WDWS-AM, WHMS AND WKIO TO ALL THREE BROADCAST ILLINI ATHLETICS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, Fighting Illini Sports Properties, announced Monday a multi-year extension with DWS, Inc., continuing a longtime partnership between the stations and the Fighting Illini.
WDWS-AM (Newstalk 1400) and WHMS (Lite Rock 97.5) will play host to all football, men’s basketball games and coaches’ shows. Women’s basketball, select baseball, volleyball and select softball games will air on WDWS. The Daily Show will air on these two stations as well as WKIO (Classic Hits 107.9). All aspects of the Fighting Illini Sports Network are overseen and managed by Learfield Sports’ Fighting Illini Sports Properties.
“We are honored to be continuing our seventy seven year broadcast relationship with University of Illinois Athletics,” said Mike Haile, vice president/general manager, DWS Inc. “We’re excited that Brian Barnhart, Steve Kelly, Dave Loane and Ed Bond from our staff will continue in their roles of describing Fighting Illini Athletics on great stations throughout the State of Illinois and online world wide.”
As an official corporate partner of Fighting Illini Sports Properties and Illini Athletics, the partnership includes an assortment of exciting elements to engage fans and promote Illini Athletics.
“This partnership allows us to provide extended coverage to our passionate fans and alumni,” said Illinois Athletics Director, Mike Thomas. “The partnership between Illini Athletics and these flagship stations has been fostered over many decades, and we couldn’t be more encouraged to continue on with them for the coming athletic year.”
“We’re thrilled to have these three flagship stations on board with us again for this athletic year,” said Fighting Illini Sports Properties’ General Manger Chris Andrews. “This partnership enables the greatest exposure for the Illini brand and fans in the Champaign-Urbana market.”
Fighting Illini Sports Properties is one of nearly 100 collegiate properties managed by Learfield Sports. The company has prominence in all of the major conferences and titles the prestigious Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. Learfield represents collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas for their respective multimedia rights and sponsorship initiatives, and offers these partners with professional concessions and ticket sales, licensing and trademark consulting and digital platform expertise through its owned companies. To learn more about its history, businesses and job opportunities, please visit www.learfieldsports.com.