Cleveland Browns Radio Network

File:WGAR_Browns_in_1955.jpg's Cleveland Browns football coverage, with Bill McColgan providing play-by-play.]]

Radio broadcasts for the Cleveland Browns date back to the team's inaugural 1946 season in the All-America Football Conference, with WHKW as the initial flagship station; WGAR sportscaster Bob Neal and Stan Gee were the team's first announcers.{{cite news |date=November 10, 2002 |title=The voices of Browns games past |page=J6 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&t=favorite%3APDBCPDWE%21Plain%20Dealer%20Collection&sort=YMD_date%3AD&fld-base-0=alltext&maxresults=20&val-base-0=%22The%20voices%20of%20Browns%20games%20past%22&docref=news%2F0F87C5EA669E134F |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814045615/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/user/login?destination=document-view%3Fp%3DNewsBank%26t%3Dfavorite%253APDBCPDWE%2521Plain%2520Dealer%2520Collection%26sort%3DYMD_date%253AD%26fld-base-0%3Dalltext%26maxresults%3D20%26val-base-0%3D%2522The%2520voices%2520of%2520Browns%2520games%2520past%2522%26docref%3Dnews/0F87C5EA669E134F |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |via=NewsBank}} Bill Mayer took over as Neal's color commentator in 1947 in addition to his duties as WGAR's morning drive host.{{Cite news |last=Wallace |first=Julie |date=September 17, 1989 |title='Mayer in the morning' surrounded by memories |page=E6 |work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram |location=Elyria, Ohio |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-sep-17-1989-2803480/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809175300/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-sep-17-1989-2803480/ |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |via=NewspaperArchive}} WGAR also carried a weekly 15-minute show during the football season by head coach Paul Brown, the Browns' co-founder and namesake.{{Cite news |date=August 6, 1947 |title=Paul Brown On Air Thursday |page=18 |newspaper=The Evening Independent |location=Massillon, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109163772/paul-brown-on-air-thursday/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908063617/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109163772/paul-brown-on-air-thursday/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Huler |first=Scott |date=October 8, 1989 |title=A Howling Success |page=24 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer Magazine |quote=Mason has never lived in Cleveland. But as a child living in Houston in the 1940s, Manson heard the Browns on Paul Brown's Browns radio network...}} A five-station network was assembled for the 1948 season consisting of WGAR, WATG in Ashland, WBNS in Columbus, WHIO in Dayton, WFRO-FM in Fremont, WJEL in Springfield and WTRF in Bellaire;{{Cite news |date=August 17, 1948 |title=Browns Broadcast on New Ohio Network |page=6 |newspaper=The Tribune |location=Coshocton, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164329/browns-broadcast-on-new-ohio-network/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908063618/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164329/browns-broadcast-on-new-ohio-network/ |url-status=live }} stations in Lima, Toledo, Zanesville, Marion and Cincinnati were added the following year.{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1949 |title=WHIZ To Air Browns' Play This Season |page=12 |newspaper=The Times Recorder |location=Zanesville, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164214/whiz-to-air-browns-play-this-season/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908063618/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164214/whiz-to-air-browns-play-this-season/ |url-status=live }} By 1952, the network spanned 16 stations in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.{{Cite news |date=July 15, 1952 |title=Tribe-Yanks On TV Tonight, Thursday; Renew Radio Pact: Browns To WTAM |page=12 |newspaper=The Sandusky Register |agency=Associated Press |location=Sandusky, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109163855/tribe-yanks-on-tv-tonight-thursday/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908063619/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109163855/tribe-yanks-on-tv-tonight-thursday/ |url-status=live }}

WGAR served as the flagship until the 1950 season, the team's first with the National Football League, when WJMO took over; Neal also moved to WERE{{Cite news |last=Offineer |first=Bee |date=March 7, 1950 |title=Bob Neal Joins WERE Staff: May Assist In Game Broadcasts This Year |page=30 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107311998/bob-neal-joins-were-staff-may-assist/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810052504/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107311998/bob-neal-joins-were-staff-may-assist/ |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} but was replaced due to his announcing for Cleveland Indians telecasts being sponsored by Pfeiffer Brewing Co., rival to the Brewing Corp. of America which sponsored the Browns network.{{r|Sandus19520715p 12}}{{Cite news |last=Cullison |first=Art |date=July 16, 1952 |title=Telethon Hokum Inviting Probe |page=16 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164444/telethon-hokum-inviting-probe/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908063621/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164444/telethon-hokum-inviting-probe/ |url-status=live }} WTAM carried the games in 1952 and 1953 with Ken Coleman as announcer,{{Cite news |last=Cullison |first=Art |date=July 25, 1952 |title=Audio and Video: Strangers to Air Browns Games |page=34 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60950735/audio-and-video-strangers-to-air/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908063640/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60950735/audio-and-video-strangers-to-air/ |url-status=live }} WGAR reclaimed the flagship rights the following year.{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1954 |title=Coleman, McColgan Browns Announcers |page=10 |newspaper=The Daily Times |agency=International News Service |location=New Philadelphia, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107311306/coleman-mccolgan-browns-announcers/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810052502/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107311306/coleman-mccolgan-browns-announcers/ |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Through all but one year of WGAR's second stint as flagship, Bill McColgan handled play-by-play;{{r|Browns games past}} while Bill Kelly returned in 1954,{{r|DailyT19540728p 10}} Jim Graner replaced him as color commentator the following year.{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1957 |title=Broadcast Browns Games |page=10 |newspaper=The Tribune |location=Coshocton, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164042/broadcast-browns-games/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908063619/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109164042/broadcast-browns-games/ |url-status=live }} Gib Shanley took over as the team's sole announcer 1961 in addition to becoming WGAR's sports director and announcer for Ohio State football.{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=May 26, 1961 |title=Along Radio-TV Row: Columnist Has Egg On His 'Pan' |page=39 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107312190/along-radio-tv-row-columnist-has-egg/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810052458/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107312190/along-radio-tv-row-columnist-has-egg/ |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

