MASN, the local leader in live sports entertainment, will relaunch The John Riggins Show on television beginning in July. MASN will simulcast the weekday show live from the studios of WTOP in Washington D.C., where the Redskins' Hall of Famer has been on the air since April on the HD-3 channel of 103.5 FM.
The legendary Washington Redskins running back will bring his unique and outsized personality to sports fans across MASN's seven-state television territory --- and nationwide to viewers watching MASN on satellite services DirecTV and Dish Network. "Riggo" will provide his brand of unvarnished, expert analysis on the Redskins, Nationals, Capitals, Wizards, and the entire D.C. sports scene as only Riggins can.
In addition to the afternoon show on MASN, Riggins will host other Redskins-themed programming for MASN during football season.
"I'm tremendously excited to return to MASN, the region's best source of live local sports. It's going to be even better than 'old times,'" said John Riggins. "We have had a strong response to the new radio show and I'm looking forward to being an independent Redskins voice on television in this market."
The John Riggins Show previously aired on MASN from 2006 to July of 2008. The renewed partnership combines Riggins' universal appeal, MASN's seven-state reach and the innovative HD radio technology of WTOP, one of the top radio stations in the country.
"We are very excited about teaming up with MASN. Riggo is a personality who always calls it like he sees it and MASN's regional and national audience will be excited to have Riggins back in their homes," said Tod Castleberry, executive producer of the Riggins show and a veteran Washington radio executive who has programmed WTEM and ESPN 980/Redskins Radio Network.
On the radio since March, The John Riggins Show also features former Fox 5 sports anchor Lou Holder, and former ESPN producer Kevin Standfield.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, Riggins was the MVP of Super Bowl XVII and a franchise player for the Washington Redskins. He set dozens of NFL and franchise records during his near-decade with the team.
"This is a blockbuster announcement that returns one of the region's most popular sports icons to MASN," said MASN spokesman Todd Webster. "John Riggins is a legendary figure, whose larger-than life personality continues to entertain and engage sports fans.
"This season the Nationals have become the talk of the town in Washington - on radio, on television and online. No one is better equipped to talk Nationals, Redskins, Caps and other DC sports than Washington's most beloved Redskins Hall of Famer, John Riggins," said WTOP General Manager, Joel Oxley.
With Every Play and Every Game in crystal clear high definition, pre and post game shows before and after every game, an All Star talent team, and 24/7 online coverage at MASNsports.com, MASN is the home of the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals. MASN also televises over 300 NCAA football and basketball games featuring nationally-ranked teams and regional favorites. The network is also home to the Georgetown Hoyas, George Mason Patriots, UNC-W Seahawks, ECU Pirates, BB&T Classic, the Big East Game of the Week in football and basketball and the Big South Conference.
With pre-season games, Ravens Xtra after every regular season game, coach Harbaugh's day-after press conference, an entire weeknight lineup of prime time Ravens programming and Ravens news and analysis on MASNsports.com, MASN is also the Official Cable Network of the Baltimore Ravens.
Fans can follow John Riggins on Twitter at @Riggo44.
By Josh Land
