UI Athletics Inks Extension with News-Gazette Media

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 11, 2018

University of Illinois

University of Illinois Athletics has announced the continuation of a broadcast relationship with News-Gazette Media that has spanned more than three decades. The renewed partnership assures continuing coverage on News-Gazette Media-owned stations News/Talk WDWS-AM and WHMS-FM (Lite Rock 97.5)/Champaign, IL. Between the two stations, more than 150 live events will be aired each athletic season, including football, men's and women's basketball, baseball and women's volleyball, as well as coaches shows.

"We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with UI Athletics and Fighting Illini Sports Properties," said News-Gazette Media CEO and Publisher John Reed. "The fast-paced world of college athletics is a part of our business where we've consistently invested in top-tier talent for our organization. I'm personally thrilled with the opportunity to continue working with two entities who share the same philosophy. The future looks bright for The Fighting Illini, and we very much look forward to being a part of it."

Game action for Illini football and men's basketball will be simulcast on Lite Rock 97.5 and Newstalk 1400, while baseball, women's volleyball and the select softball games will be carried on Newstalk 1400.

"We are pleased to continue our long-time relationship with News-Gazette Media and radio stations WDWS and WHMS," said Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. "Fighting Illini fans in the Champaign-Urbana area have known for decades that those stations are the radio homes to our games, and this new agreement will increase the presence of our programs even more. We appreciate the efforts of Learfield and News-Gazette Media to put together this partnership."