The games moved back to WERE in 1962, with the network consisting of over 50 radio stations.{{Cite news |date=July 10, 1962 |title=WERE To Air Browns' Tilts This Season |page=36 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107311693/were-to-air-browns-tilts-this-season/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810052457/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107311693/were-to-air-browns-tilts-this-season/ |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} WHK took over as flagship in 1968 when WERE signed up with the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network (the Bengals were also founded by Paul Brown).{{Cite news |date=March 30, 1968 |title=WAKR Radio Airs Bengal Grid Tilts |page=A12 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108368503/wakr-radio-airs-bengal-grid-tilts/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826214316/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108368503/wakr-radio-airs-bengal-grid-tilts/ |url-status=live }} By the 1974 season, the network consisted of WHK and 34 affiliates, including three stations in Pennsylvania; all but five stations broadcast on the AM band.{{cite news|date=September 7, 1974|title=Where to hear the Browns' games|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|page=5E|quote=The following are the stations on the Cleveland Browns' radio network, headed by flagship WHK-1420 in Cleveland...}} Shanley was paired with Graner beginning in 1963{{r|Browns games past}} and continued in their roles until the start of the 1975 season, when Graner retired after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.{{Cite news |date=January 17, 1976 |title=Jim Graner Dies in Cleveland |page=4 |newspaper=The Tribune |agency=United Press International |location=Coshocton, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108370134/obituary-for-jim-graner-aged-56/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826214316/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108370134/obituary-for-jim-graner-aged-56/ |url-status=live }} Jim Mueller took over for Graner as color commentator.{{Cite news |date=January 16, 1976 |title=Sports Announcer Jim Graner Dies |page=20 |newspaper=News-Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108370354/sports-announcer-jim-graner-dies/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826214317/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108370354/sports-announcer-jim-graner-dies/ |url-status=live }}

File:Cleveland Stadium (19126742966) (ads1).jpg for WHK and WMMS at Cleveland Municipal Stadium; WHK and WMMS were co-flagships from 1991 to 1994, while WMMS was co-flagship again from 2001 to 2012.]]

WHK's role as flagship ended when team owner Art Modell tried unsuccessfully to move the broadcast rights onto WKNR, a station he had owned since 1977 but consistently lost money on.{{Cite news |last=Phipps |first=Peter |date=January 18, 1983 |title=Some of Modell's ventures have fallen on hard times |page=A10 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710892/some-of-modells-ventures-have-fallen-on/ |access-date=October 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710892/some-of-modells-ventures-have-fallen/ |url-status=live }} Robert Gries, a minority owner, sued Modell on charges of anti-competitive practices on December 15, 1983,{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1983 |title=Gries renews legal battle with Modell |page=15 |newspaper=The News-Messenger |agency=Associated Press |location=Fremont, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710843/gries-renews-legal-battle-with-modell/ |access-date=October 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86710843/gries-renews-legal-battle-with-modell/ |url-status=live }} while WHK exercised an option to carry the team through the 1984 season{{Cite news |last=Phelps |first=Peter |date=February 11, 1984 |title=WHK keeps Browns' games |page=B2 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711128/whk-keeps-browns-games/ |access-date=October 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029172730/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86711128/whk-keeps-browns-games/ |url-status=live }} which was also Gib Shanley's last as lead announcer.{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=May 31, 1985 |title=Dieken wants to move his line to the radio |page=B5 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577422/dieken-wants-to-move-his-line-to-the/ |access-date=September 19, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213250/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577422/dieken-wants-to-move-his-line-to-the/ |url-status=live }} Modell's syndicate, Lake Erie Broadcasting signed a multi-year deal with the team on February 18, 1985,{{Cite news |last=Gottlieb |first=Ken |date=February 23, 1985 |title=Follow the bouncing Browns' broadcast ball |page=B4 |work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram |location=Elyria, Ohio |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-feb-23-1985-2748498/ |access-date=October 12, 2021 |via=NewspaperArchive |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181520/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-feb-23-1985-2748498/ |url-status=live }} sold WJW and purchased WWWE{{efn|Originally WTAM, renamed KYW in 1956, WKYC in 1965 and WWWE in 1972. Reverted to WTAM in 1996.}} and WDOK, transferring the broadcast rights to the latter two stations.{{Cite news |last=Gottlieb |first=Ken |date=May 25, 1985 |title=Modell group about to take over WWWE and WDOK |page=A8 |work=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram |location=Elyria, Ohio |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-may-25-1985-2748433/ |access-date=October 12, 2021 |via=NewspaperArchive |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181526/https://newspaperarchive.com/entertainment-clipping-may-25-1985-2748433/ |url-status=live }}

