An Eau Claire radio station that had dropped Sports for Classic Hits when it launched a new FM signal four years ago has reverted to its previous format in time for the Minnesota Twins’ season opener.
iHeartMedia’s W254CN/98.7 and WBIZ/1400 (Eau Claire) are now “98-7 The Fan,” using a mixture of syndicated programming and sports play-by-play from both Wisconsin and Minnesota. According to a video posted on its Facebook page, the new format launched at midday Friday after stunting with Christmas in July.
The format launch came hours before the Twins delayed season opener. Besides the Twins, “The Fan” will also carry the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, Milwaukee Bucks, and high school sports. (The Brewers and Packers are carried on other iHeart stations in Eau Claire.)
The regular lineup includes the Minneapolis-based “Power Trip” from 5:30-9, Milwaukee’s Jeff Kuhn from 9 to Noon, Minneapolis’ Dan “The Common Man” Cole from Noon to 3, Milwaukee’s “Drew & KB” from 3 to 6, and FOX Sports Radio.
“The Fan” competes with Mid-West Management’s “SportsTalk 105.1” (W286CK and WAYY/790), which carries a local morning show and CBS Sports Radio.
WBIZ’s previous Classic Hits format, dubbed “The Brew,” had competed with Mid-West’s “Greatest Hits 98.1” (WISM Altoona-Eau Claire).