WTSO (1070 AM broadcasting, "1070 The Game") is a commercial radio station in Madison, Wisconsin, known as "1070 The Game." The station is owned and operated by iHeartMedia, Inc., and airs a sports radio radio format. The offices and studios are on South Fish Hatchery Road in Fitchburg (but using Madison as its mailing address).
By day, WTSO is powered at 10,000 . Because 1070 AM is a clear-channel frequency reserved for Class A station KNX Los Angeles, at night, to avoid interference, WTSO must reduce its power to 5,000 watts and use a directional antenna with a six-tower array. (WTSO must also protect a former Class A station on 1070 AM in Moncton, New Brunswick, even though it switched to the FM band.) WTSO's transmitter is off East Tower Road in McFarland.
WTSO's live sports coverage includes broadcasts of Chicago Cubs MLB, NASCAR races from MRN Radio and PRN Radio, as well as local high school events, including championships in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association. WTSO also airs live broadcasts of some University of Wisconsin Badgers games along with sister station WIBA 1310 AM.
In the mid-1970s, the call sign was changed to WTSO to stand for Ten Seven zer O, its frequency. At that time, it was owned by Mid-Continent Broadcasting and aired in a country music format. As country music listening switched to the FM dial, WTSO tried a talk radio format and later adult standards.
In 2000, WTSO switched to its current all-sports format, initially as a network affiliate of ESPN Radio. It was called "Madison's ESPN Radio 10-7-0." On January 1, 2009, WTSO parted company with ESPN Radio and rebranded as "The Big 1070, Madison's Sports Station." It affiliated with Fox Sports Radio and later added some programming from NBC Sports Radio. (ESPN Radio programming now airs on WTLX.)
On February 3, 2020, WTSO rebranded as "1070 The Game." In March 2021, WTSO announced it would become the Chicago Cubs Radio Network's first Wisconsin affiliate, providing a locally based alternate to the Chicago-based WSCR, which also covers Southern Wisconsin with its signal.
From 2014 until February 1, 2020, WTSO programming was simulcast on FM broadcasting translator W265CV at 100.9 Hertz. "WTSO Brings More FM Sports To Madison," from RadioInsight, 8/4/2014 W265CV now airs a 1960s-1970s oldies format as "U-100.9".
WTSO's Previous Logo used from 2010 to 2014.
WTSO's Previous Logo used from 2014 to 2020.
WTSO's Previous Logo used from 2021 to 2023.
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