Catching every thrilling moment of Los Angeles Chargers football action has never been easier thanks to the team’s official radio network. Fans can tune in to hear every bone-crushing tackle and touchdown celebration through crystal-clear game day broadcasts.
The Chargers’ radio network delivers more than just play-by-play commentary. It’s a complete football experience featuring pre-game analysis, exclusive player interviews, and post-game breakdowns that keep fans connected to their favorite team. Whether stuck in LA traffic or working late at the office, devoted Chargers supporters won’t miss a single snap of the action.
The History of Chargers Radio Broadcasting
The Chargers’ radio broadcasting legacy spans six decades, evolving from local San Diego coverage to a comprehensive Los Angeles media network. Radio broadcasts connect fans to live game action through play-by-play commentary, sideline reporting, and expert analysis.
Early Radio Coverage in San Diego
KFMB Radio 760 AM launched Chargers game broadcasts in 1961, marking the team’s first radio partnership in San Diego. The station featured iconic broadcasters like Ralph Lawler and Lee Hamilton who delivered memorable play-by-play coverage through the 1970s. Clear Channel Communications took over broadcasting rights in 1998, moving games to KIOZ Rock 105.3 FM and KLSD 1360 AM. Rock 105.3 FM became synonymous with Chargers football, featuring Josh Lewin and Hank Bauer as the primary broadcast team for 12 seasons. Local programming expanded to include pre-game tailgate shows, post-game analysis segments, and weekday coach’s corner segments.
Move to Los Angeles Market
The Chargers’ relocation to Los Angeles in 2017 brought significant changes to radio broadcasting operations. iHeartMedia secured broadcasting rights, establishing KYSR-FM ALT 98.7 as the flagship station. The network expanded coverage across Southern California through affiliate partnerships with KLAC 570 AM, KFI 640 AM, and KFWB 980 AM. Spanish language broadcasts launched on KFWB 980 AM, reaching Latino fans throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Matt “Money” Smith and Daniel Jeremiah emerged as the new voices of Chargers radio, bringing fresh energy to game-day coverage.
Official Radio Network Partners
The Los Angeles Chargers maintain strategic partnerships with multiple radio stations to deliver comprehensive game coverage across Southern California. These partnerships ensure fans receive high-quality broadcasts of every game along with supplementary programming.
Flagship Station Details
ALT 98.7 FM (KYSR) serves as the Chargers’ flagship English-language station, broadcasting from Los Angeles with a powerful signal reaching across the metropolitan area. The station provides complete game coverage including pre-game shows starting 3 hours before kickoff post-game analysis extending 2 hours after the final whistle. ESPN LA 710 AM supplements coverage with additional Chargers-focused programming throughout the week. For Spanish-language broadcasts, KFWB 980 AM delivers play-by-play commentary to Latino audiences throughout Southern California.
Affiliate Network Coverage
The Chargers’ radio network extends beyond Los Angeles through partnerships with 11 affiliate stations spanning Southern California. Key markets include San Diego (97.3 The Fan) Palm Springs (ESPN Radio 103.9 FM) Santa Barbara (KIST 107.7 FM) Bakersfield (KGEO 1230 AM). These affiliates broadcast all regular season games playoff matchups ensuring fans maintain connection to the team regardless of location. The network reaches approximately 20 million potential listeners across five counties providing both English Spanish language coverage options.
Game Day Broadcasting Team
The Los Angeles Chargers radio broadcasts feature seasoned professionals who deliver expert commentary and analysis during every game. The broadcasting team combines veteran experience with deep football knowledge to enhance the listening experience.
Play-by-Play Announcers
Matt “Money” Smith leads the play-by-play coverage for Chargers games on ALT 98.7 FM. Smith joined the Chargers’ broadcast team in 2017 following the team’s relocation to Los Angeles. His dynamic calling style captures the intensity of crucial game moments with precision detail. Smith brings 25 years of sports broadcasting experience to the booth, including roles with NFL Network Fox Sports. The Spanish language broadcasts feature Francisco Pinto delivering play-by-play action on KFWB 980 AM, connecting with Latino fans across Southern California.
