WHKW, 1220 AM The Word in Cleveland will once again serve as the flagship station of the Viking Basketball Radio Network for the 2009-10 season as part of an agreement between Cleveland State and Salem Communications. The announcement was made on Friday by CSU Director of Athletics Lee Reed.

In addition, the Vikings will get additional exposure under the agreement as WHKZ, 1440 AM The Word in Warren will also broadcast the games.

"The Cleveland State athletic department is happy to continue our partnership with Salem Communications and have WHKW and WHKZ serve as our primary broadcast outlets this year for Viking basketball," Reed said. "This partnership ensures that Viking fans have a high quality, regular radio destination for CSU Basketball."

Salem Communications General Manager Mark Jaycox noted, "We are excited to be teaming up again with such a great institution and we look forward to another great season of Viking basketball on board The Word 1220 AM."

Under the agreement, every game during the 2009-10 season will be aired live on both stations and streamed live on the internet via whkwradio.com. The broadcasts will include a 30-minute pre-game show.

In addition, Salem has committed to a number of marketing initiatives involving its local affiliates, NewsTalk 1420 WHK and WFHM 95.5 FM The Fish.

Included in the agreement are plans to hold two Fish Family Days, both coming on Saturdays during the season. All Saturday games are Family Value Saturdays at CSU and feature a free KidZone, with games, inflatables, and more, $1 hot dogs, and great giveaways.

The first Fish Family Day, on Jan. 9 vs. UIC, will feature morning show host Len Howser as the emcee while afternoon host Mark Rein will be on hand for the second Fish Family outing on Jan. 24 against Milwaukee.

Throughout the season, The Fish will be giving away four packs of tickets to all weekend games and pairs of tickets for CSU's inaugural season of "All You Can Eat" seats.

Al Pawlowski returns for his fifth season as the play-by-play voice of the Vikings.

CSU opens the regular season at St. Bonaventure today and then returns home to open the 17-game home schedule against Wilmington College on Monday, Nov. 16 in a rare 11:30 a.m. matinee start. Tickets for the home opener are just $5 with fans being able to also purchase a ticket for $10 that includes lunch.