Mattingly to Start Sports Talk Show

Bo Mattingly, former sports anchor for KNWA-TV, Channel 51, said he will be the host of his own radio show, called “Sports Talk with Bo Mattingly” starting July 30.

The call-in talk show will air from 4-7 p.m. weekdays on KFAY-AM, 1030 in Fayetteville and KTTG-FM, 96.3 in Fort Smith. Other affiliates are in the works, Mattingly said.

Mattingly’s former “Razorback Nation” sports segments originated from KNWA, but also appeared on Nexstar Broadcasting Group’s sister station KARK-TV, Channel 4, in central Arkansas.

Mattingly’s new show replaces the popular “Sports Rap” show that had been hosted by Chuck Barrett in Fayetteville until Barrett was named the “voice of the Razorbacks.” That “Sports Rap” is not affiliated with the “Sports Rap” produced by KARN-FM, 102.9, in Little Rock, which is now hosted by Shawn Arnell, with co-host ArkansasSports360.com editor Jim Harris and contributions from veteran Razorbacks sportswriter Nate Allen.

Mattingly said his show will feature rotating regular guests Clay Henry, publisher of Hawgs Illustrated, Dudley Dawson, a sportswriter with that publication, and Otis Kirk, a sportswriter for Rivals.com and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

“Those three guys have a proven track record,” Mattingly said. “I’m excited to work with those guys and not be competing [for the scoop].”

Mattingly declined to disclose any sponsorship agreements, but said there’s plenty of interest.

The show will also serve as a platform for Mattingly’s one-minute “Faith in the Field” features that are already playing on eight stations around the state.

Mattingly hopes to turn “Faith in the Field” into a larger venture that could eventually be sold into multiple markets nationwide. He’s working on radio and television pilots, he said.

Mattingly left his television job on July 11. Scott Pickey, news director for KNWA and Fox-affiliate KFTA-TV, Channel 24, said Mattingly was not fired.

“He was in the midst of a three-year contract when he chose to leave,” Pickey said.

When asked if he had a contractual obligation to KNWA, Mattingly said, “I feel like I’ve fulfilled my obligation.”

Pickey said the station hasn’t named a new sports anchor yet, but hopes to do so before the first football game. 

Fox 24 sports anchor Aaron Peters is anchoring sports for the KNWA in the interim.