By Lloyd Axelrod

The new annualized rights fee represents a 53 percent increase over the current contract with Host Communications, Inc. of $2.3 million per year.

The new deal guarantees that Host will pay the University of Kentucky a minimum of $3.53 million per year for the broadcast rights, and provide an extensive schedule of promotional radio and television spots across the state of Kentucky and in neighboring states. The new annualized rights fee represents a 53 percent increase over the current contract with Host Communications, Inc. of $2.3 million per year.  The new contract features a significantly enhanced schedule of free promotional spots over the existing contract.

The radio network will include more than 80 radio stations across Kentucky and the surrounding region, including 50,000-watt AM stations in Louisville and Cincinnati.  The television network will include some ten stations, blanketing Kentucky and reaching into adjacent states.

"We are delighted with this new five-year contract," said UK President Charles T. Wethington Jr. "This contract recognizes the strong popularity of the University of Kentucky's football and basketball programs and significantly enhances our ability to promote UK's academic excellence to a wide audience."

Two other bids were submitted to the University for the broadcast rights. Groups including Learfield Communications and Cumulus Media each bid a total of $17 million for the radio and television rights for the five-year period.