Sports talk show host Jim Rome to join CBS Sports and Showtime

Sports talk show host Jim Rome has agreed to a deal to work for CBS, hosting a show for CBS Sports and Showtime.

Rome, who currently hosts Jim Rome Is Burning on ESPN2, will help bring viewers to CBS’ new venture, CBS Sports Network. According to the announcement, Rome’s half-hour show, Rome, will help launch the new network, airing weekdays at 6 p.m. EST. He will also host an untitled sports entertainment program on Showtime, the CBS-owned premium channel, which is currently building its own roster of sports programs.

The Washington Post reports that Rome will debut on April 3 to coincide with CBS’ coverage of the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament. Rome will also lead CBS coverage of football, basketball and the US Open.

While Rome will continue his popular syndicated radio show, The Jim Rome Show, his ESPN gig will end on Jan. 27, according to Variety. Rome told Variety that he is really excited to join CBS, saying “I don’t think there’s anybody else who could have afforded me this opportunity...I’m really fired up.”

David Berson, Executive Vice President, CBS Sports and President, CBS Sports Network said in the announcement that he is excited to work with such a “well-known and highly-respected sports personality” like Rome. David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. added that he is also a fan of Rome and that “He has set the industry standard for sports opinion and analysis since his first days on the national scene. He’s never shied away from provocative topics, and I think his brand matches our brand perfectly.”

Variety reports that Rome will first appear on CBS on March 31 as the Final Four tournament starts.