Doug Dieken, who recently retired after 14 seasons as left tackle for the team,{{cite news |last=Pluto |first=Terry |date=January 4, 2022 |title=Doug Dieken to retire as the Browns radio broadcaster after Sunday's game: 'I'm going to miss it' |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2022/01/doug-dieken-to-retire-as-the-browns-radio-broadcaster-after-sundays-game-terry-pluto.html |access-date=August 27, 2022 |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107004759/https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2022/01/doug-dieken-to-retire-as-the-browns-radio-broadcaster-after-sundays-game-terry-pluto.html |url-status=live }} expressed a desire to become one of the announcers{{Cite news |last=Shippy |first=Dick |date=May 31, 1985 |title=Dieken wants to move his line to the radio |page=B5 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577422/dieken-wants-to-move-his-line-to-the/ |access-date=September 19, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213250/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85577422/dieken-wants-to-move-his-line-to-the/ |url-status=live }} and joined Mueller and Nev Chandler as color commentator beginning in 1985;{{r|Browns games past}}{{Cite news |last=Schudel |first=Jeff |date=June 30, 1985 |title=Doug Dieken busy preparing for new career in TV, radio |page=4E |newspaper=News-Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109205261/doug-dieken-busy-preparing-for-new/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908225212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109205261/doug-dieken-busy-preparing-for-new/ |url-status=live }} Mueller left after the 1986 season.{{Cite news |last=Lebovitz |first=Hal |author-link=Hal Lebovitz |date=June 14, 1987 |title=Look for Cavaliers to draft Kevin Johnson |page=3F |newspaper=News-Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109205012/look-for-cavaliers-to-draft-kevin/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908225212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109205012/look-for-cavaliers-to-draft-kevin/ |url-status=live }} Lake Erie sold both stations in 1987{{cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=August 5, 1987 |title=Modell Reaps Tidy Profit on Radio Stations |pages=C8, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88523378/modell-reaps-tidy-profit-on-radio/ C12] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88523349/modell-reaps-tidy-profit-on-radio/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113024632/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88523349/modell-reaps-tidy-profit-on-radio/ |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} but WWWE carried the games until 1991, while WLTF took over as FM flagship in 1990.{{Cite news |date=August 3, 1990 |title=WLTF broadcasts Browns games |page=C5 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109200948/wltf-broadcasts-browns-games/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908225212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109200948/wltf-broadcasts-browns-games/ |url-status=live }}{{Efn|In December 1989, Booth American, owner of WRMR and WLTF, purchased WWWE from Independent Group, Inc., then sold WRMR back to Independent Group in an asset swap.{{Cite news|last=Yerak|first=Rebecca|date=December 23, 1989|title=Owners of WWWE, WRMR trade chairs in $10 million deal|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F173D9D0C6A4142C0|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 22, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042652/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/173D9D0C6A4142C0&f=basic|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Dyer|first=Bob|date=December 23, 1989|title=Detroit group buys WWWE Radio|page=A10|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85641182/detroit-group-buys-wwwe-radio/|access-date=September 22, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922042704/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85641182/detroit-group-buys-wwwe-radio/|url-status=live}} Booth American also purchased the production rights to the Browns broadcasts.{{Cite news|last=Pluto|first=Terry|author-link=Terry Pluto|date=December 23, 1989|title=Cavaliers throw one away in loss to Bucks|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85641232/cavaliers-throw-one-away-in-loss-to/ C4]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85766905/cavaliers-throw-one-away-in-loss-to/|access-date=September 22, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922042700/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85766905/cavaliers-throw-one-away-in-loss-to/|url-status=live}}}} WHK and WMMS signed a three-year contract in 1991,{{Cite news |last=Dyer |first=Bob |date=February 9, 1991 |title=Browns, buzzards to share air |page=C1 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109205384/browns-buzzards-to-share-air/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908225213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109205384/browns-buzzards-to-share-air/ |url-status=live }} prevailing in a bidding war over WHKW{{Efn|Renamed from WGAR in 1990.}} and WWWE/WLTF.{{Cite news |last=Lebovitz |first=Hal |author-link=Hal Lebovitz |date=February 24, 1991 |title=Tribe skipper asks: Is it live or Memorex? |page=3E |newspaper=News-Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83504752/tribe-skipper-asks-is-it-live-or/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815212137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83504752/tribe-skipper-asks-is-it-live-or/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021}} WKNR subsequently teamed up with WDOK for a two-year contract in 1994 with game coverage produced by a third party on behalf of the team.{{Cite news |date=March 23, 1994 |title=2 radio stations outbid others for rights to carry Browns |page=3C |newspaper=Mansfield News Journal |agency=Thomson News Service |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83563796/2-radio-stations-outbid-others-for/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816200416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83563796/2-radio-stations-outbid-others-for/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021}}

Prior to the 1994 season, Nev Chandler died from colon cancer on August 7,{{Cite news |last=Craig |first=Mark |date=August 9, 1994 |title=Chandler remembered for courage |page=10A |newspaper=Mansfield News Journal |agency=Thomson News Service |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83564579/chandler-remembered-for-courage/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816200415/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83564579/chandler-remembered-for-courage/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021}} with Casey Coleman (son of Ken Coleman and a water boy for the team during Ken's tenure as announcer) taking over as lead announcer alongside Dieken.{{Cite news |last=Pluto |first=Terry |author-link=Terry Pluto |date=December 29, 1994 |title=Coleman fighting a double whammy |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83564946/coleman-fighting-a-double-whammy-p2/ C5] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83564893/coleman-fighting-a-double-whammy/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816200417/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83564893/coleman-fighting-a-double-whammy/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Coleman's tenure as announcer was complicated by his public support of then-head coach Bill Belichick, whom the fan base disapproved of, along with Chandler's substantial popularity and acclaim.{{Cite news |last=Pluto |first=Terry |author-link=Terry Pluto |date=November 28, 2006 |title=Casey Coleman's life reached beyond sports |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109258312/casey-colemans-life-reached-beyond/ C3] |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109258296/casey-colemans-life-reached-beyond/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909234600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109258296/casey-colemans-life-reached-beyond/ |url-status=live }} The 1995 season became overshadowed by the team's announced relocation to Baltimore by Modell mid-season.{{Cite news |last1=Heider |first1=Timothy |last2=Cabot |first2=Mary Kay |date=November 4, 1995 |title=Browns move in the works: Modell confirms discussing deal to relocate team to Baltimore |pages=1A, 12A |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |url=http://media.cleveland.com/browns_impact/other/cleveland-browns-move-11-04-1995.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414010838/http://media.cleveland.com/browns_impact/other/cleveland-browns-move-11-04-1995.pdf |archive-date=April 14, 2021}} WKNR and WDOK continued to carry the games for the remainder of the season, but with public service announcements airing after the majority of advertisers cancelled their sponsorships.{{Cite news |last1=Bouchette |first1=Ed |last2=Dulac |first2=Gerry |last3=Cook |first3=Ron |date=November 27, 1995 |title=Notebook |page=DD-3 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |location=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83554731/notebook-surreal-scene/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816175632/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83554731/notebook-surreal-scene/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021}} For the team's last two seasons, the Browns radio network had 40 affiliates in 1994{{Cite news |date=August 6, 1994 |title=Browns open preseason slate against Giants |page=9A |newspaper=Mansfield News Journal |agency=Associated Press |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83565153/browns-open-preseason-slate-against/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816200413/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83565153/browns-open-preseason-slate-against/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021}} and 49 in 1995.{{Cite news |last=Lebovitz |first=Hal |author-link=Hal Lebovitz |date=August 20, 1995 |title=McMahon's spot with Browns isn't written in stone |page=3D |newspaper=Mansfield News Journal |location=Mansfield, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83510947/mcmahons-spot-with-browns-isnt/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816175637/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83510947/mcmahons-spot-with-browns-isnt/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}

