Royals Embrace Newfangled Frequency Modulation
• Audacy and the Kansas City Royals this week announced a multi-year extension to their multiplatform partnership. KFNZ (96.5 The Fan)/Kansas City will now serve as the team’s new FM flagship, airing all Spring Training, regular and post-season games.
Royals’ games previously aired on the former KCSP-AM (610 Sports Radio), and that situation changed last summer when Audacy flipped KRBZ (ALT 96.5) to KFNZ (96.5 The Fan) and converted KCSP to simulcast of the FM, rebranding as KFNZ-AM (The Fan 610).
“We’re thrilled to extend our longstanding partnership with the Royals and, for the first time ever, bring every pitch, hit, and home run to fans on crystal-clear FM,” said Roxanne Marati, SVP/Market Manager, Audacy Kansas City. “As the premier home for everything Kansas City sports, we’re proud to be the go-to destination for Royals fans and keep them connected to their favorite team throughout the year.”
Brooks Sherman, Royals’ President of Business Operations, noted, “Audacy is an important and valued partner for us and has earned their reputation as one of our fans’ favorite platforms to connect with the Royals. Moving to FM is a positive for everyone, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Audacy to serve the needs of our passionate and knowledgeable fans.”
Royals’ Hall of Famer Denny Matthews returns for a remarkable 57th season, one of just four announcers in MLB history to broadcast the same team for more than 50 years. He’ll be joined again by Ryan Lefebvre, Jake Eisenberg and Steve Stewart, along with Producer/Engineer Eric Guthrie. 96.5 The Fan will feature pregame and postgame shows hosted by the station’s Royals insider, Josh Vernier.
