Industry News

Audacy Splits KNX Simulcast to Launch “97.1 The Fan”

Audacy is launching an FM sports talk station in Los Angeles branded “97.1 The Fan.” The company is splitting the AM/FM simulcast of all-news KNX to give the LA market its first-ever FM sports talker. The move gives Audacy an FM sports talk outlet in all of the top 10 markets. Andrew Williams will serve as the station’s brand manager. Audacy says, “With the addition of ‘97.1 The Fan’ to its lineup alongside KNX News 1070, Audacy also increases its commitment to providing Los imgAngeles with even more of the best in local news, sports, traffic, and information. Both brands will also be available through the Audacy app, partner streaming platforms, and all social channels.” Audacy West regional president Jeff Federman states, “Los Angeles is the epicenter of the sports world, and ‘97.1 The Fan’ is its new voice. With legendary franchises and global events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the time was right to bring our industry-leading sports programming to this market. The Voice of LA Sports will be a 24/7, multiplatform home where fans are part of the conversation every day, building on the same commitment to local connection that has made KNX News a trusted cornerstone in Los Angeles and strengthening our overall offering.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero adds, “This launch further strengthens Audacy as the unrivaled leader in sports audio, reaching more sports listeners than our eight closest competitors combined. Adding Los Angeles – one of the most passionate and influential sports markets in the country – completes our presence across the top 10 markets and meaningfully expands our reach and scale. It allows us to deliver even greater impact for listeners and partners through premium content, unmatched distribution, and deeper fan engagement.”

Industry News

Howard Eskin Returns to WIP Saturday Show

According to a report in the New York Post, longtime WIP, Philadelphia personality Howard Eskin returned to his regular Saturday show on the Audacy sports talk station and addressed the incident that happened at Citizens Bank Park in late June that got him banned from the ballpark in late June. Eskin was banned from theim Citizens Bank Park and from the 76ers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey after an unwanted advance on an Aramark employee at the ballpark. Eskin was off WIP since that time. He said, in part, “I’d like to briefly address the recent reports about an incident at Citizens Bank Park. Now I’m not going to get into specifics other than to say that I recognize my actions have offended and upset her. I feel awful about that. I really do. I apologized to her at the time of the incident, and I apologize again now. I’m truly sorry that this did occur. I know a lot of you want me to say more about this, but I don’t intend to comment on this any further and hopefully you understand.”  See the Post story here.

Industry News

ESPN LA Hosts Pickleball Madness Tournament

Good Karma Brands and its Los Angeles sports talk station KSPN-AM “ESPN Los Angeles” are hosting the inaugural Pickleball Madness Tournament on Saturday, March 18 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Agape Pickleball Center. Fans will be able to interact and watch their favorite ESPN LA 710 AM personalities compete as well as have the opportunity to win prizes and giveaways, play pop-a-shot, attend pickleball demos and lessons, hang out in the beer garden, enjoy a live DJ and entertainment, watch college basketball, and more. GKB vice president Sam Pines comments, “We are excited to introduce a new event to the ESPN Los Angeles community and team up with our partners to execute at the highest level. The Pickleball Madness Tournament is a perfect opportunity for ESPN LA fans to connect with our content team and engage in one of the most popular sports in the country. We are looking forward to the event coming to life on March 18.

Industry News

Al Morganti to Ink Deal to Remain with WIP, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Jeff Blumenthal reports that WIP, Philadelphia morning drive personality Al Morganti will remain with the Audacy sports talk station for the next five years to host a hockey podcast and host weekend programs. The 69-year-old Morganti is a long-time co-host of Angelo Cataldi’s morning drive show and with Cataldi retiring from the station after the Philadelphia Eagles’ season ends, it was unclear what role Morganti would play with the station. In his piece, Blumenthal notes that when Audacy revealed that Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie would be the new morning drive show, it stated Morganti would continue to work for the station in some capacity. Morganti will host the hockey podcast twice per week during the season and once per week during the off-season. As for hosting weekend shows, there’s no indication he’ll have a regularly scheduled show, but will fill in when needed. Morganti also works for NBC Sports Philadelphia as a pre-and post-game analyst.