Sports Radio 101.1 in Peoria Adds FOX Sports Radio
Advanced Media Partners announces that it adds FOX Sports Radio’s lineup to its sports talk WZPN-FM, “Peoria’s Sports Radio 101.1.” The station adds the network’s “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Herd
with Colin Cowherd,” “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon” and “The Ben Maller Show.” It will also feature FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends. Advanced Media Partners operations manager Scott Hecathorn says, “Moving to FOX Sports is both creating an opportunity to give our listeners even more local sports content with our expanded local lineup, and also giving us the top-notch personalities from FOX Sports throughout the rest of the day. This is the biggest victory for Peoria since the Rivermen brought home the President’s Cup!”
locking myself up so I wouldn’t drink anymore, so I knew I wouldn’t drink. That’s how I felt like, I was like, all right, I’ve lost control, I’ve lost control of alcohol, I’ve lost control, I’m not thinking like me, I need to make sure that I’m in a position where I do not have the opportunity to drink. Was it fun? It was the worst five days of my entire life.” Toucher says he intends to continue the outpatient therapy treatments. “The setup I have right now is by far the most gnarly setup I’ve had. I’m talking about like four hours a day of intense therapy for alcohol and intense therapy for anxiety… Got out yesterday morning and immediately went to an outpatient facility, then went to a therapist. Right after the show today, I’m going back to that outpatient facility. So, I’m taking this recovery very, very seriously.” 
Media VP of programming Heath Cole comments, “Sports betting is quickly becoming part of the daily conversation. As we evaluated the options in this space, we landed on VSiN. Their programming is best-in-class and the support from the VSiN team goes well beyond the content we air on the station. From the short-form ‘Action Updates’ to the digital content the VSiN team creates for our listeners, we think this content is, by far, the best in the space. We’re very excited about the opportunity to bring this programming to our listeners.”
dismissed Napear’s suit last month but gave him 21 days to file an amended suit. Napear was let go after former Kings center 
Rich Shertenleib had taken a sick day, so the two haven’t worked together since Toucher accused his co-workers of not reaching out to him while he dealt with what was thought to be a cancer scare. He was ultimately diagnosed with leukoplakia, something that can be caused by smoking. Toucher told his listeners, “I have two pieces of advice: Do not smoke and get a second opinion. They thought that I had cancer. If you saw pictures of the original thing they took of my throat, there was a big lump on my vocal cord, like a big lump. I wasn’t supposed to talk for two weeks. And now it just turns out to be Leukoplakia.”
13.5 years at The Fan. @giglio_OG and I did some really great stuff in just over 3 years of the show. Thanks for making us part of your routines.” The story quotes Capitol Broadcasting general manager Brian Grube saying a replacement show will have a single host format. The station added, “We’ve decided to move in a new direction in afternoons on ‘99.9 The Fan’ that focuses on the best way to deliver fast-moving, informative, engaging local sports content that leverages the full scope of CBC’s powerful radio, TV and digital platforms…. We’re truly grateful for Joe Ovies’ and Joe Giglio’s many contributions and wish them both the best moving forward.” 
that national sports talk radio networks are “in a losing race against time.” Reimer says that long ago, sports fans were starved for sports talk and would tune in to national programming like ESPN’s. But now, he says, “The whole idea of national sports radio is anathema to the concept of destination programming. The content is supposed to be boilerplate, because hosts are expected to placate listeners across the country.” Fans who want to hear national sports hosts like Dan LeBatard or Bill Simmons can simply download their popular podcasts. 
Football, Masters, plus sports talk networks CBS Sports Radio and BetQL. Maguire reports to Stuart Greenblatt, SVP of affiliate sales for Westwood One. Maguire, who has served in management roles at stations including WMVP, Chicago; WQAM, Miami; KDKA, Pittsburgh; and KIRO-AM, Seattle, says, “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Westwood One Sports. They have long established themselves as best-in-class content curators and syndicators. I’m excited to team with our affiliate stations and partners to help them achieve success utilizing our many assets.”
Yesterday (4/10), his on-air partner Rich Shertenlieb read a statement from Toucher on the program that read: “My voice has been messed up for a long time. I had been going to doctors and they didn’t seem overly concerned. However, a listener heard me and put me in touch with a doctor he works with. I went and things didn’t go great. He found some things in my throat that concerned him. He told me not to worry because he could fix all of it. Not to sound dramatic but it is possible a listener saved my life by setting up that appointment.” Toucher also said via social media that he plans to be back but is under a “no talking” order from the doctor and adds, “To that, I am grateful, even though the doctor doesn’t take insurance. Between this and my divorce, I’m f—ed financially! Sorry kids – Christmas is going to look a lot different this year.”
