The Bay Area’s top-rated station is making a bold move to honor an Olympic champion. 96.5 KOIT is rebranding as “Alysa 96.5” on Monday, February 23rd. The tribute celebrates hometown star Alysa Liu.
The programming stunt follows Liu’s gold medal performance at Milano Cortina 2026. Moments after her win, she looked into the camera. “What is up Bay Area!” she shouted.
The clip quickly went viral across the region. Fans embraced the 20-year-old’s pride in Oakland.
Liu captured women’s singles gold on February 19th. She became the first American woman to win Olympic figure skating gold in 24 years. The victory ended a drought dating to Sarah Hughes at Salt Lake City 2002.
The Richmond native trains at Oakland Ice Center. Her roots remain firmly planted in the East Bay.
KOIT leadership said the temporary rename felt natural. The station wanted to match the energy surrounding Liu’s win.
“Alysa Liu has made the entire Bay Area proud,” said Brian Figula, Director of Programming Operations. “We wanted to celebrate her historic achievement in a way that reflects just how much she means to this community.”
Listeners can stream Alysa 96.5 at KOIT.com.
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