Advanced Media Partners has moved Sports “ESPN Peoria” from 96.5 WZPN Farmington IL to 101.1 WHPI Glasford replacing Variety Hits “101.1 Jack-FM“.
Both stations will simulcast for the short-term as the company prepares to debut a new format on 96.5 WZPN later this summer. While both stations are Class A’s the move of the Sports format to 101.1 gives it a better signal in Peoria proper.
The move took place at 3:00pm today as Jack announced he has “gone to find himself in Tahiti”.
Beginning June 6th, 2018 at 3:00pm with the Jim Mattson Show, ESPN Peoria programming can be heard on 101.1 FM. The move allows for better coverage of Peoria and the nearby communities to the East and North.
“The demand for sports is greater than ever and being able to provide unparalleled information, opinion, insight, and play-by-play makes this a home run!” explains General Manager Michael Rea. “Sports are an integral part of life for so many. We are excited to be able to better provide that content on a signal that has great penetration and an expanded coverage area.”
In addition to award winning national programming from ESPN Radio, ESPN Peoria includes local sports legend Jim Mattson hosting the 3 hour Jim Mattson Show with Tim van Straten weekdays from 3 – 6pm and Saturday Morning Kickoff from 7 – 9am. Mattson, now in his tenth year as part of the ESPN family, has been covering local, regional, and national sports for almost 30 years and is also the Sports Director for WEEK-TV. “I love the input we get from Central Illinois sports fans every time we open up the phone or text lines. This move will allow us to interact with even more listeners.”
Additionally, ESPN Peoria will continue to broadcast play-by-play of Chicago Cubs baseball, University of Illinois football and basketball, and all major sporting events including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, MLB All-Star game, and World Series.
ESPN Peoria programming will continue to air on 96.5 FM, in addition to 101.1 FM, during this transition period until a decision is made on a new format for 96.5 FM.
