Pearson Acquiring KISR-FM, Fort Smith for Sports Talk
Pearson Broadcasting Group is acquiring KISR-FM, Fort Smith, Arkansas from Baker Family Trust and the company plans to use the signal for its “ESPN Arkansas” sports format in the Fort Smith market. In a statement, Pearson says, “This marks a significant expansion for Pearson
Broadcasting and ESPN Arkansas, which will now serve all the Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Northwest Arkansas, Harrison, Mountain Home, and much of Eastern Oklahoma. Top rated KISR will continue to serve the River Valley from just below its previous dial position, moving to 93.1 FM.” ESPN Arkansas general manager Tommy Craft adds, “We are excited to expand and grow the footprint and coverage areas of our ESPN Arkansas radio stations. The addition of a 100,000-watt station to our roster of current stations is a true game changer. Fred Baker and KISR have spent more than 55 years building something that is far more than just a radio station for so many people, and we are humbled to be able to continue that kind of commitment to listeners. We live in a state where the sports we love and the daily conversations about the teams we follow matter. The opportunity to expand our coverage so that more of the great people in Arkansas can join in the conversation with our live and local sports talk radio shows is a thrill, and we cannot wait to get started.”
is a key part of our long-term strategy to transform how we cover sports. We’re committed to delivering content that goes beyond highlights and final scores – focusing instead on context, analysis, and storytelling that resonates with today’s audience.” WTOP says that in his new role, Woodfork will lead a more dynamic, multi-platform approach to sports journalism, anchored by daily video and audio commentary designed for modern consumption habits. His work will prioritize insight and authenticity – meeting audiences where they are, particularly among Gen X and Millennial fans seeking more than traditional sports updates.
assault and harassment after an alleged incident involving his fiancé. According to several Philadelphia media outlets, Missanelli allegedly slapped his fiancé during a “scuffle” in which she allegedly struck him in the chest. Missanelli has a preliminary court hearing on April 22. Missanelli’s long career in sports talk included time spent with both WIP and WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic.” He left WPEN during a round of staffing cuts last summer. 
John Rosso states, “We’re really excited to work with NBC Sports and support their continued growth in podcasting. Premium media companies are investing heavily in digital audio, and they need infrastructure they can trust to scale audiences and monetize effectively. Our goal is to make that easier – bringing together hosting, measurement, and monetization in one place so teams can focus on creating great content.”
Sports Enterprises CEO Kit Geis, and WFAN personality and former NFL star Tiki Barber and takes place on Monday (3/23) at 2:00 pm ET. Audacy says the webinar will cover: Why avidity, not reach, is the real currency in sports marketing; Where diehard fans spend their time; How Gen Z is reshaping fandom; and What real performance looks like for the biggest sports marketers today. 
recent trends towards fragmentation facilitate or inhibit the ability of local broadcast television stations to meet their public interest obligations, including their production of local news and reporting? In what ways is the marketplace continuing to evolve and how will future changes impact consumer access to free over-the-air news and information, including public safety information?”
audience over indexes for a slew of major purchase categories.” Some of the key findings in the study include: 1) The number of sports-formatted AM/FM radio stations has grown +14% over the last decade, while revenue shares increased +38%; 2) According to Nielsen, the sports format ranks an astonishing number one in streaming shares among 25-54s and 18-34s, while in-car listening is the dominant location of listening among over-the-air sports AM/FM radio listeners; 3) Advertising on sports AM/FM radio is more effective than TV sports because the AM/FM radio audience is far more attentive and sports engaged; and 4) Ranked third in income of twenty-four AM/FM radio formats, the sports format has seen household incomes grow 17% since 2020. 
following their Super Bowl LX win, roster-building strategy, draft preparation, and the evolving landscape of the NFL. “Seattle Sports” program director Kyle Brown comments, “In the wake of an unforgettable Super Bowl run, we’re excited to give fans even deeper access to the leadership guiding the Seahawks into their next chapter. John’s perspective on team-building, the draft, and what it takes to construct a championship roster will be invaluable as the Seahawks look to build on the momentum of their 2026 title.”
