Audacy’s 97.1 The Fan in Los Angeles has made a significant programming move just a month after launching the radio stations. The station named content creator James Koh as its first full-time weekday evening host.
What We Know: Koh will host The James Koh Show weekdays from 6-10 p.m. He has been hosting programs on various days since the station officially launched last month. Koh brings a decorated journalism background to the role. His credentials include Emmy Awards for Sports Reporter, Sports Story, and Video Journalist in 2012, an Associated Press Reporter of the Year honor in 2011, and an Edward R. Murrow Award for News Reporting. More recently, he earned back-to-back FSWA awards in 2020 and 2022 for Best Short-Form Fantasy Video.
What Remains Unclear: It is unknown if there will be any further full time additions to the lineup as constructed. In addition, if there will be more announcements regarding additional local programming on weekends as the station continues to build.
What It Means: 97.1 The Fan has officially positioned itself to deliver what no other sports radio station can in Los Angeles. A live and local lineup throughout the programming day from 6am-10pm local time. The appointment of Koh to the timeslot may be a month following the launch. However, his digital background brings an added element to the station. Also, his large fantasy football background is an added plus. It will be interesting to see if the station utilizes Koh in some capacity there. Koh’s rare blend of broadcast journalism and digital sports content expertise makes him a compelling choice. Furthermore, landing a multi-Emmy and Murrow-winning host elevates the station’s evening credibility significantly.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
