Originally filed Monday, July 30, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Former V-103 host Ryan Cameron will be adding to his sports announcing duties by becoming the game-day announcer at Mercedes Benz Stadium for Atlanta Falcons games starting next month.
He made the three-year deal public last Friday at the Georgia Aquarium where he was co-hosting the Beulah Heights University Centennial Celebration with Monica Pearson.
For 14 years, Cameron has been the ebullient in-game announcer for the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. (Read my profile of Cameron's work with the Hawks from 2015.)
His distinctive wordplay and power at the mic has made him a fan favorite at games, the type of work that the Falcons hope he can replicate at Mercedes Benz starting this fall.
"Ryan is an Atlanta icon with a passion for Atlanta sports and the Atlanta Falcons," said Pete Soto, senior director, game presentation, live events and stadium production, AMB Sports + Entertainment. "He has a unique delivery style that engages fans to participate in the stands and we are thrilled to have him as part of the Brotherhood."
In an exclusive interview, Cameron said the NFL used to want game show announcers to stay bland and neutral but the league is loosening the rules and allowing more “hometown” favoritism. The Falcons approached him, he said.
Cameron, a life-long Atlantan, is a big-time Falcons fan. He has been a season ticket holder since 1998 when the Falcons lost in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos.
“I have done travel and parties and trips on buses and trains and planes to New Orleans for more than 15 years as the No. 1 Saints hater of all time,” Cameron said. “For me to go from the stands to the mic is really a big deal to me.”
While working with V-103, he also did the pre-game Falcons games for sister station 92.9/The Game for free in 2016-17.
His time commitment for football is far less than basketball. While the Hawks play 41 regular season home games along with pre-season and playoff games, the Falcons only play eight, plus two pre-season games and any possible playoff games.
Cameron said when he was offered the job, he received the blessing of Steve Koonin, Hawks chief executive officer and a mentor.
And he said he won’t expect any conflicts between the two teams. He said they rarely have home games at the same time for obvious logistical reasons since Philips Arena and Mercedes Benz are next to each other.
Cameron is also open to helping out emceeing fan-focused Falcons events, something he did for the Hawks as well.
K.D.Bowe, a jock at Praise 102.5, will remain on-the-field host.
Cameron stepped down earlier this year from morning host at V-103 and a life-long radio career to become a business partner at marketing firm Rakanter, which has several sports-related clients.
From a financial standpoint, he thinks his new job provides far more upside than staying as an employee at a radio station.
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