LSU Sports Radio Network

LSU Sports Radio Network
Name	LSU Sports Radio Network
Country	United States
Area	Louisiana, regional
Format	Sports radio
Owner	LSU Athletics
Affiliations	IMG College

LSU Sports Radio Network is the official radio broadcasting arm for the athletic programs of Louisiana State University. Managed in partnership with IMG College, the network provides comprehensive live coverage of LSU Tigers football, LSU Tigers baseball, LSU Lady Tigers basketball, and other university sports. Its flagship station is WJBO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and it maintains a vast affiliate structure across the Gulf South region. The network is a primary source for fans seeking play-by-play commentary, expert analysis, and coach-led programming related to Southeastern Conference athletics.

History

The origins of the network trace back to early radio broadcasts of LSU Tigers football games in the mid-20th century, with coverage expanding significantly following the success of teams under coaches like Paul Dietzel and Charles McClendon. A formal, statewide network was solidified in the 1980s and 1990s, coinciding with the rise of college sports media rights and the national prominence of the LSU Tigers baseball program under Skip Bertman. Key partnerships, including a long-term agreement with IMG College, have shaped its modern structure, allowing for enhanced production quality and broader distribution. The network's evolution mirrors the growth of SEC Network television coverage and the increasing commercial value of NCAA athletics.

Affiliates

The network's flagship, WJBO in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serves as the primary originating station for most broadcasts. A strong lineup of affiliate stations spans the state, including major markets like New Orleans on WWL, Shreveport on KEEL, and Lafayette on KPEL. Additional affiliates in cities such as Lake Charles, Monroe, and Alexandria ensure statewide penetration. Select stations in neighboring states like Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas extend the network's reach to a regional audience, particularly for high-profile LSU Tigers football contests against rivals like the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Programming

Core programming is dominated by live play-by-play broadcasts of LSU Tigers football games, LSU Tigers baseball games, and LSU Lady Tigers basketball games. The network also produces extensive pre-game and post-game shows, such as the "LSU Football Pregame Show" and "Les Miles Call-In Show" during past eras. Weekly coach's shows featuring figures like Brian Kelly and Kim Mulkey offer insider analysis, while daily sports talk programs like "Off the Bench" provide year-round discussion of Southeastern Conference sports. Special event coverage includes NCAA Baseball Regionals, SEC Football Championship events, and College World Series appearances.

Notable personalities

Legendary play-by-play announcer Jim Hawthorne served as the "Voice of the Tigers" for decades, calling iconic moments in LSU Tigers football and LSU Tigers baseball history. Current lead football commentator Chris Blair succeeded Hawthorne and calls games alongside analysts like Doug Moreau and Gordy Rush. For LSU Tigers baseball, Patrick Wright and Matt Dunaway form the primary broadcast team. Former coaches, including Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Paul Mainieri, have been featured hosts on various network programs. Sports talk hosts such as Charles Hanagriff and H. Lee Lewis also contribute to the network's daily content.

Coverage areas

The network's primary coverage area encompasses the entire state of Louisiana, with strong signal penetration in the Florida Parishes, Acadiana, and North Louisiana regions. Its signal extends into portions of southern Mississippi, particularly the Gulf Coast area around Biloxi and Hattiesburg. Affiliates in eastern Texas (including Beaumont and Orange) and southern Arkansas (like El Dorado) capture significant alumni populations. For major events, such as games against the Florida Gators or Auburn Tigers, streaming options via the TuneIn app provide national and international access.

Broadcast rights

Broadcast rights are managed through a multi-faceted agreement between LSU Athletics, IMG College, and the Southeastern Conference. IMG College holds the overarching multimedia rights, which include radio, for LSU Tigers sports as part of the SEC's conference-wide deal. Local advertising and sponsorship sales are often handled in conjunction with the flagship station, WJBO. The network's operations are distinct from but complementary to television rights held by ESPN, CBS Sports, and the SEC Network. These agreements ensure the network's financial model supports extensive affiliate relations and high-quality production for all covered sports.

Category:Louisiana State University Category:Sports radio networks in the United States Category:Southeastern Conference