During the 1997 and 1998 NFL seasons, WKNR originated Countdown to '99, a weekly hour-long program co-hosted by Dieken and Marc Kestecher over many former Browns radio network affiliates.{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite news |date=August 20, 1997 |title=Television, radio shows set for Browns countdown |page=2D |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80CB268EBFA35F |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 8, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909050350/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80CB268EBFA35F&f=basic |url-status=live }}|{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1998 |title=Sports Scoreboard: On The Air |page=12 |newspaper=The Times Recorder |location=Zanesville, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109220411/sports-scoreboard-on-the-air/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909050338/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109220411/sports-scoreboard-on-the-air/ |url-status=live }}|{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1998 |title=1590 WAKR: This Week's Radio Program Schedule (ad) |page=9 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal Channels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109220493/1590-wakr-this-weeks-radio-program/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909050342/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109220493/1590-wakr-this-weeks-radio-program/ |url-status=live }}}} WKNR produced the show on behalf of an intellectual property trust established by the NFL during the franchise's interregnum.{{Cite news |last=Shea |first=Bill |date=February 17, 1998 |title=Kardiac Kids on the comeback |pages=C1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109220323/kardiac-kids-on-the-comeback-p2/ C2] |newspaper=Lancaster Eagle-Gazette |location=Lancaster, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109220306/kardiac-kids-on-the-comeback/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909050344/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109220306/kardiac-kids-on-the-comeback/ |url-status=live }}

File:Doug Dieken and Jimmy Donovan (23082443259).jpg and Jim Donovan, the Cleveland Browns' primary radio announcing team from 1999 to 2021.]]

Following reactivation of the Cleveland Browns franchise in 1999, flagship rights were awarded to Jacor (with a pending merger into Clear Channel){{Cite news |last=Bodipo-Memba |first=Alejandro |date=October 9, 1998 |title=Clear Channel Wins Bidding Contest, Agrees to Buy Jacor Communications |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB907848481506215500 |url-status=live |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215113851/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB907848481506215500 |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |issn=0099-9660}} with WMJI as the flagship and WTAM simulcasting the majority of games which did not conflict with the station's Indians and Cavaliers commitments.{{Cite news |last=Pluto |first=Terry |author-link=Terry Pluto |date=January 26, 1999 |title=Browns Notes |page=B5 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83467772/browns-notes/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815042907/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83467772/browns-notes/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021}} Jim Donovan was named as the team's lead announcer, joining Dieken and Coleman, who was now the team's sideline reporter. Secondary programming, including a weekly show featuring the Browns head coach, aired exclusively on WTAM.{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Roger|date=January 26, 1999|title=WMJI to Carry Browns Games: Oldies Station Signs 3-Year Deal|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F80D1BFD0C836FE|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|page=1A|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826214320/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F80D1BFD0C836FE&f=basic|url-status=live}} The flagship rights were transferred to WMMS for the 2002 season in a bid to boost that station's low ratings.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Clint |date=September 22, 2002 |title=At the controls: Clear Channel programmer rules radio in Cleveland |page=J1 |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0F63F86E9EBCAA48 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203042851/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0F63F86E9EBCAA48&f=basic |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}

Coleman, who was also a co-host on WTAM's morning-drive program, remained as sideline reporter until his death on November 28, 2006, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.{{Cite news |date=November 28, 2006 |title=Veteran Cleveland sports broadcaster Casey Coleman dies of cancer at 55 |page=3B |newspaper=The Tribune |agency=Associated Press |location=Coshocton, Ohio |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109258779/veteran-cleveland-sports-broadcaster/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909234559/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109258779/veteran-cleveland-sports-broadcaster/ |url-status=live }} The team honored Coleman the previous month by renaming the field house at their Berea, Ohio, indoor practice facility after him.{{Cite news |last=McManamon |first=Patrick |date=October 12, 2006 |title=Browns give honor to Casey Coleman |page=C3 |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109260522/browns-give-honor-to-casey-coleman/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909234600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109260522/browns-give-honor-to-casey-coleman/ |url-status=live }} WTAM sportscaster/team beat reporter Andre Knott{{Cite web |last=Dulik |first=Brian |date=August 5, 2010 |title=Browns notes: Are we seeing a softer side of Eric Mangini? |url=https://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/08/05/browns-notes-are-we-seeing-a-softer-side-of-eric-mangini/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808152605/https://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/08/05/browns-notes-are-we-seeing-a-softer-side-of-eric-mangini/ |archive-date=August 8, 2010 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Elyria Chronicle-Telegram |location=Elyria, Ohio}} filled in for Coleman during the 2006 season and took over the role on a full-time basis the following season.{{cite news |last=Pluto |first=Terry |author-link=Terry Pluto |date=June 16, 2011 |title=Jim Donovan's friends wish him the best as popular sportscaster battles leukemia |newspaper=The Plain Dealer |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1476FE4779196A98 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 9, 2022 |via=NewsBank |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909234417/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news%2F1476FE4779196A98&f=basic |url-status=live }} The Browns replaced Knott with team employee Jamir Howerton at the start of the 2010 season{{r|ECT20100805a}} and again with Nathan Zegura in 2014.{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=George M. |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Cleveland Browns announce Nathan Zegura to join radio broadcast booth |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2022/04/27/nathan-zergura-jerod-cherry-assume-roles-browns-radio-team/9556169002/ |newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal |access-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428035814/https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2022/04/27/nathan-zergura-jerod-cherry-assume-roles-browns-radio-team/9556169002/ |url-status=live }} During the 2011 season, Donovan missed two regular season games following his treatment for leukemia earlier in the year; WTAM sports director Mike Snyder filled in both times.{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Ridenour|first=Marla|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109918732/streak-continues-for-center-mack/|date=October 17, 2011|page=C6|title=Streak continues for center Mack|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 21, 2022|archive-date=September 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921203242/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109918732/streak-continues-for-center-mack/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|last1=Ridenour|first1=Marla|last2=Ulrich|first2=Nate|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109918677/blood-flows-and-texans-fire-up/|date=November 7, 2011|page=C3|title=Blood flows and Texans fire up|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 21, 2022|archive-date=September 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921203246/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109918677/blood-flows-and-texans-fire-up/|url-status=live}}}}

