Detroit's prominent sports-talk radio station, 97.1 The Ticket, is set to significantly broaden its reach across Michigan. Starting December 1, the station's popular daily programming will be available on affiliate stations in several key markets, marking a major expansion of its sports coverage.
This move establishes a new statewide sports network, allowing more listeners to access live, local sports discussions and game broadcasts from across the state.
Key Takeaways
- 97.1 The Ticket's daily lineup will broadcast on new affiliate stations across Michigan.
- Expansion includes Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Roscommon.
- The network aims to solidify 97.1 as a leading source for Michigan sports audio content.
- Popular shows like 'Mike Valenti show with Rico Beard' will reach a wider audience.
The New Statewide Network Takes Shape
Audacy, the parent company of WXYT-FM, announced the finalization of this ambitious statewide sports network. The expansion means that sports fans outside the immediate Detroit area will now have direct radio access to The Ticket's extensive programming.
This initiative represents a strategic effort to consolidate sports-talk radio in Michigan. Listeners have long accessed 97.1 content through the Audacy app, but this network brings the broadcasts directly to local radio waves.
Expansion Markets
- Grand Rapids: 98.7 FM
- Lansing: 1240 AM
- Battle Creek: 95.3 FM
- Kalamazoo: 1360 AM
- Roscommon: 101.1 FM
Additional stations are expected to join the lineup in the coming months, further extending the network's footprint.
Leadership Expresses Enthusiasm for Growth
Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Detroit, highlighted the significance of this development. She emphasized the company's dedication to its audience.
"The launch of 97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network represents a massive commitment to our listeners and an exciting chapter in our growth," Kenyon stated. "We are proud to deliver best-in-class sports coverage to the entire state, solidifying our position as the essential source for Michigan sports audio content now and for years to come."
This commitment underscores the station's goal to become the definitive voice for Michigan sports. The expansion is designed to reach a broader demographic of sports enthusiasts who prefer traditional radio access.
Key Programming Reaching New Audiences
The entire daily lineup from 97.1 The Ticket will air on these new affiliate stations. This includes some of the most recognized voices in Michigan sports media.
The highly popular Mike Valenti show with Rico Beard, which broadcasts from 2 to 6 p.m. daily, is a cornerstone of the programming. Its reach will now extend far beyond its previous limits, bringing its strong opinions and analysis to new listeners.
Other notable shows, such as the 6 p.m. broadcast featuring Detroit News sports columnist Bob Wojnowski and co-host Jeff Riger, will also be part of the expanded network. This ensures a comprehensive sports-talk experience for listeners across the state.
A Legacy of Local Sports Coverage
97.1 The Ticket has a long history of providing extensive local sports-talk programming. The station broadcasts from 6 a.m. until midnight each weekday, with a significant focus on local content during weekends as well.
Beyond its talk shows, The Ticket serves as the flagship station for game broadcasts of four major Detroit professional sports teams: the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. This comprehensive coverage makes it a vital resource for fans.
Partnership with Townsquare Media
The expansion is a collaborative effort, with Audacy partnering with other media groups to facilitate the statewide reach. Erik Hellum, COO of Townsquare Media, expressed his organization's enthusiasm for the new partnership.
"97.1 The Ticket is one of America’s truly great sports stations, and we are very excited to partner with our friends at Audacy to bring best-in-class coverage of Detroit sports to our markets in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek," Hellum commented. "This is a big win for both our listeners and our clients."
This partnership highlights the mutual benefits of the network, promising enhanced content for listeners and new opportunities for advertisers across Michigan. The collaboration ensures a seamless delivery of high-quality sports content to a wider audience.
Recent Accolades for The Ticket
The expansion follows a period of recognition for 97.1 The Ticket. In October, the station received a prestigious industry award, solidifying its reputation for excellence in sports broadcasting.
The Ticket was named the winner of the Marconi Radio Awards as sports station of the year. This accolade further validates the quality of its programming and the dedication of its team, providing a strong foundation for its statewide expansion.
The award reflects the station's consistent performance and its impact on the sports media landscape. With this expansion, 97.1 The Ticket aims to build on its success and reach even greater heights in Michigan's sports broadcasting market.