Jacksonville sports station 1010 XL first hit the airwaves on April 2, 2007, broadcasting live from the NCAA Final Four. The station’s goal was to bring local sports talk to the Jacksonville airwaves with live programming in place from 6a-7p Monday through Friday. A local investor group funded the start-up and the staff was built from the area’s most prominent sports personalities from radio, television and writers.
Since then, the station has continued to grow. An FM signal (WJXL-FM 92.5) was added in 2012, the radio rights to the Jacksonville Jaguars were secured in 2014, and the Florida Gators joined the station in 2021. Those additions combined with regular investments in on-air contributors, increased local programming, which now extends weeknights to 10pm ET, and the creation of an all-female weekly show ‘Helmets and Heels’, which helped launch the careers of numerous female talents have helped the brand cement its position in the local marketplace.
But those weren’t the only moves made to assure sustained success.
1010 XL has also partnered with the PGA, and featured play by play of high school sports and other local colleges. As the appetite for sports betting content increased, a content partnership was formed with VSiN. And now with the world seeking content across multiple platforms, the station has made a full fledged commitment to becoming multi-platform focused, making video, podcasting, and social media a key part of its programming strategy. The willingness to adapt and take risks are a key reason why the station has remained an integral part of the Jacksonville sports community, and one of the market’s top local billers.
“We greatly appreciate our partnerships with the Jaguars, Gators, PGA and local colleges and high schools,” said President and General Manage Steven Griffin. “I really believe we have realized our goal to be Jacksonville’s local sports outlet. We have more that we can and will do, but we have a programming, sales and support staff I wouldn’t trade for any in the country.”
To help the station celebrate 15-years in operation, the hosts are reflecting and reminiscing with callers, guests, and key people who have helped the brand enjoy sustained success. Additionally, 1010 XL created a 15th Anniversary video series, The Voices of 1010 XL, where on-air hosts have shared their personal stories related to the growth of the brand and their respective shows. It can be found at the 1010 XL YouTube Channel by clicking here.