On March 28, 2013, the Cleveland Browns announced a new long-term deal with Good Karma Broadcasting and CBS Radio, awarding the flagship rights to Good Karma's WKNR{{Efn|Renamed from WRMR in 2001 and is the successor to the original WKNR; see 2001 in radio.}} and CBS Radio's WKRK-FM and WNCX.{{cite news|last=Reed|first=Tom|date=March 27, 2013|title=Browns Switch Radio Stations, Get Wider Game-day Coverage|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F14550CA2EEDECF50|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|page=D3|url-access=subscription|via=NewsBank|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826214320/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/14550CA2EEDECF50&f=basic|url-status=live}} WKNR had already been airing Cleveland Browns Daily, an hour-long program produced year-round by the team, since July 2011 via a cooperative agreement;{{Cite news|last=Schudel|first=Jeff|date=July 23, 2011|title=NFL INSIDER: Browns' roster moving toward more youth|newspaper=The Morning Journal|location=Lorain, Ohio|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F16E1069CAD214C88|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 11, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=August 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827030806/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/16E1069CAD214C88&f=basic|url-status=live}} under this contract, the show expanded to two hours as a centerpiece of over 1,000 annual hours of ancillary team-produced programming.{{r|BrownsNewRadioHomes}} Craig Karmazin, founder of Good Karma, proposed the deal with CBS, likening it to the existing CBS–Turner Sports co-op for NCAA men's basketball tournament coverage and saw the Browns being such a strong community asset that it could be workable.{{Cite news|last=Reed|first=Tom|date=March 28, 2013|title=Cleveland Browns agree to historic broadcast deal, don't anticipate any coverage gaps on game days|newspaper=The Plain Dealer|url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=NewsBank&req_dat=1082885C71926A79&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F1454F8DC25A24AE8|url-access=subscription|access-date=September 11, 2021|via=NewsBank|archive-date=August 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827030806/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/1454F8DC25A24AE8&f=basic|url-status=live}} This arrangement between Good Karma and Entercom (succeeding owners of WKRK-FM and WNCX; now named Audacy, Inc.) was renewed effective with the 2020 season.{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite web|last=Kleps|first=Kevin|date=April 12, 2020|title=Browns are taking lessons from the governor, nearing new radio deal during busy work-from-home period|url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-business/browns-are-taking-lessons-governor-nearing-new-radio-deal-during-busy-work-home|website=Crain's Cleveland Business|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412174352/https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-business/browns-are-taking-lessons-governor-nearing-new-radio-deal-during-busy-work-home|archive-date=April 12, 2020}}|{{cite web|last=Kleps|first=Kevin|date=April 14, 2020|title=Browns exec says team hopes to have 'more to share in the coming months' on future of FirstEnergy Stadium|url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/kevin-kleps-blog/browns-exec-says-team-hopes-have-more-share-coming-months-future-firstenergy|website=Crain's Cleveland Business|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415183614/https://www.crainscleveland.com/kevin-kleps-blog/browns-exec-says-team-hopes-have-more-share-coming-months-future-firstenergy|archive-date=April 15, 2020}}}}{{Cite web |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=August 13, 2020 |title=Cleveland Browns Extend Deal With Entercom & Good Karma |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/195879/cleveland-browns-extend-deal-with-entercom-good-karma/ |access-date=September 25, 2021 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US |via=Radio BB |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926015831/https://radioinsight.com/headlines/195879/cleveland-browns-extend-deal-with-entercom-good-karma/ |url-status=live }}

During Baker Mayfield's rookie season as Cleveland Browns quarterback, KREF in Norman, Oklahoma, joined the network on October 5, 2018, for the remainder of the 2018 season.{{cite news|author=Staff reports|date=October 5, 2018|title=Oklahoma Scene: Norman radio station to broadcast Browns games|url=https://newsok.com/article/5610869/oklahoma-scene-norman-radio-station-to-broadcast-browns-games|newspaper=The Oklahoman|location=Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006054806/https://newsok.com/article/5610869/oklahoma-scene-norman-radio-station-to-broadcast-browns-games|archive-date=October 6, 2018}} KREF owner Randy Laffoon made the arrangement to provide Oklahoma Sooners fans a chance to follow Mayfield, having previously carried St. Louis Rams games after that team drafted former Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford.{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2018 |title=Mayfield's On-Field Prowess Leads Norman Radio Station To Air Browns |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2018/10/11/Media/Browns-Radio.aspx |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909234600/https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2018/10/11/Media/Browns-Radio.aspx |url-status=live }} KAKC in Tulsa, Oklahoma, signed a three-year affiliation deal prior to the 2019 season after discovering the Mayfield-led Browns drew higher television ratings that the Dallas Cowboys in Oklahoma City.{{Cite web |last=Haisten |first=Bill |date=August 5, 2019 |title=Bill Haisten: Baker Mayfield mania is sweeping Ohio, and the Cleveland Browns are starting to become Oklahoma's team |url=https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/bill-haisten-baker-mayfield-mania-is-sweeping-ohio-and-the-cleveland-browns-are-starting-to/article_b4dbdddc-364e-5f58-9387-0465e2b25c03.html |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Tulsa World |location=Tulsa, Oklahoma |language=en |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909234600/https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/bill-haisten-baker-mayfield-mania-is-sweeping-ohio-and-the-cleveland-browns-are-starting-to/article_b4dbdddc-364e-5f58-9387-0465e2b25c03.html |url-status=live }} Both stations dropped their affiliations after Mayfield's 2022 departure from the team.

