The Tom Crean Show is a local radio talk show hosted by Tom Crean on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. It airs every weekday from 9am to 12pm CT. The show has been on the air since 1998, making it one of the longest running sports talk shows in Chicago. With over 20 years on the air, many listeners have come to rely on Tom Crean’s opinionated and energetic take on all things sports related in Chicago. But how long exactly is the Tom Crean Show each day? Let’s take a closer look at the show’s daily schedule and timing.
Show Length
The Tom Crean Show airs for 3 hours each weekday. It starts at 9am CT and concludes at 12pm CT. This means the total running time of the show from start to finish is 180 minutes.
While most days Tom Crean will do the entire 3 hour show, there are occasions where a guest host will fill in for part of the program. But even with guest hosts, the overall show still lasts for the full 3 hours each day.
Hourly Breakdown
Here is how the three hours of the Tom Crean Show break down:
| Hour | Time |
|---|---|
| 1st Hour | 9am – 10am CT |
| 2nd Hour | 10am – 11am CT |
| 3rd Hour | 11am – 12pm CT |
The first hour airs from 9-10am Central Time. This is when Tom Crean generally does his opening monologue and introduces the topics and guests for that day’s show.
The middle hour from 10-11am is when Tom dives into discussions with his guests. This hour often focuses on the big sports topics of the day in Chicago.
Finally, the last hour from 11am-12pm is when Tom takes calls from listeners and concludes the show. The final hour allows fans to voice their opinions on the show’s topics.
History of the Show’s Length
The Tom Crean Show has aired daily from 9am to 12pm CT for virtually its entire existence. The show debuted in January 1998 in the same midday time slot it still holds today.
The original hosts were Terry Boers and Dan Bernstein, who hosted together from 1998 until 1999. Tom Crean took over hosting duties in 1999 and has occupied the same 3 hour block ever since.
In the 24 years since launching, the show has not undergone any major changes or reductions to its airtime. The consistency has helped build a loyal audience that tunes in daily for 3 hours of Tom Crean.
Barring any major changes by ESPN Radio down the road, fans can expect the show to continue airing from 9am to 12pm CT for the foreseeable future.
Will the Show’s Length Change?
Currently there are no reports indicating that ESPN Radio plans to cut the length of the Tom Crean Show anytime soon.
The show remains a strong ratings performer in its time slot, giving ESPN little reason to reduce its airtime. If anything, the station may opt to expand the show to add an extra hour someday, but likely not shorten it.
Barring poor ratings or some other unforeseen factor, fans can expect Tom Crean to keep talking sports for 3 hours each weekday for the years to come. The station has found success with the current 9am to 12pm formula and appears content to stick with it moving forward.
How the Show Length Compares to Other Programs
The 3 hour running time of the Tom Crean Show is standard for weekday sports talk radio shows across the country. Most popular sports talk programs are 3-4 hours in length.
For comparison, here are the lengths of other leading sports talk shows:
| Show | Length |
|---|---|
| The Dan Patrick Show (National) | 3 Hours |
| The Herd with Colin Cowherd (National) | 3 Hours |
| Mike & Mike (National – now ended) | 4 Hours |
| The Score Tonight (Chicago) | 3 Hours |
As you can see, most successful sports talk shows are in the 3-4 hour range throughout the week.
By broadcasting for 3 hours each day, the Tom Crean Show is following the well-established pattern for the format. The midday time slot and show length allow Tom Crean to dive deep into the biggest local and national sports headlines with enough time for interviews, calls, and analysis.
Benefits of a 3 Hour Show
The main benefits of the Tom Crean Show having a 3 hour runtime each day are:
– Gives Tom Crean adequate time to cover all the pressing topics in depth. 1-2 hours would feel too rushed.
– Allows for varied segments with interviews, calls, debates etc. A longer show provides more flexibility.
– Fits nicely into the workday. 3 hours is digestible for many listeners tuning in at their jobs.
– Matches audience expectations. Most sports talk listeners are accustomed to 3 hour shows.
In the hyper-competitive sports talk radio landscape, 3 hours gives shows like Tom Crean’s the requisite airtime to stand out from the crowd while not overstaying their welcome.
Tom Crean’s Preparation for a 3 Hour Show
Hosting a live 3 hour sports talk show requires extensive preparation by Tom Crean. He can’t just show up with no plan and fill 180 minutes off the cuff each day.
Here is a look at how Tom gets ready for each installment of his long-form program:
Pre-Show Production Meeting
Tom and his producers meet first thing in the morning before going on air. They discuss the hot topics and how to tackle them, plan interviews, and map out the overall show format and flow.
Research & Guest Booking
Producers spend the morning booking qualified guests and researching timely topics and show segments. Tom relies on their thorough prep work.
Show Outline
Tom uses the show rundown and scripts prepared by producers to craft his opinions and questions. This ensures a steady flow for 3 hours.
Taping Lead-Ins & Promos
Tom will pre-tape introductions to certain segments and record promotional spots to intersperse throughout the show.
Tracking Down Audio Clips
Producers hunt for amusing or informative audio clips from interviews, sports press conferences etc. to mix into the show.
Checking Stats & Facts
Reviewing Talking PointsBefore airtime, Tom refreshes himself on his producers’ suggested talking points for every topic and interview on that day’s docket.
Thorough planning and preparation are essential with the daily demands of a 3 hour sports talk show. Tom Crean’s experience and work ethic enable him to make it seem smooth and effortless.
Conclusion
The Tom Crean Show on ESPN 1000 airs weekdays from 9am to 12pm CT, totaling 3 hours of sports talk radio each day. This format has been consistent throughout the show’s 24 year history since debuting in 1998.
Tom Crean hosts for the entire 3 hour period unless a guest fill-in is brought in. The show’s length matches many other successful national and local sports talk programs.
The 3 hour daily time slot gives Tom Crean and producers sufficient opportunity to cover Chicago sports from all angles while taking calls and conducting interviews. With strong ratings, there are no imminent plans to reduce the show’s airtime. Barring any major changes, expect to keep hearing Tom Crean’s fiery sports opinions from 9am to 12pm CT every weekday for years to come.