Cavs announce Michael as new TV voice; Alcorn to fill radio role

Cavaliers Network radio play-by-play man John Michael has been named the new television voice of the team on FOX Sports Ohio, with longtime Northeast Ohio radio man Tim Alcorn taking over for Michael in the radio booth, the team announced Monday.

Michael will be taking over for the late Fred McLeod, the popular voice of the team who died of a heart attack Sept. 10. Michael took over for Hall of Famer Joe Tait on the Cavs' radio network in 2011.

"We begin this season with incredibly heavy hearts as one of our own has left us way too soon," Michael tweeted in reference to McLeod. "A promise: Every ounce of hard work poured into each Cavs broadcast this season will be dedicated to one solitary goal for a friend tuning in from upstairs: We’ll make you proud, Fred.”

Alcorn has spent 27 years at WEOL in Elyria, where he most recently served as station manager and sports director. He has called everything from high school to Arena football games, as well as hosted live studio shows from Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field in Cleveland.

“I am incredibly honored to have been selected by the Cavaliers as the next radio play-by-play announcer for the organization,” Alcorn said in a prepared statement.

“The position is truly a 'dream job.' It’s both exciting and humbling to be chosen. I’m also aware the opportunity would not have occurred if not for the untimely passing of Fred McLeod and I will strive to uphold the high standards that Fred, John Michael, Joe Tait and others established as Cavs announcers. I’m eager to get started as the Cavs embark on their 50th season."

Austin Carr will continue in his role as the Cavs' TV analyst, with Jim Chones doing the same with Alcorn on radio.

Michael, Alcorn and others will now depart for the NBA broadcast meetings in New York this week.

The Cavaliers will hold media day Monday, Sept. 30. Training camp begins the following day (Oct. 1).