Doug Dieken announced his retirement as color commentator at the conclusion of the 2021 season, concluding a 37-year run in broadcasting and 51 years of involvement with the team; the radio broadcast booth at FirstEnergy Stadium was renamed in his honor.{{r|Diekenretires}}{{Cite tweet|number=1480257159036297218|user=Browns|title=We’ve officially renamed our broadcast booth at FirstEnergy Stadium in Doug’s honor. A commemoration of 50+ unforgettable years: The Doug Dieken Radio Booth.|author=Cleveland Browns|date=January 9, 2022|access-date=December 12, 2022}} Nathan Zegura was subsequently named as Dieken's replacement in the booth, while former NFL player and WKNR afternoon host Je'Rod Cherry was named the team's new sideline reporter.{{r|NathanJe'rod}} Donovan went on medical leave following the 2023 season opener to undergo treatment for leukemia, which had relapsed; various broadcasters, including Chris Rose, Andrew Siciliano and Paul Keels served as interim play-by-play announcers in his absence.{{cite web |last=Bielik |first=Tim |title=Jim Donovan announces he is stepping away from broadcasting Browns games to undergo leukemia treatment |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2023/09/jim-donovan-announces-he-is-stepping-away-from-broadcasting-browns-games-to-undergo-leukemia-treatment.html |access-date=September 10, 2023 |website=Cleveland.com |publisher=The Plain Dealer}}

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Donovan announced his retirement, stating that his cancer "has returned and very aggressively".{{r|u956}} Andrew Sciliano was officially named as the team's lead announcer days later; a longtime fan of the Browns, Siciliano said, "I'm honored for the opportunity, but wish the circumstances were different... I know I have big shoes to fill."{{cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Browns Name Their Replacement for Jim Donovan Calling Games on Radio This Season |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2024/09/browns-name-their-replacement-for-jim-donovan-calling-games-on-radio-this-season.html |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=The Plain Dealer}} On October 26, 2024, Donovan died from chronic lymphocytic leukemia at the age of 68.{{cite web |last1=Easterling |first1=Chris |title=Former Cleveland Browns announcer, WKYC anchor Jim Donovan dies at 68 |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2024/10/26/jim-donovan-obituary-browns-announcer/75864949007/ |website=Akron Beacon Journal |access-date=October 26, 2024 |date=October 26, 2024}}

Network programming includes a four-hour pregame show and a two-hour postgame show, in addition to all games being called live on-site; WKNR originates the pregame show while WKRK-FM originates the postgame show.{{r|BrownsNewRadioHomes}} WKNR and WKRK-FM simulcast some ancillary team-produced programming for the network including a Wednesday night preview show and a Thursday night program with the team's head coach (Kevin Stefanski), while weekday afternoon program Cleveland Browns Daily originates over WKNR on a year-round basis.{{r|BrownsDealExtended}}

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Alignbars = justify

DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy

Period = from:01/01/1946 till:12/31/2024

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors =

id:host value:rgb(1,0.2,0) legend:Play-by-play

id:color value:rgb(0.19,0.11,0) legend:Commentator

id:sideline value:orange legend:Sideline_reporter

id:bars value:gray(1)

id:grid1 value:rgb(0.5,0.5,0.5)

id:grid2 value:gray(0.92)

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BackgroundColors = bars:bars

ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1946 gridcolor:grid1

ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1946 gridcolor:grid2

TextData=

pos:(75,425) fontsize:M text:Tenure of Cleveland Browns play-by-play announcers, commentators and sideline reporters, 1946–present

pos:(510,11) fontsize:S text:(Note: franchise was inactive from 1996 to 1999.)

BarData=

bar:Neal text:Bob Neal

bar:Gee text:Stan Gee

bar:Mayer text:Bill Mayer

bar:ColemanS text:Ken Coleman

bar:McColgan text:Bill McColgan

bar:Graner text:Jim Graner

bar:Shanley text:Gib Shanley

bar:Mueller text:Jim Mueller

bar:Chandler text:Nev Chandler

bar:Dieken text:Doug Dieken

bar:ColemanJ text:Casey Coleman

bar:Donovan text:Jim Donovan

bar:Knott text:Andre Knott

bar:Howerton text:Jamir Howerton

bar:Zegura text:Nathan Zegura

bar:Cherry text:Je'Rod Cherry

bar:Siciliano text:Andrew Siciliano

PlotData=

width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)

bar:Neal width:16 from:01/01/1946 till:12/31/1951 color:host

bar:Gee width:16 from:01/01/1946 till:12/31/1946 color:color

bar:Mayer width:16 from:01/01/1947 till:12/31/1949 color:color

bar:ColemanS width:16 from:01/01/1952 till:12/31/1953 color:host

bar:McColgan width:16 from:01/01/1954 till:12/31/1960 color:host

bar:Shanley width:16 from:01/01/1961 till:12/31/1984 color:host

bar:Chandler width:16 from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/1993 color:host

bar:ColemanJ width:16 from:01/01/1994 till:12/31/1995 color:host

bar:Donovan width:16 from:01/01/1999 till:12/31/2023 color:host

bar:Mayer width:16 from:01/01/1954 till:12/31/1954 color:color

bar:Graner width:16 from:01/01/1955 till:12/31/1960 color:color

bar:Graner width:16 from:01/01/1963 till:12/31/1974 color:color

bar:Mueller width:16 from:01/01/1975 till:12/31/1984 color:color

bar:Mueller width:16 from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/1986 color:host

bar:Dieken width:16 from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/1995 color:color

bar:Dieken width:16 from:01/01/1999 till:12/31/2021 color:color

bar:ColemanJ width:16 from:01/01/1999 till:12/31/2005 color:sideline

bar:Knott width:16 from:01/01/2006 till:12/31/2009 color:sideline

bar:Howerton width:16 from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2013 color:sideline

bar:Zegura width:16 from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2021 color:sideline

bar:Zegura width:16 from:01/01/2022 till:12/31/2024 color:color

bar:Cherry width:16 from:01/01/2022 till:12/31/2024 color:sideline

bar:Siciliano width:16 from:01/01/2024 till:12/31/2024 color:host

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Period = from:01/01/1946 till:12/31/2024