“We’re continuing our growth trajectory every month and that’s directly correlated with the incredible OutKick talent that drives engaging content every day with personalities who are able to speak their minds.” OutKick also says it saw over 1 million social interactions on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram, up 258% in February 2023 versus February 2022. Additionally, YouTube Video Views for OutKick attracted 7.1 million views – up 487% from the prior year, according to Shareable.
CEO Nate Lundy says, “This is like a gift from the sports talk gods. When the opportunity to work with two talented, intelligent talk show hosts falls in your lap you jump at the chance.” Clough comments, “This is such a tremendous city for sports talk and the fans are some of the best in the country. After spending a few short months on the sidelines, I realized that I missed spending part of my day with those fans. I’m not only happy to be back on the air but thrilled to have Shawn again as my partner in crime.” Drotar adds, “As a Colorado native, understanding the privilege and the expectations of hosting a sports talk show in my own hometown has never been lost on me. To get back together with Sandy, the best that’s ever done it in Denver, is not only a treat, but gives us the opportunity to once again provide a completely unique perspective to fans about every single team along the Front Range.”
serving a suspension for his racially insensitive comments made on last Friday’s program. As TALKERS reported on Tuesday (2/21), Massarotti – who co-hosts the show with Mike Felger – on Monday (2/20) apologized for his comments. 
audience is far more passionate and engaged. This distinction has a significant impact on advertising effectiveness.” Highlights of the analysis include: 1) NCAA Basketball AM/FM radio listeners are a desirable group of consumers: They are more likely to work full time and are younger than the average American; 2) The NCAA March Madness AM/FM radio audience is highly engaged with sports: MRI Simmons finds NCAA March Madness AM/FM radio listeners attend many sporting events, seek out sports information on their phones, and are likely to play fantasy sports. The high levels of engagement translate into greater advertising effectiveness; and 3) NCAA March Madness AM/FM radio listeners are likely to make purchases across key consumer categories: AM/FM radio delivers consumers who are likely to buy a new or used vehicle, switch insurance providers, move residence, and refinance their mortgage. 
broadcasting remotely from a business center in a New Orleans hotel in which two Black people were sitting behind him. Referencing a previous trip to New Orleans in which Felger’s vehicle was stolen, Massarotti asked Felger if the two could hear him and when Felger replied that they couldn’t, he said, “OK, so I would be careful if I were you because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.” During his apology on Monday, Massarotti said he gets why the joke, intended to be poking fun at Felger, was wrong. “It didn’t come off that way. It came off as something far broader and ignorant, and I’m regretful of that… I sincerely apologize, and I will do my best to make sure it never happens again.”
says of their decision in 2021 to go with Outkick, “The timing was perfect, but we also had a chance to grow what we were already doing. We didn’t have to leave Nashville. We own our intellectual property; you don’t have that with radio companies. We’re able to form our own show company, so to speak, and we’re part of the much larger grand scheme of Clay’s vision.” Gallagher’s piece looks at the digital frontier the trio began exploring with Outkick and chronicles their return to the Nashville airwaves. 
voice Brad Feldman returns to the call alongside former Revolution and U.S. Men’s National Team forward Charlie Davies. Additionally, “98.5 The Sports Hub” will introduce “The Soccer Show” – a weekly one-hour program to air on Saturday mornings from 6:00 am to – 7:00 am. In Philadelphia, Beasley’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” announces a new partnership with the Philadelphia Union to serve as the club’s official radio broadcast partner. Primary hosts of Union match broadcasts will be Dave Leno and Sheanon Williams.
Gene. Gow Media CEO David Gow states, “We are thrilled to add Gene Thompson to our impressive roster of talent. ‘The Sports Kings’ are committed to producing two of the most informative, fast moving, and energetic hours in all of sports radio. I know our audience and affiliates will be excited about the show!” Thompson comments, “The Sports Kings are ecstatic to join Gow Media and the SportsMap Radio Network. We look forward to providing our listeners with an informational, entertaining and engaging show.”
bets in their ruthless pursuit to get new customers hooked on their products. In the years since the Supreme Court legalized sports betting, these unfettered advertisements have run rampant, with betting companies shelling out billions to ensure they reach every screen across America. These ads pose a particularly dangerous threat to adolescents and young adults unaware of the risks involved in gambling, and to individuals prone to addiction.” New York State Broadcasters 
Association, Inc president David Donovan states, “We oppose legislation that bans both mobile sports and casino sportsbook advertising in the United States. Advertising is essential to educate consumers in this highly competitive market. The tax revenue generated by sports betting has helped to finance essential government services for citizens throughout New York State. It has stimulated local economies in areas lacking job opportunities. Advertising revenue from these ads helps broadcast stations meet the needs of their communities by financing local news and public affairs programs. A ban on sports wagering advertising prevents all responsible adults from receiving information about a legal product in New York, raising significant constitutional issues. There are more effective options available to address issues concerning problem gambling and protecting children. We look forward to working with Congressman Tonko to explore these options.”
