New Research: The Most Avid NFL Fans Live on Sports Audio
New research from Audacy and Vision Insights reveals that the most passionate NFL fans aren’t just watching games – they’re living the NFL lifestyle through sports audio. Over 80% of NFL fans listening to sports talk radio, play-by-play, and sports podcasts identify as avid fans – outpacing TV viewers and social media followers. These listeners are also a marketer’s dream: higher incomes, more spending power, and deeper emotional connections to brands that support their teams. Audacy’s sports network claims to reach more monthly listeners than the next three competitors combined, making it the largest home for NFL diehards.
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The station is at 104.3 FM and boasts a 100,000-watt signal. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus says, “Miami’s sports fans have an unrivaled passion, and they deserve a destination that matches their energy. By adding this powerful FM signal, we’re not just expanding our reach – we’re solidifying WQAM’s position as the undisputed leader in South Florida sports radio.” The weekday lineup consists of “The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood” (6:00 am to 10:00 am), “Tobin & Leroy” (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) and “Hochman, Crowder & Solana” (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).
football and men’s basketball games broadcast on WGN and he’ll also serve as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk. Eanet says, “Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios. As I close this chapter of my career, 
the word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work. Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station.” WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “I am thrilled to share that our own Andy Masur will assume morning show sports duties going forward. Andy is a talented broadcaster who has built a rapport with the WGN Radio audience as a regular fill-in for Dave and as our weekend sports anchor. We are lucky to have him.”
sports talk KSAC-AM/K284CM, effective September 2. This comes five years after he was fired by Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento and the Kings after a social media exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins about the Black Lives Matter movement and used the phrase, “all lives matter.” Napear sued Bonneville and lost but is currently appealing that ruling. Napear tells the Bee, “It’s going to be the Grant Napear show that people have listened to for decades. I’m competitive. I’m not only coming back to Sacramento. I’m coming back to win.” 
that Teinowitz, former co-host of the “Mac, Jurko and Harry” show with Dan McNeil and John Jukovich on WMVP, Chicago’s, had been ill in recent years, having received a liver transplant and suffering from liver and heart issues. Teinowitz began his radio career as part of the morning show on crosstown competitor WSCR. He also did on-air appearances on WLUP-FM and WGN-AM. 
the country format Hank FM. In addition to FOX Sports Radio content, the station also features Portland, Oregon based “The Bald-Faced Truth with John Canzano” and local show “Danny and Justin,” airing from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm daily. Station manager Steve Woodward comments, “We’re excited to bring high-quality sports radio to the Oregon Coast. KNCU has one of the strongest sports lineups in the entire state. We hope to be your #1 choice for sports on the coast.”
throughout the Patriots season. Andrews will also be featured on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network Pregame Show and will co-host a video podcast with Alex Barth. WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “David’s leadership and deep understanding of the game made him a standout on the field, and we’re excited to bring that same level of insight and authenticity to our listeners. He’s a natural fit for our lineup and the perfect voice to help break down the season from a player perspective.” Andrews comments, “I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with ‘The Sports Hub’ since coming to New England 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to providing my analysis and perspective across the station’s various platforms this season.”
The Storm,” “Girl, How’d You Get That Gig?” hosted by Amy Gutierrez and Celeste Gehring, and Rod Brooks’ “Quality Hang with Rod Brooks & Friends” debut on Friday (5/23). Jeremiah Crowe says, “After launching Bay Area Sports Collective in early March, it became apparent there were other hosts who wanted to join our team. We are proud to expand our growing podcast network with additional hosts the local Bay Area sports fans know and trust. The future looks bright for the collective and our fans.”
ad-supported media campaign. Among the findings is that in order to ensure that digital audio buys are effective, marketers should commit news/talk and sports stations because they represent 28% of all 25-54 AM/FM radio streaming audiences. Among 25-54s, spoken-word formats have a massive 28% streaming share, 2.4 times larger than the overall spoken word share of 12%. The news/talk format has a 6.7% share of total AM/FM radio listening. The streaming share for news/talk is 15.4% — more than double its total share. The sports format has a 12.5 share of the streaming audience, 2.5 times bigger than its overall 5 share. Further, the data indicates that for the 18-34 demographic, sports and news/talk streaming is a combined 19.6% share. 
broadcast will be led by FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer, who will be joined by network personality LaVar Arrington, former Jets general manager Joe Douglas, and FOX Sports’ lead College Football reporter Jenny Taft to deliver live predictions, analysis and reactions throughout the night on Thursday. Additionally, “The Dan Patrick Show” will broadcast live from The Bar – Holmgren Way as will “The Doug Gottlieb Show” – emanating from The Legacy Hotel – Green Bay and The Bar – Holmgren Way on April 24 and 25.
