The airwaves are shifting in New England! Sports radio fans in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are in for a change.
Listeners will no longer be able to tune into WEEI shows on 103.7 FM, a station that has been a staple for Boston sports enthusiasts in the region. But here's the twist: it's not due to WEEI's departure. Instead, the station's owner, Audacy, is selling 103.7 WVEI-FM Providence to Ocean State Media, a nonprofit organization.
This acquisition is significant as it will enable Ocean State Media to reach a broader audience with a single frequency, 103.7. Currently, they rely on a network of five different frequencies to cover the area, causing listeners to switch channels while traveling. But soon, fans of The Greg Hill Show, Jones & Keefe, and WEEI Afternoons will have to find these shows on another dial.
And this is where it gets interesting: Audacy assures that they remain dedicated to the New England sports scene and have no plans to sell WEEI. They aim to relocate the Red Sox radio broadcasts to another station in the Providence area. This move comes after Audacy's recent financial struggles, having filed for bankruptcy in 2024 due to a significant decline in radio ad revenue.
Meanwhile, 98.5 The Sports Hub has consistently outperformed WEEI in ratings. The sale of 103.7 to Ocean State Media, pending FCC approval, will provide the nonprofit with a powerful platform to deliver local news and information across Rhode Island and beyond.
But what does this mean for sports fans in the region? Will they embrace the change, or long for the familiar WEEI shows? And what's next for WEEI? Only time will tell, and we invite you to share your thoughts on this evolving radio landscape.
