WBNS-FM

WBNS-FM (97.1 FM, 97.1 The Fan) is a radio station in Columbus, Ohio airing a sports radio format.

WBNS-FM features a combination of local programming and ESPN Radio programming, and is the flagship station for the Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball radio networks. The station is also the flagship station for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, and carries other play-by-play broadcasts from teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers.

History

The station debuted as WBNS-FM in 1957, and in 1970 began airing a music format. In 1979, an Easy Listening music format was adopted.

In 1991, the station became "Oldies B-97.1". In July, 2001, the station flipped to Modern AC as "The New 97.1", and ran commercial-free for several weeks.

Eventually, the station evolved with a Hot AC format as "97.1-More Music, More Variety." In August, 2005, the station adopted the Hot AC-friendly "Mix" name and became "Mix 97.1-80s, 90s, Now."

Conversion to sports format

On January 26, 2009, the station began a simulcast of AM sister station, 1460 The Fan WBNS, airing a sports format. The final song played under the "Mix 97.1" banner was Linkin Park's "Leave Out All The Rest".

The AM 1460 signal occasionally broadcasts alternative sports programming, such as network play-by-play of national sports events, under the on-air name "1460 ESPN Columbus". [1]

Local programming on WBNS includes "The Big Show" and "The Common Man and The Torg" with Mike Ricordati and Scott Torgerson. "The Kirk Herbstreit Show" airs Mondays at noon during football season.

External links

• Query the FCC's FM station database for WBNS
• Radio-Locator information on WBNS
• Query Arbitron's FM station database for WBNS