Oaklawn Event Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Stoerner co-hosts “The Drive with Clint Stoerner and Ron Hughley” in afternoon drive at Audacy’s sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610.” Audacy Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier comments, “We are so proud of Clint and his accomplishments both on and off the field. Not only is he a premier sports radio host who was a finalist the same night for Media Alliance of Houston as Sports Specialist, but he is a great teammate to all of us in the building.” Stoerner began as a fill-in host on “SportsRadio 610” in 2018 and joined as a full-time host in 2019. 
Pat continue to bring his passion to Infinity Sports Network, this time on a nightly basis. He puts everything he has into entertaining his audience, keeping them informed and involving them in his show for a great listening experience.” Since 2019, Boyle has held multiple positions at WFAN and Infinity Sports Network, serving as a host, anchor, and producer. He currently co-hosts, “Sunday’s Bets” on Audacy’s BetMGM Network and anchored the eight-hour NFL show “Gridiron Gameday with Pat Boyle.”
operations via a local management agreement, though a format change it in the works. Big Toe Media’s president and director of sales Dave Greene tells FOX 2, “I was attempting to sell it on Dave Zobrist’s behalf and got very close with one person and had several others interested. When the strong lead didn’t work out, we were able to work out a very favorable deal for both sides.” Regarding the format, Geene says, “The idea of one singular topic for content is outdated. We will talk about what St. Louis talks about, which includes plenty of sports but also local news, culture, food, business, events and more.” FOX 2 notes that Greene is “closely involved with the leadership team” of Sports Hub STL, a digital sports network producing content from local personalities, most of whom have worked in St. Louis sports radio at some point over the years. 
Mariners catcher that will air Thursdays at 5:00 pm throughout the 2025 season. On the program, Raleigh sits down with Mariners insider Shannon Drayer for “engaging and in-depth conversations on “Wyman & Bob.” “Seattle Sports” program director Kyle Brown says, “We’re thrilled to provide our fans with more access to Mariners players and the stories behind the scenes. Cal’s insights into his leadership, his role on the team, and the Mariners’ season will offer fans an even closer connection to the team in 2025.”
Coleman has been a fixture in Richmond sports talk for more than 30 years on numerous stations in the market. He began his working life as a stockbroker but caught the sports talk bug in the 1990s. He says, “Everybody to a person said to me, ‘Don’t quit your day job. You can’t do a sports talk show in Richmond, Virginia, five days a week. It ain’t gonna work…’ It worked. It worked.” He laments that the business isn’t what it was back in the day, “There’s not the same camaraderie. It’s not the same fun that it used to be.” But he adds, “It’s still fun; I still like doing the show. But it’s just time for me to go.” 
The New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award, launched in 2011, honors prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast world whose groundbreaking accomplishments have advanced their field and left a lasting impact on the industry. The award recipient will be celebrated at the annual Storytellers Gala virtual event, which will recognize TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners in May 2025. “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Television and Film Awards,” said Visser, “and I love that it will be presented at the Storytellers Gala. The heart of any sports journalist is dedicated to telling stories. I’m grateful to CBS for giving me this opportunity for more than 30 years, and I salute the men and women who have won this honor before me.” A nine-time Hall of Fame inductee, Lesley Visser has a long list of “firsts” to her credit. She was the first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first to win the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy, and the first recipient of the Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. Lesley’s memoir, Sometimes You Have to Cross When It Says Don’t Walk, reflects her impressive journey of breaking barriers and has been optioned for both TV and film. The annual TV & Film Awards Storytellers Gala, featuring winners and industry executives from around the globe, will be streamed in May 2025. View the 
iHeartMedia Seattle’s Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM, announced (2/10) the debut of the new “MJ in the Midday” show, effective immediately. “MJ in the Midday” will broadcast weekdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. MJ in the Midday’s host Marc James, started his sports talk radio career in Miami and Fort Lauderdale in 2004. His career highlights include afternoon drive host for an ESPN radio affiliate in Tampa, FL, WFNZ afternoon drive radio host in Charlotte, NC and morning host on 92.9 “The Game” in Atlanta, GA. His radio career led him to a TV studio anchor position for New England Sports Network (NESN) in Boston, MA, where he also hosted shows on WEEI radio station. Since 2020, James has worked for Sports Talk Florida covering sporting events in the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida. He also hosted a college football podcast on the BLEAV Network. “Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM is literally my dream job,” James tells TALKERS. “I am honored and eternally grateful to become part of this legacy station and its extremely bright future in Seattle.” 
