100.3 FM KDRB is Des Moines New
ISU Radio Flagship
Des Moines Station has Biggest Reach in Iowa
June 1, 2006
AMES - The strongest FM radio signal in the state is the new originator for Iowa State University football and men's basketball, beginning with the 2006-07 seasons.
The Cyclones' flagship station will be 100.3 FM (KDRB-Radio, "The Bus) in Des Moines.
According to Iowa State University Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard, the 100,000-watt station will help broaden the reach of
ISU athletics and enhance the Cyclone Radio Network significantly after the "Bus" takes over as the network's preeminent station.
"It's time to get on the bus and follow Cyclone Athletics," Pollard said of the new partnership. "When we entered into our multi-media agreements in February, we did so with the expectation that we would deliver radio coverage of Cyclone sports to all corners of our state."
The signal strength of KDRB is noteworthy and Pollard said that our staff will continue to work to fill any remaining gaps in coverage in-state with local affiliates. The Cyclone Radio Network currently has 33 stations in its family and those commitments are being firmed up this spring.
"Making Iowa State sports available on the radio to every household in the state is the fundamental goal to building our brand," Pollard said. "Never before has the radio coverage of Cyclone sports been so comprehensive within the state borders, and we hope to capitalize on this exciting opportunity to continue to build relations with current and future fans."
Joel McCrea, General Manager of Clear Channel, said that the signal strength and positive brand identity of the "Bus" creates a win-win situation for Iowa State.
"The bottom line is that we've positioned Cyclone Athletics to receive significantly increased coverage across the state of Iowa," McCrea said. "Adding the Cyclones to the programming menu of the `Bus' elevates the station's content and gives
ISU a powerful carrier."
Pollard said that providing game coverage of
ISU sports was the top initiative in the new multi-media arrangement and strengthening the state-wide reach of Cyclone Athletics has been in the works since last fall.
"We absolutely need to deliver game coverage to as large as of an audience as is possible," Pollard said. "When we secured our new multi-media rights deal, we did so with an eye toward expanding the radio reach of
ISU sports. The single-station strength of 100.3 FM takes us to a new level and creates a very strong foundation for our network, which we will continue to supplement with local affiliates as necessary."
Pollard added that the work of Clear Channel and McCrea was the impetus for the change.
"Cyclone fans across the region should be very appreciative of the aggressive and effective work of Joel (McCrea) and Clear Channel in dramatically improving our coverage zones in just four months," Pollard said. "It's a remarkable transformation in a short period of time, and Cyclone Nation will reap the benefits."
Pollard also said that the move of Steve Deace, former afternoon drive time sportstalk host on KXNO-Radio, to WHO will be beneficial to Cyclone Athletics.
"Steve's belief in our program and passion for sports suggests that the Cyclones will receive frequent mention on his new outlet at WHO, a 50,000-watt station that also encompasses the whole state," Pollard said. "I want to offer personal congratulations to Steve for the opportunity he's been given to broaden his career and thank him for his consistent support of
ISU."
WOI sports anchor John Walters and former Iowa State basketball player Eric Heft will continue to handle the play-by-play and color commentator duties on the radio network and Walters remains host on the call-in shows for football coach Dan McCarney and men's basketball coach Greg McDermott, which will continue to be aired on KXNO.
The Cyclone Radio Network continues work on building a separate network to carry Iowa State women's basketball. Rich Fellingham and Ed Steyer will continue to describe the action for Cyclone women's hoops. Additionally, all radio broadcasts and coaches shows will be available on-line at
www.cyclones.com beginning this fall.
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