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors =

id:amf value:rgb(1,0.2,0) legend:AM_flagship

id:fmf value:rgb(0.19,0.11,0) legend:FM_flagship(s)

id:esp value:orange legend:Spanish-language_flagship

id:bars value:gray(1)

id:grid1 value:rgb(0.5,0.5,0.5)

id:grid2 value:gray(0.92)

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BackgroundColors = bars:bars

ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1946 gridcolor:grid1

ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1946 gridcolor:grid2

TextData=

pos:(190,317) fontsize:M text:Cleveland Browns radio flagship stations, 1946–1995 and 1999–present

pos:(510,11) fontsize:S text:(Note: franchise was inactive from 1996 to 1999.)

BarData =

bar:850 text:850 AM

bar:1100 text:1100 AM

bar:1220 text:1220 AM

bar:1300 text:1300 AM

bar:1420 text:1420 AM

bar:87.7 text:87.7 FM

bar:92.3 text:92.3 FM

bar:98.5 text:98.5 FM

bar:100.7 text:100.7 FM

bar:102.1 text:102.1 FM

bar:105.7 text:105.7 FM

bar:106.5 text:106.5 FM

PlotData=

width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)

bar:850 width:18 from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2024 color:amf

bar:1100 width:18 from:01/01/1952 till:12/31/1953 color:amf

bar:1100 width:18 from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/1990 color:amf

bar:1100 width:18 from:01/01/1999 till:12/31/2012 color:amf

bar:1220 width:18 from:01/01/1946 till:12/31/1949 color:amf

bar:1220 width:18 from:01/01/1954 till:12/31/1961 color:amf

bar:1220 width:18 from:01/01/1994 till:12/31/1995 color:amf

bar:1300 width:18 from:01/01/1950 till:12/31/1951 color:amf

bar:1300 width:18 from:01/01/2024 till:12/31/2024 color:esp

bar:1300 width:18 from:01/01/1962 till:12/31/1967 color:amf

bar:1420 width:18 from:01/01/1968 till:12/31/1984 color:amf

bar:1420 width:18 from:01/01/1991 till:12/31/1993 color:amf

bar:102.1 width:18 from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/1989 color:fmf

bar:106.5 width:18 from:01/01/1990 till:12/31/1990 color:fmf

bar:100.7 width:18 from:01/01/1991 till:12/31/1993 color:fmf

bar:102.1 width:18 from:01/01/1994 till:12/31/1995 color:fmf

bar:105.7 width:18 from:01/01/1999 till:12/31/2000 color:fmf

bar:100.7 width:18 from:01/01/2001 till:12/31/2012 color:fmf

bar:87.7 width:18 from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2019 color:esp

bar:98.5 width:18 from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2024 color:fmf

bar:92.3 width:18 from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2024 color:fmf

at:01/01/1946 shift:(4,77) text:"WGAR" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1950 shift:(21,57) text:"←WERE"

at:01/01/1952 shift:(21,98) text:"←WTAM"

at:01/01/1954 shift:(4,77) text:"WGAR" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1962 shift:(4,57) text:"WERE" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1968 shift:(4,37) text:"WHK" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1985 shift:(4,98) text:"WWWE" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1985 shift:(4,-66) text:"WDOK" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1990 shift:(11,-106) text:"←WLTF"

at:01/01/1991 shift:(4,37) text:"WHK" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1991 shift:(31,-46) text:"←WMMS"

at:01/01/1994 shift:(21,77) text:"←WKNR"

at:01/01/1994 shift:(21,-66) text:"←WDOK"

at:01/01/1999 shift:(4,98) text:"WTAM" textcolor:white

at:01/01/1999 shift:(21,-86) text:"←WMJI"

at:01/01/2001 shift:(4,-46) text:"WMMS" textcolor:white

at:01/01/2013 shift:(4,118) text:"WKNR" textcolor:white

at:01/01/2013 shift:(4,-5) text:"WKRK-FM" textcolor:white

at:01/01/2013 shift:(4,-25) text:"WNCX" textcolor:white

at:01/01/2018 shift:(21,17) text:"←WLFM"

at:01/01/2024 shift:(-44,57) text:"WJMO→"

{{clear}}

Blue background indicates low-power FM translator.

