GREENVILLE, N.C. – The East Carolina University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with its multimedia rights partner IMG College, have agreed to terms with WNCT-TV on a new three-year extension which will continue their broadcast relationship through 2022. 

WNCT-TV regained its standing as the “Official Station of the Pirates” in 2014. The CBS affiliate in Greenville, North Carolina has a long history with ECU dating back to 1989.

That first agreement four years ago marked the second time the Pirates teamed with Channel 9 in an official sharing capacity. WNCT-TV served as ECU’s exclusive television partner from 1989 to 1998, a nine-year span that included some of the school’s most memorable moments such as a Peach Bowl victory, a No. 9 final rank and Liberty Bowl win for the football program and a NCAA Tournament appearance for the men’s basketball team.

In addition to being the primary carrier of the Scottie Montgomery and Joe Dooley Shows during the fall and winter months, WNCT’s 9 On Your Side team will deliver comprehensive exposure that includes in-depth features on ECU’s student-athletes from all sports throughout the year.

The East Carolina coaches’ shows are hosted by long-time Pirate play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Charles.  

WNCT-TV has also hosted the Cliff Godwin Show featuring ECU Pirate baseball, a first for the area. 

Veteran sports director Brian Bailey, who has covered the Pirates for over three decades with an emphasis on community involvement, hosts Godwin’s show and will also work in collaboration with ECU on various outreach opportunities.

“It’s a great privilege to have this opportunity extended,” said Bailey. “Everyone at WNCT-TV takes great pride in calling ourselves “The Official Station of the Pirates.”

“We are very excited to continue to work with Brian Bailey and the great team at WNCT as the home of the Pirates,” General Manager for Pirate IMG Sports Marketing Meghan Heinchon said.

“It has been a partnership that has continued to grow and benefit both WNCT and ECU, and especially with the newest addition of the Coach Godwin Show.  They have made a tremendous commitment to IMG and ECU and we look forward to providing outstanding coverage for Pirate fans and Channel 9 viewers into the future.”

“The entire WNCT family is absolutely thrilled to continue with this great partnership,” said WNCT Vice President and General Manger Johnny Lewis. “There is nothing more important than this relationship for our station, and we look forward to serving the Pirate Nation.”