In 2022, Milwaukee sports-talk station WSSP-AM (1250) made a significant change by dropping all of its local programming and local on-air hosts in favor of CBS sports content. However, they are now adding a local show back into their lineup starting on April 15. Radio Insight reported that WSSP will air “Wisconsin Sports Daily” from 2 to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The show will be hosted by Steve “Sparky” Fifer, a local sports-talk veteran who remained at the station as assistant program director after the changes were made.
In early 2022, Audacy, the station’s parent company, made the decision to replace the local on-air lineup with national CBS sports content which led to the lay off of 12 on-air personalities. Despite this, WSSP is now bringing back a local show with “Wisconsin Sports Daily” and Sparky Fifer at the helm. This move may provide a mix of local sports coverage and CBS content for listeners in the Milwaukee area.
The addition of a local show to WSSP’s programming could be a welcome change for sports fans in Milwaukee who missed the local perspective and connection that on-air hosts provide. With Sparky Fifer leading “Wisconsin Sports Daily,” listeners can expect an experienced and knowledgeable voice discussing all things Wisconsin sports during the afternoon drive time slot. This move could help WSSP regain some of its local audience and maintain relevance in the competitive sports-talk radio market.
Fifer has been with WSSP since 1998 and has played an important role in shaping its programming over the years as assistant program director. He brings a wealth of experience to his new role as host of “Wisconsin Sports Daily.” The show will cover all aspects of Wisconsin sports including college basketball, football, baseball, and more.
This move by WSSP shows that they are committed to providing their audience with quality content that is both informative and entertaining. The addition of Sparky Fifer as host should be well received by longtime listeners who have missed his insightful commentary in recent years.
Overall, this move by WSSP could prove to be a turning point for their ratings and overall success in the competitive radio market. It will be interesting to see how this new format performs among their audience over time.
