Tim Hennessy has been the voice of University of North Dakota hockey for nearly half a century, delivering play‑by‑play calls that have defined the Fighting Hawks’ broadcast legacy since 1977.
In a recent restructuring, the university announced that Hennessy’s long‑standing full‑time position has been eliminated, and the men’s hockey radio play‑by‑play duties will now be managed by a new partnership with Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships, which compensates announcers on a game‑by‑game basis.
The shift comes as iHeart Media, the parent company that previously distributed many of UND’s radio contracts, has endured a wave of nationwide layoffs that hit its Grand Forks office hard, prompting the cancellation of the daily morning show and raising questions about the future of existing broadcast agreements.
During a meeting with athletic director Bill Chaves and Paul Ralston, Hennessy learned that while a full‑time role may no longer exist, there is still a possibility of continuing to call games under the new arrangement, a prospect he remains hopeful about despite the uncertainty.
A New Broadcast Model for Fighting Hawks Hockey
Hennessy’s career has weathered several transitions, from KNOX to KCNN and later to Clear Channel, before the university took direct control of its broadcasts in 2009, moving broadcasters onto full‑time contracts; today, that model is being replaced by per‑game engagements.
The broader impact is evident in the recent layoffs of several on‑air talent at Midco Sports, the university’s television partner, who have also been shifted to per‑game contracts, reflecting a industry‑wide move away from salaried positions.
Industry observers note that the change mirrors a national trend where colleges are reevaluating how they fund sports media, opting for flexible, cost‑effective arrangements that align with evolving digital distribution platforms.
For now, Hennessy plans to stay involved, having already filled in for absent games earlier in the season, and he remains in contact with colleagues such as Darrin Looker, who covered road games and the NCAA Sioux Falls Regional, and Scott Hennen, whose social‑media post sparked a brief controversy that was later addressed by Jackson and general manager Bryn Chyzyk.
While health setbacks limited his travel during the 2025‑26 season, Hennessy’s commitment to the program endures, and he continues to collaborate with the university’s leadership to shape a sustainable broadcasting future.