Daytona 500 on February 19. JVC Florida director of programming Stevie DeMann says, “ESPN Radio offers the access to play-by-play, nationally known talent, and athletes that cannot be replicated. ‘ESPN 660 Orlando’ will air events like the Daytona 500 and the College Football Playoffs, giving radio listeners long-awaited access to these ‘must listen to’ sports, that previously were not available in Central Florida. We will have the largest selection of compelling sports content on ESPN 660 Orlando.”
an NFL prospect who played football at the University of Virginia and Texas Southern University. Norfleet worked for the Houston Texans and the Houston Rockets before transitioning into broadcasting as a host, analyst, and sideline reporter. iHeartMedia Houston director of AM programming Bryan Erickson says, “Stan brings amazing passion to everything he does. He has strong local ties and we’re thrilled to add him to the team.” Norfleet comments, “It is a tremendous blessing and honor to join the renowned iHeartMedia Houston family. I have long been a fan and avid listener of ‘Sportstalk 790’ and respect the history and contributions of its personalities. My affinity for Space City spans nearly two decades and I look forward to connecting with old friends and new listeners in the market.”
rated program in February 2015. The ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ show, along with Rob ‘Hardy’ Poole, have consistently maintained their #1 midday ranking in the market.” Bertrand comments, “I’m thrilled to be continuing at ‘98.5 The Sports Hub.’ I take great pride in having been a part of the station since its inception. I’m fortunate to have great teammates on ‘Zolak & Bertrand’ and as a group, we are incredibly thankful for our loyal listeners. It is their support and engagement that makes this job fun every single day.” Program director Rick Radzik states, “We are very pleased to have Marc continue on with ‘the Sports Hub’ for the coming years. Marc, Zo & Hardy have been entertaining Boston sports fans since 2015. To have that relationship continue for the coming years is a win for everyone.”
sportsbook branded radio station in the country.” Hubbard Seattle market manager Trip Reeb says, “We’re thrilled to bring this first-of-its-kind partnership to this market and radio industry. Building on our long and successful partnership with Tulalip Resort Casino allows for countless cross promotional opportunities as well as the ability to capitalize on the rapid expansion we’ve seen in the sports betting space, as well as the specialized sports betting content VSiN delivers.”
the station’s carriage of the sports talk format branded as “CBS Sports 1360.”According to a 
Greenlite Ventures, Inc. announces that sports talk radio personality Jeff “Defo” DeForrest joins the company as director of podcast operations. In this role, DeForrest will work exclusively for the company as it is set to launch GRNL’s Sports and Gaming Network (SGN) in the coming weeks. The company says, “SGN’s first weekly podcast will feature Defo and Las Vegas sports betting legend Brandon Lang, who was the subject of the hit movie Two for the Money starring Matthew McConaughey as the real-life Brandon Lang and Al Pacino playing his mentor. As legal sports wagering continues to surge across America, SGN will soon be airing daily podcasts featuring some of the most knowledgeable, entertaining and successful handicappers in all areas of sports betting. Defo is currently developing and negotiating a wide range of podcast and licensing deals with a number of well-known names in broadcasting, horse racing, and sports wagering.”
iHeartMedia Washington, DC announces the launch of sports talk and sports betting station “1190 iHeartSports DC – The DMV’s Best Bet on Sports” broadcasting on WTSD-AM, W284CQ, and WWDC-HD2. The company says programming will consist of FOX Sports Radio weekdays from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm and VSiN, The Sports Betting Network content weekdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am and on weekends.
Her tremendous experience and great knowledge of the market will help us grow even stronger.” Jessamyn McIntyre most recently served as executive communications and engagement manager for the Washington State Department of Health. Prior to that, she was executive producer for KCPQ-TV, Tacoma “FOX 13” and Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “710 ESPN Seattle.” She began her career at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. In this role, McIntyre will be responsible for supporting all aspects of the radio station’s on-air experience and strategic execution off-air. She says, “I am beyond thrilled to return to the work I’ve been so passionate about my entire career. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity and for the many more to come with the Seattle institution that is KJR. More than anything, I am excited to connect with the passionate sports fans in Seattle once again. See you soon.”
