MUTS take back radio station

MeanGreen61 · June 19, 2005

Off the MUTS board. Vols out, Blue Raiders back in !

Raiders back on WGNS

Radio station drops UT football for MTSU

By Adam Sparks

sparks@dnj.com

MTSU radio has reached into its past to bring about the future.

Murfreesboro's WGNS 1450-AM will once again be the local flagship station for MTSU football and men's basketball games after more than a decade's absence from the Blue Raider airwaves.

WGNS has dropped its airing of Tennessee Vols football games in order to broadcast Blue Raider football contests. WGNS will also carry the coaches' shows "Andy Mac Live" and the "Kermit Davis Show."

"We're going to get that (Floyd) stadium filled, and for us, that meant calling the University of Tennessee and letting them know about our decision. The MTSU games will now totally replace (the Vols)," said WGNS station owner Bart Walker, a Blue Raider alumnus. "Tennessee understood, and now we're very proud to promote Blue Raider athletics and the university, in general."

The move for MTSU is part of a plan to solidify local support, including area businesses, under the Blue Raider umbrella.

"This is a partnership that we feel is very good for the community and local businesses of Rutherford County," said MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro. "We're excited about teaming up with WGNS for the 2005-06 season. WGNS has been Murfreesboro's radio station for nearly 60 years, and it has a loyal listnership and it is important for us to be a part of that."

WGNS has also vowed to add to the pregame coverage of football games and the promotional work of Blue Raider athletics.

"One big part of the deal was that (WGNS) would expand on the coverage of the tailgating and the pregame festivities and promotions," said MTSU marketing director Mark Meadows.

Added Walker: "We want to get right in the middle of the tailgating and the fans, so that everyone listening can hear the sound of the Blue Raider faithful and think, 'Man, I'm missing out if I'm not there.'"

WGNS broadcasts reach from Gallatin to the north, McMinnville to the east and Columbia to the west.

Blue Raider football and men's basketball games will also still be carried by campus station WMOT 89.5-FM. The Blue Raider Network will also add WVRY 105.1-FM as its flagship station in Nashville and the outlying areas.

"I just think this is a great fit," Walker said. "There is a growing investment in MTSU sports, especially with football since going (I-A), and we want to motivate everyone in the area and local businesses to jump on board. Everyone should want to make this work."

WGNS has set up an email account for suggestions from Blue Raider fans and listeners of how they would like MTSU athletics to be covered.

The email address is blueraider@1450wgns.com. Comments and suggestions can also be made by calling the station at 893-5373.

Originally published June 19, 2005