In an unusual example of corporate synergy, ABC’s flagship New York television station, WABC-TV, recently added sports reports from ESPN Radio to its morning news telecasts, the New York Daily News reports.

The radio spots air during the 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. hours, giving the station a chance to provide more up-to-date sports news than was possible when WABC had its primary sports anchor, Rob Powers, stay on after his 11 p.m. broadcast to tape material for the following morning’s news show.

"They are the premiere sports network," said WABC news director Kenny Plotnik, adding that the ESPN Radio spots, which are being used on a trial basis, are well-produced and fast-paced.

WABC opted some time ago to forgo having a sportscaster assigned to the morning show. "This gives us an opportunity to have the latest information," Plotnik said.