The University of Hawai'i athletic department is considering a renewal proposal from its radio partner and is awaiting one from its television partner before it decides whether to put its rights out to bid, a spokesman said yesterday.

Contracts for both radio and television expire in June, and UH hopes to have new deals in place by the end of March, according to John McNamara, associate athletic director.

UH is currently guaranteed $1.75 million annually from KFVE, its TV partner, and approximately $333,000 annually from ESPN Radio 1420 (KKEA), its radio partner. As part of their current three-year contracts, both have exclusive negotiating windows through the end of this month. After that, UH can put its rights out to bid.

KFVE has held the TV rights since 1984.

McNamara said UH expects to make a counter proposal to KKEA before deciding whether to open the rights up to bidding. It is expected to do the same with TV, a key feature of which is likely to allow season ticket holders either free or discounted viewership of road games.

"As of now, the ball is in KFVE's court on the TV side," McNamara said. "John (Fink, KFVE vice president and general manager) has assured us we will have a proposal by the end of the month."

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.