“Marc James joining our family is big for us,” said Rich Moore, VP of programming for iHeartMedia Seattle. “We’re extremely excited to be bringing in a new passionate voice to the Seattle market. Marc’s experience and love for our market will win our listeners over for years to come.” “We’re excited to welcome Marc James to the iconic call letters of KJR,” said Mark Glynn, area president for iHeartMedia Washington. “Marc’s infectious energy plus his dynamic and engaging personality will bring an exciting new spark to Seattle sports talk.”
from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In 2022, the Lutzes moved to the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm slot to better accommodate their schedules. Bob Lutz is the founder and executive director of the League 42 baseball league that serves inner city and low-income youths, and Jeff Lutz is a full-time digital producer at KWCH-TV, Wichita. In late 2024, KFH notified the duo that it wanted to move the syndicated Jim Rome show into their time slot and move them to the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot. The two tried to produce the show earlier in the day to air at 5:00 but Bob Lutz tells the Eagle that not speaking live with callers took the fun out of the show. 
Bonneville Phoenix announced 1/30 that longtime employee Erin Maloney has been named program director at Arizona Sports 98.7 (KMVP-FM) and ESPN 620 (KTAR-AM). “From starting as an intern in 2012 and growing into leadership roles throughout her career, no one is more passionate about our sports brands than Erin,” said Bonneville Phoenix SVP/MM Ryan Hatch. “She is so well respected by everyone in the market, and we are very excited for her to take this next step.” “I’m truly honored to step into the role of program director of Arizona Sports,” said Maloney.
“Working alongside the best in the business is not just a privilege, it’s a dream come true. I look forward to leading an exceptional team of talented individuals who consistently set the standard for excellence in the industry and taking Arizona Sports to new heights.” Maloney most recently served as APD and will replace programming veteran Brian Long who recently returned to Southern California to be with his family and program iHeart’s KFI AM 640, as well as KLAC-AM and KEIB-AM. Arizona Sports is the flagship station for the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona State University football and basketball.
decided they didn’t want to call it quits and began formulating a plan to take their talents to the digital realm. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, they are launching the streaming program “The Rush” today (1/27). The 6:00 am to 8:00 am show streams live on YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms five days per week. The duo survived a round of layoffs in 2020 after their program was canceled but listener blowback caused management to bring them back. 
WDAE’s weekday lineup, which already features “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” will now also broadcast FOX Sports Radio from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am ET, which includes “The Odd Couple with Kelvin Washington & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon,” and “The Ben Maller Show.” Additionally, WDAE will broadcast FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends. “We are thrilled to announce the further expansion of FOX Sports Radio programming to our lineup, which features the best sports content and personalities, both local and national,” said Nick Wize, WDAE program director. “We believe this expansion will provide our audience with even more engaging and insightful sports talk, continuing WDAE’s legacy as the ultimate meeting spot for the Tampa Bay sports fan.”
Toucher, who now co-hosts “Toucher & Hardy“ on 98.5 The Sports Hub, WBZ-FM, Boston took some time on this morning’s show (11/5) to address ”the elephant in the room.” Shertenlieb‘s new show on local classic rock outlet WZLX had been canceled after five months, and Toucher didn’t seem to have any sympathy for his former partner. In a story by reporter Nick O’ Malley posted on the news site MassLive.com, “I hate him,” Toucher said. “So, I was happy yesterday when I heard about this. But I was a little disheartened that he still carries none of the responsibility and takes none of the blame and still just can’t be honest.” Toucher and Shertenlieb co-hosted the “Toucher & Rich” show from 2009-2023, working together to produce one of Boston’s most popular morning shows. However, the show ran into issues in 2023. Toucher missed time due to personal and physical issues, including a stretch of time at an alcohol detox facility. In November, parent company Beasley Media said in a statement that Shertenlieb declined to accept a new contract. On Monday, Shertenlieb announced that he was “disappointed” that his show was being canceled after just five months. The radio host complained that management forced him to “alter the format” of the show by adding music. However, Toucher noted Tuesday that Shertenlieb’s show was a “ratings disaster.” “He not only did not bring in a new audience to that show, he alienated – based on ratings – their entire existing audience,” Toucher said. “He had like a third of the ratings that they got jockless in the morning … Yeah, management might have been a little concerned.” Toucher said that critics can paint the picture of his reaction however they like. But he did note that he and co-host Jon Wallach say they weren’t alone in celebrating the demise of Shertenlieb’s show. To see the complete article in MassLive.com, please 
featuring Brady Quinn, LaVar Arrington and Jonas Knox. The program will continue to air in the network’s 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET weekday timeslot on 380 stations nationwide. FSR and iHeartMedia executive Don Martin and Scott Shapiro say in a statement, “We’re so proud of what this trio has built with ‘Two Pros and a Cup of Joe.’ The unique combination of these dynamic personalities has created one of the most fun and entertaining sports morning shows, and we continue to hear excellent feedback from advertisers, affiliates and listeners alike. They are the perfect kickoff to our weekday lineup, and we look forward to extending our relationship for years to come.”
