Sports radio in Wisconsin is getting a total makeover – and loyal fans are left wondering what happened to their favorite shows! Imagine tuning into your go-to station only to find it's morphed into something completely different. That's the drama unfolding right now, and trust me, it's sparking debates across the state about loyalty, business moves, and the future of local sports talk.
It all kicked off with iHeartMedia's bold decision to transform '97.3 The Game' WRNW in Milwaukee into a pop-oriented adult contemporary station called 'B97.3' this past Monday. For those new to radio lingo, a 'flip' means a station completely changes its format, programming, and vibe to attract a different audience – in this case, swapping sports chatter for upbeat music. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a smart pivot for ratings, or is it betraying die-hard sports enthusiasts who feel abandoned?
The ripple effects of this shift are echoing far beyond Milwaukee. The talented team behind the original 'Game' isn't disappearing, though. Listeners can still catch the on-air personalities on sister station '1070 The Game' WTSO in Madison, as well as through the online platform 973TheGame.com. Additionally, some programs are extending their reach to '98.7 The Fan' stations 1400 WBIZ and 98.7 W254CN in Eau Claire, which also feature content from their sibling in Minneapolis, '100.3 KFAN' KFXN-FM. This cross-station sharing shows how radio networks are adapting to keep shows alive, but it raises questions: Are fans okay with fragmented listening experiences, or do they crave the original local feel?
The new 'Game' schedule keeps the energy high with familiar faces. Mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. feature Bill Schmid and Armen Saryan, followed by Doug Russell and Nick Bruesewitz from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Drew Olson alongside Kevin 'KB' Brandt holding down the afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m. It's a solid lineup to maintain that sports discussion flow, and for beginners wondering why this matters, think of it like switching coaches mid-season – the team stays talented, but the home base changes.
And this is the part most people miss: The changes don't stop at iHeartMedia. According to Northpine's insights, Midwest Communications has dropped the original Game programming from their outlets in Green Bay, Wausau, and even Duluth, Minnesota. Instead, they're embracing a fresh wave from 'Inside Wisconsin' and Audacy's brand-new 'Wisconsin Sports Radio Network.' This network spotlights the roster from Audacy's '105.7 The Fan' – including 1250 WSSP and 105.7 W289CB in Milwaukee – which launched just last month with expanded local coverage. It's like a statewide sports party, but is it truly unifying fans, or creating divides between network loyalties?
Midwest's lineup is expanding too, as detailed in recent reports. Their stations – 1440 WNFL and 101.9 W270AJ in Green Bay, 99.7 WDKF in Sturgeon Bay, '93.9 The Game' 1390 WRIG and 93.9 W230BU in the Wausau area, plus '710 The Game' WDSM serving Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota – are now airing WSSP's invigorating array from 'Inside Wisconsin Sports.' That includes Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht kicking off mornings from 6 to 9 a.m., John Kuhn and Ramie Makhlouf in the popular 'Nine2Noon' slot from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Mason Crosby teamed with Mitch 'Thunder' Nelles from noon to 2 p.m., and Steve 'Sparky' Fifer wrapping up with 'Wisconsin Sports Daily' from 2 to 5 p.m. For newbies, this means a full day of sports talk, from breaking news to in-depth analysis, ensuring no game or athlete goes uncovered.
Bold move or risky gamble? These shifts highlight how radio is evolving in the digital age, blending local voices with broader networks. But what do you think – are these changes a win for sports fans, or do they dilute the unique charm of regional radio? Do you prefer sticking with originals, or embracing the new lineups? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you're cheering this on or calling for a timeout!
