WMAX-FM (Radio X)/Grand Rapids Set for Sports Flip

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Clear Channel is set to flip Alternative WMAX-FM (Radio X)/Grand Rapids to Sports as "ESPN 96.1" in mid-August. The move will give Grand Rapids a second FM Sports outlet, competing against Citadel's WBBL-FM (107.3 The Ball). The Ball previously held the radio rights to ESPN Radio until last May.

In addition to the ESPN Radio shows, including "Mike & Mike in the Morning," the station will add afternoon show that focuses solely on local and state sports. ESPN 96.1 also hopes to add Western Michigan football and basketball to its lineup this fall.

Market manager Tim Feagan told the Grand Rapids Press, "The tipping point was when we had the chance to get ESPN. It has the best programming and a tremendous depth of resources. When you have that as your backbone, you've got to take the opportunity and run with it."