Color Commentary Experts
Daniel Jeremiah provides expert color commentary alongside Smith during game broadcasts. Jeremiah’s background as a former NFL scout for three teams enriches his analysis with technical insights. His ability to break down complex football strategies helps listeners understand key plays moment by moment. Jeremiah balances his Chargers radio duties with his role as NFL Network’s lead draft analyst. Adrian Garcia-Marquez complements Francisco Pinto on Spanish broadcasts, offering detailed tactical observations from his extensive football broadcasting background.
Programming and Show Formats
The Chargers radio network delivers comprehensive game-day programming through structured segments designed to maximize fan engagement. Each broadcast incorporates specialized segments that focus on different aspects of the game experience.
Pre-Game Coverage
The pre-game show starts 2 hours before kickoff on ALT 98.7 FM with insider access to team preparations. Matt “Money” Smith hosts “Chargers Game Plan,” featuring exclusive player interviews from the locker room. Daniel Jeremiah provides matchup analysis based on his NFL scouting expertise. The broadcast includes injury updates from team doctors along with real-time weather reports from the stadium. Fans gain access to starting lineup announcements 45 minutes before kickoff while listening to player profiles highlighting key performers in that day’s matchup.
Post-Game Analysis
Post-game coverage extends 90 minutes after the final whistle with “Chargers Wrap-Up” on ALT 98.7 FM. The segment includes locker room interviews capturing immediate player reactions. Daniel Jeremiah breaks down crucial plays that impacted the game’s outcome. Listeners hear press conference audio from head coach Brandon Staley addressing key decisions. Statistical leaders receive spotlight treatment through data-driven analysis segments. The broadcast features call-in opportunities for fans to share their perspectives on the team’s performance with the broadcasting crew.
Digital and Streaming Options
The Los Angeles Chargers offer digital streaming services that connect fans to live game broadcasts across multiple platforms. These modern solutions complement traditional radio broadcasts by providing flexible listening options for tech-savvy fans.
Mobile App Access
The Official Chargers Mobile App delivers live game audio streams directly to smartphones. Users gain access to both English language broadcasts from ALT 98.7 FM and Spanish coverage from KFWB 980 AM through the app’s built-in radio feature. The app includes additional features like real-time statistics, player updates and exclusive content. Fans can download the app for free on iOS through the Apple App Store or Android via Google Play Store. Push notifications alert listeners about game starts, scoring plays and other key moments.
Online Listening Platforms
The Chargers radio broadcasts stream live on iHeartRadio’s digital platform at no cost. Fans access game coverage through ALT 98.7’s dedicated online radio player or the iHeartRadio mobile app. The platform supports simultaneous listening across multiple devices including smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. Premium subscribers unlock enhanced features like offline listening and an ad-free experience. Partner stations ESPN LA 710 AM and KFWB 980 AM also provide streaming access through their respective websites and apps.
Special Programming Features
The Chargers radio network enriches game broadcasts with exclusive segments featuring team personnel interviews and analysis. These specialized programs create deeper connections between fans and the team through behind-the-scenes content.
Player Interviews
The radio network conducts in-depth player interviews during three dedicated weekly segments. “Chargers Rewind” airs every Tuesday, featuring game-changing players from recent matchups discussing crucial plays. “Bolts Insider” broadcasts on Thursdays, spotlighting different position groups and their specific roles in upcoming games. “Pregame Perspectives” runs 90 minutes before kickoff, offering real-time insights from starting players about their preparation and strategies. Each segment includes fan-submitted questions, creating interactive discussions between players and supporters.
Coach’s Corner Segments
Coach’s Corner delivers tactical analysis from the Chargers’ coaching staff three times per week. Head Coach Brandon Staley breaks down game plans every Wednesday in “Strategy Sessions.” Position coaches rotate through “X’s and O’s Review” on Fridays, explaining unit-specific techniques and formations. “Postgame Tactics” airs immediately after games, featuring coordinators’ analysis of key plays and strategic decisions. The segments include film study elements, with coaches explaining complex football concepts in accessible terms.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Chargers’ radio network stands as a testament to their commitment to fan engagement. Through innovative programming multiple language options and extensive regional coverage they’ve created an inclusive platform that brings the excitement of Chargers football to millions of listeners across Southern California.
With expert broadcasters comprehensive game coverage and interactive digital features the network continues to enhance the fan experience. Whether through traditional radio broadcasts or modern streaming platforms fans can stay connected to their team wherever they are making the Chargers radio network an essential part of the team’s legacy and future.