Township southeast of Buffalo) and adds FM translator W284AP, Buffalo at 104.7 to the simulcast. Senior VP and Buffalo-Rochester market manager Tim Wenger comments, “WGR has been the heartbeat of Buffalo sports, and now that beat is louder than ever. We know our fans are second-to-none, and simulcasting on FM allows us to expand our footprint to the furthest corners of Western New York, allowing more fans to join the live, local and high-energy conversations that define our region all year round.”
Robertson states, “Expanding WDAE’s heritage brand strengthens our long-standing broadcast and marketing partnerships with the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, Lightning, Florida Gators and USF Bulls. This evolution also reflects our continued commitment to serving Tampa Bay listeners across multiple platforms.” WDAE program director and midday host Nick Wize adds, “I am beyond excited for Tampa Bay sports fans. This is a championship market, and we’re delivering a strong, engaging lineup that brings fans closer to the teams and conversations they care about most.”
report include: When it comes to audio’s value versus TV, diehard fans are 1.4 times more likely to tune into pre- and post-game shows on radio than on TV; Local voices matter as 79% of fans say sports make them feel part of a community. Many mute national broadcasts to follow local radio calls that capture their city’s emotion and history. Audacy adds that it now ranks #1 in sports talk reach across radio and television, surpassing ESPN and FS1; When it comes to reaching Gen Z, younger fans aren’t disengaged, they follow personalities, podcasts, and audio creators instead of networks; It’s a myth that only marketing beer and betting works on sports audio: sports audio drives measurable results beyond traditional categories, with web traffic lifts on air days vs. off-air days: +105% for financial services, +42% home improvement, +22% grocery, +10% automotive. 
produce and distribute radio broadcasts for preseason, regular season and playoff games starting in 2026. The Bills say, “The traditional radio broadcast, currently on WGR-AM 550 and Rochester affiliate 950-AM The Fan, will transition to streaming exclusively on BuffaloBills.com and THE BILLS APP from 1-3 p.m. every weekday. ‘One Bills Live’ will continue to be simulcast on MSG Western New York.” Bills president of business operations Pete Guelli says, “The delivery of media content has changed dramatically over the years. We believe the model of in-house production, distribution, and sales will better position the organization to provide access to our fans as well as allow us to further engage with the local business community.” The team notes that “One Bills Live” co-hosts Chris Brown and Steve Tasker will remain in their current roles.
Moscone Center in San Francisco next week (February 2-6) for the 26th annual Super Week. Shows originating from San Francisco will include “Stugotz and Company LIVE!,” “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “Covino & Rich,” and “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington.” The “Dan Patrick Show” will broadcast live from China Basin Park. 
January of 2017. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen posted the following to social media: “The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones. Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in The Score hallways. Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person. Terry’s family’s wish is there won’t be a funeral, but The Score will celebrate his life on the air next week. So today and forever, RIP Terry Boers.” Boer was one of the original hosts on “The Score when it launched in January 1992. Boers had worked for years in the newspaper business, including as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Providence market outlet for Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston for more than two decades. Audacy closed the WVEI offices in 2023. Ocean State Media president and CEO Pam Johnston says they are spending $4.9 million on the new FM. “From an operational and financial standpoint, we are going to be financing the cost of this frequency, which will allow us to eventually sell all the frequencies that we currently have. And so over time we believe that this transaction actually is going to pay for itself.” She says making it easier for listeners is important, “One signal reaching much farther than our current series of five different signals, a greater experience where you don’t have to change the channel as you move your way through Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.”
FM via translator W245DP. The station will blend local talk shows with national content from Westwood One Sports. Local shows include Kent Sterling in the 9:00 am to 11:00 am slot, Jim Coyle from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and Mike Glasscot in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart. The station will also serve as an affiliate for play-by-play for the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers. Sterling, who will serve as the station’s program director, states, “Sports talk in Bloomington is long overdue, and I’m so pleased ST Radio is the company to make this happen. Bloomington is the Big Ten’s best sports town, and ’98-7 The Zone’ will be the Big Ten’s best sports station.”
Chicago sports radio hosts Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla airing from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET. Jim Rome remains in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart, followed by “BetMGM Tonight” with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET. Finally, “Westwood One Sports Night” will be hosted by Lynnell Willingham and Josh Graham airing from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am ET. SVP of sports | content & audience Bruce Gilbert states, “With our partners at Audacy, we’ve assembled a group of diverse and passionate sports voices committed to covering the biggest sports stories with opinions, expert analysis, and fan interaction. This lineup will highlight the biggest stories and provide timely information that is fresh, fun, and fan focused.”
