Dick Broadcasting will cease operations on Sports Betting “960 The Bull” WRNS Kinston NC on Friday, May 30. The company states that move is “part of the company’s ongoing efforts to align its media offerings with evolving audience preferences and media consumption habits”.

The longtime simulcast partner of Country 95.1 WRNS-FM Kinston, WRNS first flipped to Sports in April 2017 to serve as flagship for the then-new Down East Wood Ducks minor league baseball team. The Wood Ducks moved to Spartanburg SC before this season. It would move from CBS Sports Radio to Sports Betting utilizing VSiN’s network in August 2023.

Market Manager Tony Denton commented, “For decades, 960 AM Bet on the Bull, has been a valued part of our local community, providing information, entertainment, and connection. However, as listening habits change, we must focus our resources on stations that best position us for future growth, including our Digital platforms. We are deeply grateful to our loyal listeners, advertisers, and staff who have supported 960 AM Bet on the Bull over the years. We remain excited about new opportunities for content delivery and community engagement, especially as our community in Eastern North Carolina continues to experience tremendous growth.”

Dick’s announcement further said, “The company’s review of audience data, market trends, and continued evolution of technology, indicated that the AM station no longer aligns with our long-term vision for audience engagement and how community members consume audio content.”