Audacy is making a bigger bet on sports gambling.
Continuing its rampup, it has announced format changes for seven broadcast stations that now become part of the BetQL Network.
All are on the AM dial, and there is one associated FM signal.
The company says its gambling-oriented programming can now be heard in 12 U.S. markets.
Here are the stations flipping to “The Bet”:
- Baltimore – The Bet 1300AM (WJZ-AM)
- Detroit – The Bet 1270AM (WXYT-AM)
- Houston – The Bet 650AM (KIKK-AM)
- Kansas City – The Bet 1660AM (KWOD-AM)
- Las Vegas – The Bet 1140AM (KXST-AM)
- New Orleans – The Bet 1350AM and 92.9FM (WWWL-AM) (launching June 28)
- Washington D.C. – The Bet 1580AM (WJFK-AM)
Audacy previously launched “The Bet” on an AM station in Denver and on two HD Radio multicast channels, one in Chicago, the other in L.A.
It says “BetQL Network” programming also can be heard on 560 The Joe WQAM (WQAM-AM) in Miami, The New Sportsradio 910 AM / 105.1 FM The Fan (WRNL-AM/FM) in Richmond and 980 The Team (WTEM-AM) in Washington D.C.
“Future stations will be announced in the coming months as markets legalize sports betting,” it stated. Also the company plans to distribute the network “via affiliate opportunities with additional network providers,” details yet to be announced.
The announcement was made by Jeff Sottolano, executive vice president of programming. Audacy also introduced an updated daily programming lineup for the network.
Sports is huge for Audacy, which describes itself as “the unrivaled leader in sports radio, reaching three times more people than the leading competitor.” It bases that on owning 39 all-sports stations and a portfolio that it says reaches 30 million sports fans monthly and is home to 41 professional teams and 50 Division I college programs. Its investment in radio programming centered around sports betting will be closely watched.
