Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Clay Travis to Launch New Media Venture. After selling his Outkick platform to Fox Corporation earlier this year, Front Office Sports is reporting that Clay Travis is working on launching a new sports and politics media platform. The publication says that Travis has filed a trademark application for the name, “Sports & State.” See the Front Office Sports story here.

KBNW, Spokane to Carry Vandals Sports. KBNW, Spokane has aligned with Learfield’s Idaho Vandals Sports Properties to carry Idaho Vandals football and men’s basketball for the next two seasons. KBNW market manager Roger Nelson says, “We are excited to partner with Idaho Vandals Sports Properties to bring Idaho football and basketball game broadcasts to the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene market. The Vandals have a rich history in football and men’s basketball and have long been a leader in the Big Sky Conference. Approximately 16% of the University of Idaho’s alumni base reside in the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene metro and we look forward to developing a strong partnership with the Vandals and their fans.”

Rob Parker to Receive Innovator Award. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) announces that in conjunction with the induction of its 2026 Hall of Game class, it is recognizing FOX Sports Radio personality Rob Parker with the second annual JL Wilkinson “Innovator” Award during ceremonies on Saturday, September 26 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City.

Industry News

Horizon Broadcasting Launches Spokane News/Talker

Horizon Broadcasting is firing up a new news/talk station in the Spokane-Coeur d’ Alene market on KBNW at 107.1 FM and KSBN at 1230 AM. The company says that 107.1 FM | 1230 AM News Radio KBNW is being led by Keith Shipman, who has served as president & CEO of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters for the past decade and Roger Nelson, a Spokane broadcaster who’s served with the KXLY Broadcast Group and Phase 3 Digital. Shipman says, “Local imgbroadcasting is at its best when it informs, connects and serves the community. Our goal is to provide timely, relevant information that keeps the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene metropolitan area well informed, whether it’s breaking news, traffic slowdowns, severe weather or the stories shaping our region each day.” Nelson adds, “After more than 25 years in Spokane broadcasting, I’ve seen how important live and local news is when people need it most. News Radio KBNW is built to be present at the start and end of every weekday, delivering reliable information people can depend on, along with engaging and entertaining talk programs the rest of the broadcast day.”  The two say the news staff will consist of Steve Wilke, Joe Paisley, Erich Ebel and Scott Carlon.  Talk programs will include: Dave Ramsey, Mike Gallagaher, Lars Larson, and Armstrong & Getty.