Audacy will launch Sports “97.1 The Fan” KNX-FM Los Angeles on Monday, May 11 at 6am as its News programming remains on 1070 KNX and 97.1 HD2.
Audacy Chief Business Officer Chris Oliviero said, “This launch further strengthens Audacy as the unrivaled leader in sports audio, reaching more sports listeners than our eight closest competitors combined. Adding Los Angeles—one of the most passionate and influential sports markets in the country—completes our presence across the top 10 markets and meaningfully expands our reach and scale. It allows us to deliver even greater impact for listeners and partners through premium content, unmatched distribution, and deeper fan engagement.”
Audacy West Regional President Jeff Federman said, “Los Angeles is the epicenter of the sports world, and 97.1 The Fan is its new voice. With legendary franchises and global events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the time was right to bring our industry-leading sports programming to this market. The Voice of LA Sports will be a 24/7, multiplatform home where fans are part of the conversation every day, building on the same commitment to local connection that has made KNX News a trusted cornerstone in Los Angeles and strengthening our overall offering.”
The new brand becomes Audacy’s 22nd FM Sports station across its portfolio and gives them a Sports brand in every top ten market. It becomes the first FM Sports talker in Los Angeles since the rimshot “107.1 Sports To The Max” in the mid 90s. No programming has been announced as of yet, but sister Variety Hits “93.1 Jack-FM” KCBS-FM has served as the FM home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams.
Andrew Williams, who most recently served as Brand Manager of Audacy’s “BetMGM Network“, will serve in that role at “97.1 The Fan“. Williams joined Audacy in August 2022 from SiriusXM, where he served as an Executive Producer of their soccer channel for eight years. He has also served as a a producer and co-host for WTMM Albany NY and podcast producer for MLS’ Chicago Fire FC.
KNX-FM will join iHeartMedia’s “AM 570” KLAC and Good Karma Brands’ “ESPN LA” 710 KSPN in the Sports format. Los Angeles Angels owned “AM 830” KLAA also carries some local sports programming and national ESPN programming not heard on KSPN in suburban Orange County.
