A new KSPN-710 lineup to come: Another hour for Mason-Ireland, no more Tirico or Van Smelt

You've heard the promos on 710-AM -- "Mason and Ireland" voted best sports talk show in L.A. by the Daily News.

We could take all the credit. But that's just not our style.

Nor do we assume our endorsement got the show an extra hour.

Yet, starting March 16, the new lineup for KSPN-AM (710) will move Steve Mason and John Ireland from its current 1 to 4 p.m. slot to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which thankfully overlaps more of what KLAC-AM (570) is offering as alternative "Loose Cannon" pablum programming from noon to 4 p.m. each day.

The 710 lineup to be:

== 3-7 a.m.: Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic (syndicated, simulcast on ESPN2) ... This adds an additional hour.
== 7-11 a.m.: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (syndicated, simulcast on ESPNU) .. Again, an additional hour.
== 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Mason & Ireland (local)
== 3-7 p.m.: Dave Denholm and Brian Long (local)
== 7-10 p.m.: ESPN Radio News Block (syndidated; but most nights from Oct. to May, interrupted by Lakers games)
== 10 p.m.-2 a.m.: "AllNight with Jason Smith" (syndicated, broadcast live from the new 710 studios across from Staples Center)
== 2-3 a.m.: SportsCenter AM (syndicated)

That's at least eight hours of L.A.-specific programming, or eight more than the main competitor at 570-AM, and still more than the Angels' owned KLAA-AM (830).

KSPN program director Larry Gifford said the decision was made based on many factors including the popularity of Mason and Ireland, recent changes in the marketplace, some shifting of network talent, the move to new studios at L.A. Live, and the recent acquisition of the Lakers play-by-play rights beginning in the fall.

KSPN moves into its L.A. Live studios on March 2. The facility will be also used to air ESPN's late-night SportsCenter (11 p.m.) starting April 6.