Audacy is boosting SportsRadio 610’s signal. The Houston sports outlet shifts to FM on August 13 and will rebrand as 95.7 The Fan.
What We Know: SportsRadio 610 has anchored Houston sports talk and served as the Texans’ longtime flagship. Audacy is now amplifying that reach on a 100,000-watt FM signal at 95.7. Moreover, the move fits a wider trend of shifting AM sports brands onto stronger FM frequencies. The switch lands August 13, the same day as the Texans’ preseason opener.
What They Said: (all quotes via 95.7 The Fan)
95.7 The Fan Brand Manager Parker Hillis: “This is an exciting announcement. Sports Radio 610, we’re growing. You heard it in the promo, and you’re going to hear it a lot from us as we get to this August 13th date, and as we go beyond it. We’re becoming louder, clearer, and better than ever.”
95.7 The Fan Sean Pendergast: “SportsRadio 610 was my first friend in Houston. I didn’t know anybody when I moved here. My first actual human being friends were all tied to the station in some way. They were all listeners, you know. Now for me to be on the air today on the day where it’s moving over to FM is a big emotional thing.”
Chris Oliviero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy: “Houston boasts some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve both the content and distribution that matches their energy. Between our incredibly entertaining and informative lineup of local hosts and our exclusive partnership with the Texans, we are the ultimate destination for Houston sports fans. Launching 95.7 The Fan as our tenth FM sports station in the top ten U.S. markets is a proud milestone and solidifies Audacy’s leadership in local sports audio. We can’t wait to bring this unbeatable coverage to even more fans so they can join the conversation and stay connected to the teams they love.”
95.7 The Fan Seth Payne: “It’s a better signal. It sounds better. It’s more consistent. You don’t have to worry about explaining to your kids why you’re switching over to the AM band. It’s easier for more people to find. When you recommend it to your friends, they’re going to listen to it. It’s really good for us, but it’s also most importantly, I think, really good for our listeners, and we’re able to deliver a better product.”
95.7 The Fan Brand Manager Parker Hillis: “610 is not going anywhere. What this means is we are taking what we do here on a day-to-day basis on SportsRadio 610 and amplifying it. We will be moving on August 13, which if anyone’s not looking at their calendars, you’ll recognize that as a really busy day for us. That’s the preseason opener for the Texans. So on that morning, we will broadcast a simulcast into perpetuity on 610 and 95.7 as 95.7 and 610 The Fan.”
What Remains Unclear: Audacy hasn’t detailed staffing changes for 95.7’s current adult hits format.
What It Means: Audacy’s push for sports radio on FM continues. Moreover, the company now has FM sports outlets in all of the top ten local radio markets. In addition, the rebrand puts SportsRadio 610 on clearer, more reliable terrain heading into football season. As a result, better reception could widen the audience right as Texans coverage ramps up. Additionally, for listeners and advertisers alike, the FM upgrade signals Audacy’s confidence in the brand’s future.
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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.