LOS ANGELES, CA — Southland radio station KNX stopped broadcasting news on its FM frequency on Monday to make way for a new sports station.
KNX News will continue to broadcast on AM 1070, but will no longer be simulcast on 97.1 FM, according to Audacy, its owner.
Audacy on Monday launched a brand-new sports station on 97.1 FM, dubbed The Fan.
The Fan will focus on Southern California sports. Audacy described its format as an all-live, local weekday lineup.
"Los Angeles is the epicenter of the sports world, and 97.1 The Fan is its new voice," Jeff Federman, regional president of Audacy West, said in a statement. "With legendary franchises and global events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the time was right to bring our industry-leading sports programming to this market."
The station will launch without live play-by-play coverage, although the company said it will pursue rights agreements with local teams as they become available.
Morning programming from 6 to 10 a.m. will feature "Derek & Decker," hosted by former Lakers guard Derek Fisher and former professional baseball player Cody Decker.
Midday coverage from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will showcase "Brock & Alex," with former NFL safety Brock Vereen and broadcaster Alex Curry.
Afternoon drive time from 2 to 6 p.m. will be led by "D-Mac & Reiter," pairing sports media personality Doug McKain with CBS Sports columnist and radio host Bill Reiter.
Audacy's exiting AM sports station, KLAC, has the audio rights to the Dodgers, Clippers, Chargers and UCLA football, the Los Angeles Times reported.
KNX has broadcast on its AM station for over 100 years. It began simulcasting on 97.1 FM in 2021.
KNX News will also continue to be available through an online stream. It will also be available on the HD2 station of FM 97.1.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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