on Monday, September 2. The new sports talker will feature the FOX Sports Radio lineup in addition to the Sacramento-based program, “The Rob, Anybody, and Dawn Show,” (Rob Williams and Dawn Rossi) in morning drive. Station general manager Kurt Bagelmann says, “Lotus is ecstatic to deliver a game-changing experience to Northern California listeners by combining the market’s most iconic morning show, ‘Rob, Anybody & Dawn,’ with the powerhouse lineup of FOX Sports Radio. This dynamic one-two punch, now available for the first time on both AM and FM, is poised to redefine the sports radio landscape in Sacramento.”
that partner with Audacy’s own sports talk stations. Some of the key takeaways from this study include: 1) Sports fans are 4x more likely to trust brands that support their teams; 2) Listeners are 4x more likely to catch a brand’s message on sports radio than on TV; 3) 73% of fans spend more time following their favorite teams on sports audio than sports-related digital media; and 4) Brands that advertise on Audacy sports stations enjoy a 40% lift in usage. 
City; KOSY-FM, Cedar Rapids; KXIC-AM, Iowa City; and WFXN-AM, Quad Cities. The company says programming will highlight sports from University of Iowa, Iowa State University, various high schools and other local sports topics. The program lineup is: “The Morning Rush with Travis Justice and Ross Peterson” from 6:00 am to 8:00 am; FOX Sports Radio’s Dan Patrick from 8:00 am to 11:00 am; FSR’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon; “Miller and Condon” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm; and “The Drive with Heather and Sean” from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Interamercana de Radio SA de CV, Flagstaff, Arizona-based ad agency owner Bill Hagen leased the signal and launched a new sports format as “The Mightier 1090 ESPN” built around San Diego sports talk personalities including Scott Kaplan. Hagen tells the Times he’s not disappointed and says considering the launch of the station during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 was definitely a challenge. He says, “We accomplished something that had never been done before and during a very challenging time in the economy and broadcasting.” 
radio station of the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and broadcast all pre-, regular and post-season games. Chiefs games will be simulcast on 106.5 The Wolf “WDAF-FM” for the 2024 season.” The station will also serve as the play-by-play home of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas State University and University of Missouri men’s basketball and football. The station’s weekday programming and play-by-play content will also be heard on KFNZ-AM “The Fan AM 610,” formerly known as KCSP-AM. Audacy Kansas City SVP and market manager Roxanne Marati comments, “Kansas City has the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve a one-stop destination for premium sports content year-round. This is an exciting time for KC sports, and our exclusive partnership with the World Champion Chiefs, local content and engaging personalities with unrivaled sports knowledge will fuel fandom, bring listeners closer to the action and keep them connected to their favorite teams.”
2003 and 2004 Super Bowl winning radio broadcasts, followed by the inaugural “Felger & Mazz” show. Throughout its 15-year history, the station has received numerous industry accolades, including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “Sports Station of the Year” in 2011, 2014, 2019 and 2023. Station program director Rick Radzik says, “For me, being with the station since day one, I have always felt proud and privileged to be a part of the ‘Sports Hub’ team these past 15 years. We look forward to celebrating the milestone all next week on air and online with many stories and recollections from our on-air talent.”
the HD2 channel of talk WTKK-FM. It will be branded “FOX Sports 106.1 FM HD2” and feature the full lineup of the FOX Sports Radio network. iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group – Raleigh president Michael Burger says, “Raleigh/Durham has long been a market that has celebrated the best in athletics. Partnering with FOX Sports Radio is an incredible opportunity to share the news and stories that shape the sports world daily. This partnership will also bring unique sponsorships and marketing engagement for existing and new clients. We are incredibly excited to add FOX Sports Radio to our already strong lineup.”