UW-Green Bay’s men’s basketball team – says he will step away from his radio program in order to focus on his coaching duties. During his post-game press conference yesterday, Gottlieb said of his radio show, “As of now, we’re going to take a break from it. I’ve got to have a life. I’ve got to be there for these kids. I’ve got to really dig in because we’re building something cool here.” 
transitioned by Audacy and Cumulus Media from Infinity Sports Network to Westwood One Sports at the end of December. That move was announced in October with the companies saying that beginning December 29, Westwood One will assume programming and distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming and Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs. Gelb says, “It’s sad to see CBS Sports Radio/Infinity Sports Network closing its doors as we once knew it, but grateful for the memories and excited to see what the next chapter in my sports talk journey brings.”
standard in audio, and it’s an honor to join a brand creatively steeped in sports storytelling. Not unlike the Savannah Bananas, I’m prepared to push the limits of sports talk. I’ll deliver for Jimmy in Tucson, Arizona just as much as Joe in Marshall, Texas. And for every groundbreaking Los Angeles Lakers trade, there’s a Boston College linebacker who survived cancer. You’ll hear the same fire and heart for each. We’re going to create something special; I promise you that.” Cumulus SVP sports/content & audience Bruce Gilbert comments, “Drake represents exactly what we’re building – a modern, interactive sports experience that is driven by personalities and fueled by fans – programming that breaks away from the predictable and formulaic. Drake’s ability to entertain, connect, and innovate makes him the ideal voice for mornings on Westwood One.”
MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com – is a finalist for the 2026 National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame Sportswriter (Living category). Winners will be notified the first week of January, and the awards will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th Awards Weekend & National Convention, June 28-29, at Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Parker says, “It’s an absolute honor to be considered with so many journalism heavyweights.”
from its WXYT-FM, Detroit 97.1 The Ticket – and its deal with Townsquare Media to air the format on Townsquare stations in Michigan. Now, Townsquare is flipping WFGR-FM, Grand Rapids from classic hits to sports talk as “Sports Radio 98.7.” Townsquare Media COO Erik Hellum says, “Townsquare Media is excited to bring such high-caliber, Michigan-focused sports programming to West Michigan. This is a big win for listeners who want strong, local sports conversation without having to rely on national networks.”
Program” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Connoisseur Media says that local news and sports updates will begin being heard on all of the Mason City stations during morning and afternoon drive times. Fisher comments, “It’s great to be back to help re-establish KGLO as ‘Your Hometown News Station in North-Central Iowa’ as well as to continue to provide vital local information to our listeners. With their recent purchase of the radio stations, Connoisseur Media has shown a commitment to serving north-central Iowans with quality, local-based information.” Market manager Dalena Barz adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bob back with Connoisseur Media in Mason City. He has been a well-respected voice in our community for over 30 years. He’s always been an integral part of our radio family, and we sincerely say, Welcome back, Bob!” 
their local market. Bonneville says, “The platform brings together Arizona Sports, Seattle Sports, Denver Sports, Sactown Sports, and KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, delivering more than 63 hours of live sports programming every day across audio, video, digital, and social channels.” Bonneville president and CEO Tanya Vea adds, “Bonneville Sports Network gives advertisers both flexibility and scale. Our network reaches fans wherever and whenever they engage with sports, across every platform. Advertisers can now leverage that strength in a way that aligns with their goals, whether they’re pursuing national reach or meaningful local impact.”
Dan Mathews and Cole Thompson. Thompson has been with KBME for the past year producing “The A-Team” on the station and hosting, “The Night Cap.” Mathews began his career covering Houston sports and worked in Atlanta at Audacy’s WZGC-FM and Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN-AM. Station program director Chris Gordy states, “We’re thrilled to add Cole to mornings, alongside Dan. Both guys eat, sleep and breathe all things Houston sports, and bring a passion and enthusiasm to kick off each morning right.”
