Opinion: Are Scott and BR Angling for Syndication?

Apparently while driving on Friday, I may have listened to Scott and BR for the last time on XX1090. What came to light this weekend was that they are in a contract dispute with the Broadcast Company of the Americas (BCA) essentially involving the tandem's attempt to terminate their contract early (supposed to run through 2012).

Each party is playing it close to the vest with XX1090 owner John Lynch saying that Scott and BR are in violation of the terms of the contract and that there may be tampering by a 3rd party. Scott and BR have only claimed that they are confident that they will be on the radio in San Diego soon.

It wasn't until I read the media column from the North County Times by John Maffei that I received some more insight into this dispute (click below to continue reading).

 From last night's column:

In an e-mail, 1090 vice president of programming Jack Evans said, "BCA has commenced arbitration against Scott and BR in an effort to protect its legal rights and enforce it agreements with them.

"BCA also has serious concerns regarding potential third party interference with Scott and BR's contract and BCA will pursue all legal remedies against any interfering third parties."
Kaplan and Smith have talked on the air about syndicating their show nationally. And a source with knowledge of the situation said the station believes Fox Sports Radio is pursuing the pair for just such a position.
That, however, would put them in direct competition with 1090 ---- on XTRA Sports 1360, one of two other sports stations in San Diego.

An attempt to break the contract by Scott and BR makes sense when the specter of syndication is involved. Scott Kaplan has always made allusions to being something bigger than just a local radio program.

I remember when they had Rick Pitino on as a guest but the interview had nothing to do with Louisville basketball but instead focused on horse racing. This made sense because Pitino owns and races horses and Scott and BR have the Great Friends Stables so clearly there was no harm in the discussion going down that path (although I couldn't give two sh*ts about a horse). But here's the thing........you would have never known that Pitino was a part of this radio interview as Scott dominated it with his personal anecdote about a horse of theirs that had won a big race. Rick Pitino, a giant in college basketball, shut down so that Scott Kaplan could have his moment in the sun.
I have never gotten the impression of self-importance from Billy Ray Smith. I've sent him emails and he's replied with his opinions. I cannot say the same for Scott. Too often the show devolves into "This IS Scott Kaplan's Life"........and that's when I flip over to the Dan Patrick Show.

The Scott and BR Show......."Is what it is"......to borrow a phrase from the GM that Scott loves to bash with such frequency. It's an entertainment program with a slant towards San Diego's sports teams. They get some great insiders as guests but the duo itself rarely boosts your sporting IQ (primarily because Scott doesn't know that much and is always talking.....which shuts down Billy Ray).

Make no mistake about it though; if The Scott and BR Show gets syndicated nationally the nature of the show will change fundamentally. The "Nation" doesn't care about San Diego or the teams they house which means they will have to shift the content of the show to reflect the wider exposure that syndication will garner. When the Chargers, Padres, and San Diego itself stop providing content for the program..........I start listening to books on audio.

Editor's Note (Monday 3/15 @ 8:30 pm):

Scott and BR have posted a statement on their website. If they are indeed stating the facts then this is a classic case of "some real bush league bullshit", on the part of XX1090 owner John Lynch. I stand by the following statements:

• Scott's ego is difficult to handle (I suppose I just paraphrased myself).
• If their show gets picked up and syndicated I won't listen.
• Books on audio need to be given a fair chance.