The trickle down effect of iHeartMedia’s format flip to 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee has triggered a ripple effect across several Wisconsin radio markets, culminating in the launch of a new statewide sports talk network from Audacy.
Audacy has stepped in and introduced the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, syndicating the daytime lineup of Milwaukee’s 105.7 The Fan after iHeartMedia dropped its The Game Sports Network from its Milwaukee flagship at 97.3 The Game. The network rollout impacts multiple Midwest Communications stations which include WNFL/1440 and 101.9 in Green Bay, joined by new simulcast partner WDKF/99.7 in Sturgeon Bay-Green Bay.
WRIG 1390AM in Schofield-Wausau and 93.9FM in Rothschild-Wausau have also joined the newly formed radio network along with WDSM 710AM in Superior.
The affiliates were officially announced during the October 14 broadcast of the Nine2Noon show with Ramie Mahklouf and former Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn.
These stations previously carried iHeartMedia’s The Game Sports Network, which lost its Milwaukee flagship when WRNW flipped formats Monday to become B97.3.
Left over staff and programming from 97.3 The Game currently remains on iHeart stations 1070 The Game in Madison and WBIZ 1400AM in Eau Claire, it is no longer carried by iHeart’s remaining Milwaukee sports station, The Big 920. The programming also streams on YouTube and the iHeartRadio channels for the now defunct 97.3 The Game.
The Wisconsin Sports Radio Network’s daily programming aims to consolidate local sports talk into a statewide platform. Mornings feature Inside Wisconsin Sports with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht from 6 to 9 a.m., followed by Nine2Noon with John Kuhn and Ramie Makhlouf from 12 to 2 p.m. Mason Crosby joins the afternoon segment, while Steve “Sparky” Fifer hosts Wisconsin Sports Daily from 2 to 5 p.m.
The launch follows closely on the heels of WSSP’s recent additions of Inside Wisconsin Sports and Nine2Noon to its lineup, signaling a broader strategic push to consolidate local sports programming under a unified banner.
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