch on WTOP HD-3 in March. Commentary on WTOP will begin again in the fall.

WTOP Radio has served the Washington region since 1926 and has been Washington’s all-news radio station since 1969. WTOP is the most widely listened to radio station in the Nation’s Capital. WTOP can be heard on 103.5 FM in the metro, 103.9 FM in Frederick, 107.7 FM in Stafford, and worldwide at wtop.com.

WTOP Radio is one of two stations in DC owned by Bonneville International Corporation. Its sister station is Federal News Radio, heard on 1500 AM and 820 AM in Frederick. Bonneville International (www.bonneville.com) is an award-winning, dynamic media company with radio, television, online, satellite, and advertising properties in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City.

"Cabin John" and Punxsutawney Phil agree to disagree, get a load of me....

The Big Game is almost upon us, and realizing the fact that I've gone underground for about a month, I think, today is a great time to come out of my den, kind of like Punxsutawney Phil, I guess you could call me "Cabin John". Although for the home team, it looks like more than six weeks of winter. (more on that later)

First, the playoffs didn't offer a whole lot of excitement with the exception of the NFC Championship Game. Although, number 4 provided some nice drama with the predictable outcome, boy, are the Vikings wasting their time not to mention the $12 mil, hell, Sage might have won that game.

As I look at the Super Bowl, it's hard to pick against the Colts, even with Freeny gimped. I don't think people realize how good their defense really is. They're a mirror image of the offense, in the sense they don't get the collywobbles when things get iffy. Manning is a commanding presence, but they are a solid team from top to bottom with no real weakness, because of their unusual ability to adapt to any situation. They have a great team psychology and Jim Caldwell has done everything correctly, specifically resting his players at the end of the season. Bill Parcells still rules, when it comes to the NFL, "you're judged by the jewelry you wear".

I'm not counting the Saints out, but they were not the team I thought them to be in the NFC Championship Game. The reason, I believe, is the defense is suspect. But damn, how can one not pull for these guys. If the offense can kick it back into the 'passing' gear they displayed for most of the regular season, then we've got the makings for an interesting game. Big plays early will do a lot for their state of mind. I wish for both teams that they feel they played their best this Sunday.

Now turning to the local team, it seems as though, the inferno that blazed during the fall of '09 has ebbed to smoldering coals. But, if I know Snydley Whiplash, like I think I know him, we'll all have to be alert for any signs of smoke. To that end my partner Tod and I have been working a tower this past month from which to spot and report any and all fires that breakout on a regular basis in the world of sports and life in general. It should be announced within the next 48 hours. It's going to be a blockbuster ballbuster and a helluva lot more. Can't wait 'til you know what I know.