Jim Rome Heads to CBS

Former ESPN-er signs multi-year deal to host 'Rome,' untitled Showtime series

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/11/2012 10:46:51 AM

CBS has signed Jim Rome away from ESPN to launch a new half-hour weekday series to air on the CBS Sports Network.

Rome will air weekdays at 6 p.m. and will launch April 3. Also, Rome will host an untitled sports and entertainment series on Showtime, debuting later in the fall. He will also contribute to CBS Sports' coverage of the NFL, NCAA basketball, U.S. Open Tennis Championships, among others. His debut will come during the NCAA Final Four.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jim Rome to the CBS family," said Sean McManus, chairman, CBS Sports. "Jim is a high profile, marquee talent who elevates our overall sports coverage and is a perfect fit within the growing platforms of CBS Sports and Showtime Sports."

"I am ecstatic to be joining the CBS family," said Rome. "I'm fired up for the launch of Rome on CBS Sports Network this spring and excited to be collaborating with Showtime -- a creative, dynamic network allowing me to host and create something completely original and fresh."

Content from the new shows will be featured on CBS interactive platforms including CBSSports.com.

Rome added: "Being asked to contribute to CBS Sports on its coverage of the NFL, NCAA basketball, U.S. Open Tennis Championships, as well as other events is a realization of a lifelong dream. CBS Sports is the pinnacle.  And I'm ready to get after it."

Rome and the untitled Showtime series will be produced by Generate Entertainment in association with Dick Clark Productions, Inc.

Rome, who spent the last eight years with ESPN, was best known for hosting Rome is Burning, confirmed on his Twitter feed Friday that he was leaving the network. He will still host his nationally-syndicated radio show.