Colin Cowherd Celebrates 400 Radio Affiliates for ‘The Herd’

PORTLAND, Ore. — Colin Cowherd has reached a significant milestone in his career as a sports talk show host, recently securing his 400th radio affiliate for his program, “The Herd.” The show first aired on KFXX 910 AM in Portland in 2001, and this full-circle moment was marked by the same city that launched his career.

After moving his show to ESPN Radio in 2004, Cowherd’s program found a wider audience on the West Coast, eventually transitioning to Fox Sports and iHeartMedia in 2012. In a recent interview, Cowherd discussed the impact of his growing affiliate network and the strategies behind his show’s success.

“That’s a lot of affiliates. That’s, I think, one of the things I’m proudest of with my show,” Cowherd said. “It’s usually the highest rated on a TV network, and it’s also on a radio network simultaneously.” He expressed gratitude towards local affiliates for picking up his show and acknowledged the competition from other local programs.

Since its move to Fox Sports, the show has become a simulcast television and radio program. Cowherd emphasized the importance of pacing in creating a broadcast effective for both mediums. “When you do a TV-radio simulcast, the key is pace. A fast show keeps the audience engaged,” he said.

Cowherd also shared insights on audience measurement. “I get minute-by-minute ratings, so I always think it’s arrogant to talk about whatever I want. If I just decided to do 30 minutes on hockey, my audience would leave,” he explained, stressing the need to respect viewer interests.

In addition to his radio success, Cowherd signed a three-year contract extension with Fox Sports earlier this year, which has helped shape the weekday lineup. He noted the introduction of Barstool Sports‘ morning show, which airs just before “The Herd,” as part of the evolving landscape of sports media.

Regarding his company, The Volume, Cowherd expressed pride in the growth and potential of his staff. “I would put my Volume staff against any company. Our hit rate right now is we’re batting a thousand,” he stated. The Volume has recently expanded its content offerings, including podcasts outside of sports.

As for the future, Cowherd remains focused on his growth and the well-being of his team. “There’s a certain responsibility to The Volume where I feel not just a responsibility to people and their families,” he said. “I try to concentrate on both my show and my company equally.” Cowherd’s commitment to his work and employees reflects his drive to expand and succeed in the ever-changing media landscape.