ESPN Peoria programming can now be heard on 101.1 FM.  The move allows for better coverage of Peoria and the nearby communities to the East and North.

“The demand for sports is greater than ever and being able to provide unparalleled information, opinion, insight, and play-by-play makes this a home run!” explains GM Michael Rea.  “Sports are an integral part of life for so many.  We are excited to be able to better provide that content on a signal that has great penetration and an expanded coverage area.”

In addition to award winning national programming from ESPN Radio, ESPN Peoria includes local sports legend Jim Mattson hosting the 3 hour Jim Mattson Show with Tim van Straten weekdays from 3 – 6pm and Saturday Morning Kickoff from 7 – 9am.  Mattson, now in his tenth year as part of the ESPN family, has been covering local, regional, and national sports for almost 30 years and is also the Sports Director for WEEK-TV.  “I love the input we get from Central Illinois sports fans every time we open up the phone or text lines.  This move will allow us to interact with even more listeners.”

Additionally, ESPN Peoria will continue to broadcast play-by-play of Chicago Cubs baseball, University of Illinois football and basketball, and all major sporting events including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, MLB All-Star game, and World Series.

ESPN Peoria programming will continue to air on 96.5 FM, in addition to 101.1 FM, during this transition period until a decision is made on a new format for 96.5 FM.