Sports Byline USA is a national sports radio network based in the United States. Sports Byline USA is also referred to as the flagship program on the network. It was launched on October 24, 1988. Sports Byline USA is based in San Francisco, California. Nationally, the network claims that the programming is heard on numerous radio stations, on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 122 and on CRN Digital Talk Radio Networks channel 2. The station is also available on several international stations and is the primary sports programming of the American Forces Network.
Ron Barr, the show’s creator, wanted to give sports fans across the country the opportunity to call in and talk to their favorite athletes. He takes calls from listeners about major issues in the world of sports.
The Sports Byline USA staff includes Chairman/Host Ron Barr and his limited liability company. The panel includes 20-time Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King, former NFL quarterback Darrin Nelson, super-sports attorney Lee Steinberg, and other successful business professionals. Bill Walsh, a Hall of Fame coach and three-time Super Bowl winner, served on the Advisory Board of Directors of the Sports Byline USA Partnership.
Barr is a longtime sports broadcaster, play-by-play announcer and journalist who announces games for various college and professional teams, including the Washington Huskies, Seattle Sonics, Boston Celtics and California Golden Bears. Barr began his career at the Washington Post and has worked as a sports anchor for KIRO-TV in Seattle and former NBC affiliate KRON-TV in San Francisco.
Sports Byline USA signed a contract for radio distribution of the All-American Football League broadcasts, and the games were produced by Touchdown Radio Productions. The AAFL suspended operations in March 2008, a month before its launch, and had not yet begun play as of 2011.
On June 30, 2009, Sports Byline USA signed an advertising representation agreement with Focus 360 LLC. Focus 360 CEO Phil Brown said that National Focus’ network and syndication division will sell Sports Byline USA to advertisers both separately and in conjunction with National Baseball Network, another major sports network represented by National Focus.
Ron Barr is an experienced journalist and sports broadcaster. His career began at the Washington Post in Washington, DC. After this opportunity, he became a freelance reporter for ABC Radio Sports. Barr’s first venture into television was in Boston, anchoring the sports segment of the evening newscast. In addition, Barr announced the pre-season football games of the New England Patriots and Boston Celtic. Barr’s first network assignment was to host pregame, halftime and postgame shows for various NFL games for CBS Sports. Barr’s career has included broadcasts of NBA basketball, NFL football, Major League Baseball, professional tennis, numerous collegiate sports events, as well as several other major sporting events. His sports resume includes 30 Super Bowls and 5 Olympic Games.