One of the main goals NIU Athletic Director Jim Phillips had when he took the reins of the Huskie athletic program last fall was to heighten media exposure.

Phillips announced Thursday an agreement between NIU and 670 The Score Chicago Sports Radio that took a giant leap toward that goal.

Along with WSCR-AM 670 Vice President-General Manager Paul Agase, Phillips announced a four-year agreement that will broadcast all Huskie football games and 20 basketball games next season.

“This certainly is a monumental moment for all Huskies and our institution to be associated with The Score,” Phillips said. “For us, this is unchartered territory. The increased visibility and exposure for our athletic program and our university in the nation’s No. 3 market with 8 million people is immeasurable. Northern Illinois is thrilled to be in this partnership with WSCR.”

NIU joins the White Sox, Blackhawks and DePaul as The Score’s broadcast partners.

If measured by wattage, the deal increases NIU’s national exposure 50-fold. DeKalb’s WLBK, which formerly broadcasted football and basketball, carries a 1,000-watt signal. The Score boasts a 50,000-watt signal that can be heard in 38 states and four Canadian provinces, and also can be streamed online.

The deal will also include a 30-minute pregame show, as well as a weekly show discussing NIU sports.

“It’s great for the No.1 college football team in the state to be on the same team as the No. 1 radio sports talker in Chicago,” said Mitch Rosen, The Score’s program director. “The people at The Score are enthused about this partnership with Northern Illinois and we look forward to maintaining a strong relationship with the Huskie athletics program for many years to come.”

WSCR formerly held a partnership with Illinois, but the Illini switched to 5,000-watt WIND in May.