{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=650|frame-align=left|frame-height=500|text={{ubl|Cleveland Browns Radio Network stations. Click on each marker to reveal details.|{{legend-col |{{legend|#FF3C00|Flagship stations}} |{{legend|#311D00|Affiliates (including translators)}} |{{legend|#fe9d25|Spanish-language stations}} }}}}|type=point|coord={{coord|41|19|0.19|N|81|43|50.47|W}}|title=WKNR|description=850 AM
Cleveland, Ohio|marker=communications-tower|marker-color=#FF3C00|marker-size=large|type2=point|coord2={{coord|41|26|32|N|81|29|28|W}}|title2=WKRK-FM|description2=92.3 FM
Cleveland Heights, Ohio|marker2=communications-tower|marker-color2=#FF3C00|marker-size2=large|type3=point|coord3={{coord|41|20|28.00|N|81|44|24.00|W}}|title3=WNCX|description3=98.5 FM
Cleveland, Ohio|marker3=communications-tower|marker-color3=#FF3C00|marker-size3=large|type4=point|coord4={{coord|41|01|14|N|81|30|20|W}}|title4=WAKR|description4=1590 AM / 93.5 FM
Akron, Ohio|marker4=communications-tower|marker-color4=#311D00|type5=point|coord5={{coord|40|25|26.2|N|81|21|46.4|W}}|title5=WBTC|description5=1540 AM / 101.9 FM
Uhrichsville, Ohio|marker5=communications-tower|marker-color5=#311D00|type6=point|coord6={{coord|41|06|06|N|83|23|59|W}}|title6=WFOB|description6=1430 AM / 105.7 FM
Fostoria, Ohio|marker6=communications-tower|marker-color6=#311D00|type7=point|coord7={{coord|40|43|15|N|81|26|28|W}}|title7=WHBC|description7=1480 AM
Canton, Ohio|marker7=communications-tower|marker-color7=#311D00|type8=point|coord8={{coord|40|53|51|N|81|19|10|W}}|title8=WHBC-FM|description8=94.1 FM
Canton, Ohio|marker8=communications-tower|marker-color8=#311D00|type9=point|coord9={{coord|39|40|44|N|84|7|49|W}}|title9=WHIO|description9=1290 AM
Dayton, Ohio|marker9=communications-tower|marker-color9=#311D00|type10=point|coord10={{coord|40|13|3.20|N|84|17|36.80|W}}|title10=WHIO-FM|description10=95.7 FM
Pleasant Hill, Ohio|marker10=communications-tower|marker-color10=#311D00|type11=point|coord11={{coord|39|33|19.3|N|81|51|2.5|W}}|title11=WJAW-FM|description11=100.9 FM
McConnelsville, Ohio|marker11=communications-tower|marker-color11=#311D00|type12=point|coord12={{coord|40|30|46|N|81|27|25|W}}|title12=WJER|description12=1450 AM / 100.9 FM
Dover–New Philadelphia, Ohio|marker12=communications-tower|marker-color12=#311D00|type13=point|coord13={{coord|40.090556|N|80.703056|W}}|title13=WKKX|description13=1600 AM / 98.1 FM
Wheeling, West Virginia|marker13=communications-tower|marker-color13=#311D00|type14=point|coord14={{coord|41.791667|N|81.091944|W}}|title14=WKKY|description14=104.7 FM
Geneva, Ohio]|marker14=communications-tower|marker-color14=#311D00|type15=point|coord15={{coord|40.552222|N|84.512778|W}}|title15=WKKI|description15=94.3 FM
Celina, Ohio|marker15=communications-tower|marker-color15=#311D00|type16=point|coord16={{coord|41.249000|N|82.913000|W}}|title16=WMJK|description16=100.9 FM
Clyde, Ohio|marker16=communications-tower|marker-color16=#311D00|type17=point|coord17={{coord|41.064167|N|81.583056|W}}|title17=WONE-FM|description17=97.5 FM
Akron, Ohio|marker17=communications-tower|marker-color17=#311D00|type18=point|coord18={{coord|40.485889|N|81.845694|W}}|title18=WKLM|description18=95.3 FM
Millersburg, Ohio|marker18=communications-tower|marker-color18=#311D00|type19=point|coord19={{coord|40.768056|N|82.617778|W}}|title19=WRGM|description19=1440 AM / 106.7 FM
Ontario–Mansfield, Ohio|marker19=communications-tower|marker-color19=#311D00|type20=point|coord20={{coord|39.971111|N|83.027778|W}}|title20=WBNS-FM|description20=97.1 FM
Columbus, Ohio|marker20=communications-tower|marker-color20=#311D00|type21=point|coord21={{coord|39.951667|N|82.906389|W}}|title21=WBNS|description21=1460 AM
Columbus, Ohio|marker21=communications-tower|marker-color21=#311D00|type22=point|coord22={{coord|40|45|47.1|N|84|10|58.8|W}}|title22=WWSR|description22=93.1 FM
Lima, Ohio|marker22=communications-tower|marker-color22=#311D00|type23=point|coord23={{coord|42.136446|N|80.040057|W}}|title23=WPSE|description23=1450 AM / 107.1 FM
Erie, Pennsylvania|marker23=communications-tower|marker-color23=#311D00|type24=point|coord24={{coord|41|57|48.00|N|79|9|42.00|W}}|title24=WQFX-FM|description24=103.1 FM
Jamestown, New York|marker24=communications-tower|marker-color24=#311D00|type25=point|coord25={{coord|41|4|50.2|N|80|38|53.2|W}}|title25=WNCD|description25=93.3 FM
Youngstown, Ohio|marker25=communications-tower|marker-color25=#311D00|type26=point|coord26={{coord|41|30|48.00|N|81|36|5.00|W}}|title26=WJMO|description26=1300 AM
Cleveland, Ohio|marker26=communications-tower|marker-color26=#fe9d25|type27=point|coord27={{coord|41|18|34.00|N|82|26|31.00|W}}|title27=WNZN|description27=89.1 FM
Lorain, Ohio|marker27=communications-tower|marker-color27=#fe9d25|type28=point|coord28={{coord|40|13|44.2|N|82|39|35.4|W}}|title28=WWLA|description28=103.1 FM
Johnstown, Ohio|marker28=communications-tower|marker-color28=#fe9d25|type29=point|coord29={{coord|39|39|52.2|N|82|51|3.6|W}}|title29=WWLG|description29=107.1 FM
Circleville, Ohio|marker29=communications-tower|marker-color29=#fe9d25|zoom=7}}

{{clear}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media/radio Browns Radio Network]
• [https://www.siriusxm.com/sports/nfl/cleveland-browns SiriusXM.com: Cleveland Browns]
• [https://tunein.com/radio/Cleveland-Browns-s252767/ TuneIn.com: Cleveland Browns]

{{Cleveland Browns}}

{{Cleveland Radio}}

{{National Football League on television and radio}}

{{Sports networks in the United States}}

Category:NFL on the radio

Category:Radio in Cleveland

Category:Sports radio networks in the United States