CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, Fighting Illini Sports Properties, announced Wednesday a multi-year extension with Cumulus Rockford, calling for WROK-AM 1440 to continue its radio affiliate status through the 2015-’16 athletic season.
The continuation will ultimately mark 15 consecutive years for the Fighting Illini to be carried on Rockford’s No. 1 news/talk station. With the strongest signal in northern Illinois and topping Arbitron’s AM market ratings, WROK-AM 1440 will broadcast all football and men’s basketball games, as well as the Illini Today daily show. All aspects of the Fighting Illini Sports Network are overseen and managed by Learfield Sports’ Fighting Illini Sports Properties.
“We’re thrilled to continue this partnership with the Fighting Illini to keep Illinois football and basketball on the most powerful AM signal in northern Illinois,” said Becky Riojas, vice president, market manager for Cumulus Rockford. “We’re proud to serve the large contingent of Illini alumni and fans in the region.”
WROK-AM Program Director Scot Bertram added, “Fighting Illini fans are passionate, loyal and dedicated to their team, and for more than a decade, they’ve known us as the only station to turn to for live coverage of Illinois football and basketball. It’s wonderful news for us and the Rockford area that we get to keep the team together.”
“Our ongoing relationship is valuable for the University as well as the greater Illini fan base as WROK covers all of north central Illinois, which is critical on a football Saturday,” said Fighting Illini Sports Properties’ General Manger Chris Andrews. “We’re definitely pleased to extend our agreement with Rockford’s top station to enable the greatest exposure for the Illini brand and fans in that market reach.”
In addition to Illinois, Learfield Sports manages the multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions and associations and titles the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup with NACDA and USA Today. To learn more about the company’s 40-year history and comprehensive collegiate portfolio, visit www.learfieldsports.com