CSN Chicago Secures Long-Term Deal with Kaplan

Comcast SportsNet Chicago has signed veteran Chicago sportscaster David Kaplan to a long-term contract extension that will make CSN Chicago the exclusive TV home for “Kap” beginning in January 2011.

“There’s not a Chicago sports fan in town who isn’t familiar with what ‘Kap’ brings to the table each and every day he comes to work,” says Charlie Schumacher, Senior News Director for Comcast SportsNet Chicago. “His knowledge and passion of the Chicago sports scene is second to none and we couldn’t be more thrilled than to have him on board with us for years to come.”

Kaplan, the Emmy award-winning host of CSN Chicago’s weeknight local sports talk show “Chicago Tribune Live,” will continue to host the roundtable discussion program and, beginning in the spring of 2011, Kaplan will also host the network’s “Cubs Pre/Post Game Live” shows surrounding the network’s Cubs telecasts.  In addition, Kaplan will also be a regular on-air contributor to “SportsNet Central” and will have his own section on CSNChicago.com, featuring his exclusive online column and daily blog. He will also serve as the network’s online Cubs “Insider” beginning in early 2011.  Kaplan will continue his radio broadcasting contributions for WGN Radio 720 and will continue to co-write the Chicago Tribune’s “Around Town” column with Fred Mitchell.

“I am very excited to continue my relationship with Comcast SportsNet, serving the best sports fans in the world on a long-term basis,” said Kaplan.  “Growing up in Chicago, I know how important sports are to the fabric of our city and I am thrilled to be expanding my role at the number one home for televised sports in Chicago.”