Concurrent with the 2015-16 collegiate athletic season kicking off, NM State fans will recognize numerous enhancements and upgrades to their radio listening experience as unveiled today by Learfield Sports, NM State Athletics’ multimedia rights partner.
Enhancements for radio listeners include Learfield securing KDSK 1240 AM/93.7 FM in Albuquerque as the new home for Aggie football, men’s basketball and coaches’ shows. Gallup’s KYVA 1230 AM also will air select football games, men’s basketball games and coaches’ shows. Additionally, football fans will hear brand-new, specially produced pre-game feature segments, coupled with live studio college football updates.
“One of Learfield Sports main strengths is their knowledge of radio and broadcast production as well as their ability to build strong statewide radio networks!” said NM State Director of Athletics Mario Moccia. “We asked them to deliver the Aggies across the entire state of New Mexico and in an unbelievably short period of time they have made great strides. While we are always looking at expanding (El Paso, northern New Mexico and Spanish language broadcasts) we are pleased with their strong start out of the gate. I am also pleased that our Olympic sports will receive coverage over the air as well which will continue the emphasis we place on their importance.”
Returning for his 36th year is NM State Hall of Famer Jack Nixon, who Learfield retained as the iconic ‘Voice of the Aggies’ handling play-by-play duties for football and men’s basketball. Fans will be able to hear Nixon’s calls on Aggie Sports Network, and all radio broadcasts will be streamed on the official athletic website, NMStateSports.com. This year’s flagship stations include 570 KWML-AM/104.5 K283CG-FM in Las Cruces (football, men’s basketball, coaches’ shows) and 91.5 KRUX-FM in Las Cruces (women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball). Additionally, fans can hear the Aggies on 103.7 KNMZ-FM in Alamagordo (football, men’s basketball) and Carlsbad – 1240 KAMQ-AM (football, men’s basketball, coaches’ shows).
Beginning this fall, Learfield also introduces a new concept with affiliate partner KRUX-FM to benefit NM State students. As part of an initiative to create and feature student-generated content, the two parties will collaborate on an extensive program to train and provide students with opportunities for live radio play-by-play and color analyst experiences during select women’s basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball broadcasts.
“This is a wonderful profession that delivers a special enthusiasm to radio listeners during games, and I think it’s outstanding that Learfield Sports and KRUX are offering up this platform to future broadcasters,” said Nixon. “I have enjoyed sharing Aggie athletics and unforgettable moments over the airwaves for nearly four decades, and what a terrific hands-on opportunity this will be for the next generation of broadcasters and analysts.”
NM State students who are part of the Student Media department will be hired as broadcasts analysts and work closely with Learfield and 91.5 on the inaugural venture.
“We’re off and running with this partnership and couldn’t be more excited about what we have in store for fans this year,” said Chris Lahey, General Manager of NM State Sports Properties, Learfield’s local entity that oversees the Aggies’ rights.
Credit to New Mexico State’s website where this story was originally published
