I see that the Late Show with Blake Price is now 7-11, with Dave Tomlinson sitting in for the middle two hours.  I assume this is to give 1040 live local programming ahead of Sportstalk on 980.  I think they replay and hour of P&T at 11:00, which isn't bad.  No worse than Russell replaying his first hour, or a journeys series.

While I am indifferent on Price, it is likely a good move.  The two hours of ESPN sort of broke up the flow.

I respect that Russell is taking the role of the critic in a media market that is extremely friendly to the local side.  I much preferred 1040's overall presentation when they did not have the hockey rights.  However, Dan is morphing rapidly from critic to cynic.  His show has way to much negativity and vitriol.  It will be interesting to see how he fares in the next few years.  I know he has a decent audience, and a good track record, but he may just be too negative to listen to on a regular basis.

You have to think 1040 has tried to court Sportstalk especially with it's immense listener power.  But it seems more and more as if the TEAM is moving in a different direction, and sticking with Price.  

I'm not sure though, what sort of contract situation there is with NW right now.

I think 1040 is hoping to make Sportstalk a luxury NW can't afford.  That way they don't have to pay Russell what he is getting now.  

Russell to 1040 is an interesting concept.  I think he likes being THE sports guy at NW.  At 1040, he would be part of a pack.

I agree that Russell is becoming more and more cynical and the Canucks and the NHL.  Some of it is founded, in my opinion, but it is generally too negative too much of the time.

I am assuming this is a conscious approach on Russell's part and probably CKNW - both still reeling from losing the rights.  If so, I think it is an opportunity lost for CKNW.  Without doubt, Price is the weakenst link on the 1040's roster.  He is almost impossible to listen to for any length of time as he mumbles and mutters through each segment.  He's more of a cheerleader for the Canucks than anything else and he seems to have only a superficial knowledge of hockey and most other sports.  Hence, you find him being regularly questioned by Tomlinson (and other contributors) - DT basically carries that show.

So after putting up with Price attempting to string sentances together and giggling inappropriately, I find myself swtiching over to Russell for a good reality check on the Canucks.  But Dan is as extreme in the negative as Price (attempts) to be in the positive and I end up elsewhere on the dial.  

If Russell were more moderate, he'd steal away Price's audience in relatively short order.