iHeartMedia has partnered with Metro Radio Group’s “Sports Talk 1400” KREF/99.3 K257DA Norman OK and has launched “94.7 The Ref” KREF-FM Oklahoma City replacing Classic Rock “94.7 The Brew” KBRU.
“The Ref” becomes the fourth full-powered FM Sports talker in the Oklahoma City market joining Cumulus Media’s “98.1 The Sports Animal” WWLS-FM The Village, Tyler Media’s “107.7 The Franchise” KRXO-FM and Perry Broadcasting’s rimshot “CBS Sports Radio 105.3” KINB Kingfisher. iHeart also runs Fox Sports Radio 24/7 on “1340 The Game” KGHM.
Midday host James Hale will not make the move with the station. Hale tweeted on Tuesday that last Friday was his last day as host of “Total Sports” from 12-2pm. The station’s lineup will continue to include “T-Row In The Morning” hosted by Toby Rowland and TJ Perry from 6-9am, “The Plank Show” with Chris Plank and Josh Helmer from 9am-12pm, and “The Rush” with Teddy Lehman and Tyler McComas from 2-6pm. Joining the station to host 12-2pm are former WWLS-FM and KRXO-FM host Mike Steely and recent OU graduate Parker Thune.
It’s official!!! You can now listen to our programming on 94.7 FM. pic.twitter.com/970Kjidu3r
— SportsTalk1400 (@Sportstalk1400) August 18, 2021
HeartMedia Oklahoma City announced today the debut of 94.7 FM The Ref Oklahoma Sports Talk, effective August 18.
In a unique broadcast agreement, 94.7 FM The Ref will broadcast all-things sports and feature KREF 1400 AM in Norman, Oklahoma, as part of the station’s weekday on-air lineup from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the station will broadcast industry-leading programming from FOX Sports Radio’s national lineup, featuring top sports commentators and analysts Chris Broussard, Rob Parker, Jason Smith, Mike Harmon and Ben Maller.
“We are thrilled to enter the sports talk arena with such an outstanding lineup,” said Jon Phillips, Area President for iHeartMedia Oklahoma. “This talent base is very aligned with Oklahoma University sports and we feel this will give us a unique advantage in creating content that is focused on the biggest sports entity in the state.”
“Hats off to SportsTalk Media in Norman for collecting and producing such compelling radio. We feel this partnership will greatly benefit both parties and ensure that Sooner fans can get reliable, accurate and timely coverage.” added Jon Phillips.
“Our team of talented on-air SportsTalk professionals welcomes the opportunity to bring ‘The Home of Sooner Fans’ to a large FM signal in addition to our 1400 AM signal and streaming platforms,” said Casey Vinyard, Owner at SportsTalk Media. “On behalf of the entire SportsTalk Media team, I’d like to thank Jon Phillips and iHeartMedia Oklahoma City for partnering with us at KREF.”
Full Weekday Programming Lineup:
Toby Rowland and TJ Perry 6 – 9 a.m.
Chris Plank and Josh Helmer 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Mike Steely and Parker Thune 12 – 2 p.m.
Teddy Lehman and Tyler McComas
2 – 6 p.m.
The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker
6 – 9 p.m.
The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
The Ben Maller Show 1– 5 a.m.
Outkick The Coverage 5-6 a.m.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com