show, “Hoops Talk.” Sliwa will provide expert insight, analysis and commentary across AM 570 LA SPORTS content throughout the NBA season, including featured segments available on the iHeartRadio app. Sliwa previously served on the Lakers Radio broadcast in pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage. KLAC program director Brian Long says, “Allen is one of the premier voices covering the Lakers. With the excitement surrounding the team this season, his perspective and passion will be a great addition to our coverage and valuable voice for Lakers fans in Southern California and across the country.”
distributed by Audacy to unite the biggest sports voices, markets, and fans.” Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “The launch of ‘97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network’ represents a massive commitment to our listeners and an exciting chapter in our growth. We are excited to partner with Townsquare Media and other media companies to expand our footprint across all of Michigan and to deliver great content to the dedicated fan base we serve. We are proud to deliver best-in-class sports coverage to the entire state, solidifying our position as the essential source for Michigan sports audio content now and for years to come.” The network’s first affiliates include Townsquare Media’s WFGR in Grand Rapids, WJIM in Lansing, WBCK in Battle Creek, and WKMI in Kalamazoo, plus Blarney Stone Broadcasting’s WGRY in Roscommon. Additional affiliates will be announced in the upcoming months.
general manager has been in his current role since 2023. Audacy notes that Davis “rejoined Audacy in 2018 to lead the reboot of Audacy’s TWIN platform.” Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Lee has been a valued colleague and leader whose experience, dedication, and steady guidance have made a lasting impact on Audacy (as well as the companies he has worked at throughout his career). His contributions and presence will be greatly missed.”
Cincinnati – died on Sunday at age 80. As reported by John Kiesewetter at WVXU.org reports on Trumpy’s passing and his career. Trumpy pitched the idea of a sports talk program to then-general manager of WLW-AM, Cincinnati Charles Murdock but was shot down. He turned to WCKY-AM and launched the show there. Three years later, WLW-AM hired him away from WCKY. Trumpy, who played for the hometown Cincinnati Bengals from 1968-1977, would move on to national television with NBC Sports that culminated with him receiving the Pete Rozelle Award for lifetime achievement in NFL broadcasting. 
says he’ll “oversee all aspects of sports talk content across the network, including daily technical operations, social media strategy, and brand management. He will build a talented team of hosts and producers responsible for compelling on-air programming – featuring original content, interviews, benchmarks, and fan interaction.” Williams says, “There’s never been a more exciting time to be in audio – the industry is thriving, innovative, and constantly evolving. This is a unique opportunity to build on the incredible foundation created by our partners at Audacy and BetMGM and combine it with the reach, heritage, and credibility of Westwood One Sports. I’m honored to help shape the next chapter, delivering smart, entertaining, and authentic sports content for listeners everywhere.”
in which Tirrell used the proceeds for personal expenses and gambling. Now, prosecutors say Tirrell has done pretty much the same thing again, getting investors to give him money to buy luxury tickets for events like the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Taylor Swift concerts, Indiana Fever games and football and baseball playoff games. Tirrell was to sell the tickets and pay investors their original investment plus a share of the profits. Prosecutors say Tirrell did pay some investors back but did so with money from new investors. In fact, they say Tirrell never made the ticket purchases and instead used the money for personal expenses and gambling. Tirrell worked as a sports talk host at KXLQ-AM, Des Moines and later at KXNO, Des Moines. 
Sports’ 24/7 network will continue to deliver unmatched live coverage, expert commentary, and real-time sports programming to millions of listeners nationwide. This extends a partnership between Westwood One and Audacy that first began with the launch of CBS Sports Radio in 2012.” Westwood One will assume programming 
and distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming, including “The Jim Rome Show,” anchoring the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart. Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs and additional weekend programming as part of the Westwood One Sports roster. The full programming lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero comments, “Audacy and Westwood One have a long, storied history of collaboration,
and today’s evolution of our national sports partnership is that next chapter in our commitment to our hundreds of affiliates, their listeners, and our client partners. Be it local or national, broadcast or digital, opinion content or play by play, we continue to smartly look at ways to enhance our leadership position in sports content.” Westwood One & EVP corporate strategy & development, Cumulus Media Collin Jones adds, “Westwood One Sports has always been synonymous with the biggest moments in sports audio. Launching Westwood One Sports 24/7 programming strengthens that legacy and positions us to deliver unmatched coverage and commentary to fans coast-to-coast. We’re excited to work with Audacy to make this transition seamless and impactful.”