The Wisconsin radio landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with iHeartMedia's recent decision to shift '97.3 The Game' WRNW Milwaukee to an AC format as 'B97.3' causing a ripple effect across the state. This move has led to a series of changes in programming and staffing, impacting both listeners and the industry.
The on-air team at WRNW will now be heard on '1070 The Game' WTSO Madison and 973TheGame.com, with some shows also airing on '98.7 The Fan' and sister stations like 1400 WBIZ/98.7 W254CN Eau Claire, which also carries programming from '100.3 KFAN' KFXN-FM Minneapolis. The new 'Game' lineup features Bill Schmid and Armen Saryan in the mornings, Doug Russell and Nick Bruesewitz in the afternoon drive, and Drew Olson and Kevin 'KB' Brandt in the late afternoons.
However, the changes don't stop there. Midwest Communications has dropped the 'Game' programming from its stations in Green Bay, Wausau, and Duluth, MN, opting instead to run the 'Inside Wisconsin Sports' lineup from Audacy's '105.7 The Fan' 1250 WSSP/105.7 W289CB Milwaukee. This new network, the 'Wisconsin Sports Radio Network', will bring a fresh take on local sports coverage, with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht in the morning, John Kuhn and Ramie Makhlouf in the midday slot, Mason Crosby and Mitch 'Thunder' Nelles in the afternoon, and Steve 'Sparky' Fifer in the evening.
These changes highlight the dynamic nature of the radio industry, where stations must adapt to stay competitive. As listeners, we'll need to adjust to these new programming shifts, and as industry professionals, it's a reminder of the constant evolution of media and the need to stay agile in a rapidly changing market.
