ESPN New York, a prominent radio station, has recently made a significant decision that will have a profound impact on its future.
ESPN New York is dropping its 98.7 FM signal https://t.co/Lt0gVOOa8L
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 20, 2023
As of August 31, 2024, the station will be dropping its 98.7 FM signal, shifting its focus towards digital distribution. This move highlights the changing landscape of radio, where listeners now prefer digital platforms to consume audio content.
“We’re committed to serving the New York sports fans and with the combination of our AM signal, the ESPN New York App, podcasts, smart speakers, YES, and other additional audio and video distribution, investing in an FM signal was not relevant in the way it was a decade ago,” Good Karma Brands CEO and founder Craig Karmazin told The Post.
With this shift, ESPN New York aims to optimize its programming, including popular shows like The Michael Kay Show and radio broadcasts of the New York Jets, Knicks, and Rangers.
While ESPN New York is reevaluating its broadcasting strategy, it leaves rival station WFAN as the sole major player with a signal on both 101.9 FM and 660 AM. This change in the radio landscape ended the ratings war between WFAN and ESPN Radio, which used to create intense competition.
However, to ensure a smooth transition into the digital era, ESPN New York has enlisted the services of Good Karma Brands, a company that owns multiple radio stations across the United States, including several ESPN Radio affiliates.
ESPN New York’s decision to drop its FM signal was primarily driven by financial considerations. The station’s lease agreement with Emmis Broadcasting, the owner of the 98.7 FM signal, expires on August 31.
After this date, Emmis will have the freedom to sell or rent the FM signal to another party. Reports suggest that Emmis is seeking a hefty price tag of $50 million to sell the signal outright.
