You’re sitting in gridlock on I-75. Or maybe you’re out in a deer stand in rural Kentucky. The Bengals are kicking off in ten minutes, and your phone’s 5G is acting like it’s 2004. This is exactly why the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network still exists, and honestly, why it’s still the best way to experience a game. There’s something visceral about a radio call that a 4K TV broadcast just can’t replicate. You can hear the literal thud of a pads-on-pads collision through the airwaves before the announcer even finds his breath.
Most people think "radio" is just turning a dial and hoping for the best. It’s not. Between blackout rules, streaming lag, and the sprawling geography of "Who Dey" nation, finding the right frequency is actually kind of an art form.
The Voice of the Jungle: Who’s Actually Talking?
If you’ve listened to a game in the last decade, you know Dan Hoard. He’s the gold standard. He doesn’t just call the play; he paints the geometry of the field. Beside him sits Dave Lapham. If Hoard is the surgeon, "Lap" is the heartbeat. Dave Lapham is a former Bengals offensive lineman from the Ken Anderson era, and he brings a level of raw, unbridled energy that would be "too much" for a national TV spot but is perfect for the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network.
He’s famous for his "Ho-ly Moses!" and his tendency to start cheering mid-play. It’s authentic. You aren't getting some neutral, polished corporate robot. You're getting a guy who wore the stripes and wants to win as badly as you do.
The chemistry between them works because they balance each other out. Hoard gives you the down-and-distance, the personnel packages, and the clock management with pinpoint accuracy. Lapham gives you the "why." Why did that blitz fail? Because the left guard missed his chip block. You don't get that nuance from a 30-second highlight reel on social media.
Where to Find the Signal: The Flagship Triple Threat
The network is anchored by three major stations in Cincinnati: 700WLW, 102.7 WEBN, and 700-AM (ESPN 1530).
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Usually, the flagship is WLW. That’s the "Big One." With its 50,000-watt clear-channel signal, you can sometimes pick up Bengals games in the middle of Canada or down in Georgia on a clear night. It’s a beast. But here’s the thing: because WLW also carries the Cincinnati Reds, there are times—usually in September—where a scheduling conflict happens. When that happens, the Bengals might migrate over to 102.7 WEBN (the rock station) or ESPN 1530.
The Affiliate Web
Outside of the 513 area code, the network stretches across four states. We’re talking about dozens of stations.
- In Dayton, you’re usually looking for 1290 WHIO or 95.7 FM.
- Columbus fans generally lean on 105.7 The Zone.
- Heading south? Lexington has WLAP 630 AM.
- Westward? Louisville usually has a signal on WAVE 970.
If you are traveling, the signal can get spotty. The Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network isn't just one giant tower; it's a patchwork quilt of local stations. One minute you’re listening to clear play-by-play, and three miles later, you’re hearing a farm report from a different county. That’s the charm, or the frustration, depending on how close the score is.
The Streaming Loophole and the "Blackout" Problem
Here is where it gets annoying. You’d think in 2026, you could just go to the Bengals website and click "play." Well, sort of.
The NFL is very protective of its broadcasting rights. If you’re using the Bengals app or the official website, you can usually stream the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network for free—but only if you are within the geographic market. If you’re a Bengals fan living in Los Angeles or New York, those free streams will often be geo-blocked. Your phone's GPS tells the app you’re not in Cincy, and suddenly you’re met with a "this content is unavailable" message.
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How to actually get around it
- NFL+: This is the league’s official paid subscription. It’s a few bucks a month and gives you every radio broadcast for every team, no matter where you live. It’s the most reliable way for out-of-market fans.
- TuneIn Radio: Sometimes the premium version of TuneIn carries the feed. It’s hit or miss depending on the current year’s contract, so check before you pay.
- The "Old School" Method: If you have a high-quality AM radio with a good antenna, you can honestly catch 700WLW from hundreds of miles away once the sun goes down. The AM signal bounces off the ionosphere. It’s literally science.
Why the Radio Broadcast is Better Than the TV
Television is great for the visuals, obviously. But have you noticed the delay? If you are following a game thread on X (formerly Twitter) or getting "Score Alerts" on your phone, the TV broadcast is often 30 to 45 seconds behind real life.
The Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network is almost always "faster" than the TV. There’s less processing time for a radio signal than a digital 4K satellite stream. If you want to be the first to know about a touchdown before your neighbor screams, listen to the radio.
Also, the pre-game and post-game shows are significantly deeper. You get "Jungle Roar" and extensive interviews with Mike Brown, Duke Tobin, and the coaching staff that national networks like CBS or FOX simply don't have time for. They have to jump to the next game in the "doubleheader" window. The radio network stays with you. They’re there for the locker room speeches and the injury updates while the TV audience is watching car commercials.
Technical Nuance: AM vs. FM
Back in the day, football was an AM-only affair. It sounded scratchy. It had that "distant" feel. Today, most flagship stations simulcast on FM. 102.7 WEBN provides a "high-fidelity" version of the game. If you have a decent sound system in your truck, you can hear the crowd noise in the background—the "Who Dey" chant—in a way that feels like you’re actually standing in Paycor Stadium.
But AM still has its place. AM signals travel further and penetrate buildings better. If you’re working in a basement or a garage, that 700 AM signal is going to reach you when the FM signal might clip out.
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Practical Steps for the Next Game
Don't wait until kickoff to find your station.
First, download the Cincinnati Bengals Official App. It’s the easiest point of entry. Check the "Media" or "Radio" tab about 30 minutes before the game. If you’re local, you’re golden.
Second, if you’re driving through the Ohio River Valley, keep a list of the affiliate call signs. The geography of the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network is vast. If you lose the signal on one station, a quick scan of the AM band will usually find you another affiliate within thirty seconds.
Third, if you’re sync-ing the radio to the TV (a popular move for fans who hate the TV announcers), you’ll need a way to "pause" the radio. Since radio is faster, you’ll hear the play before you see it. Some apps like TuneIn allow you to pause and buffer the audio for a few seconds so you can perfectly line up Dan Hoard’s voice with Joe Burrow’s release of the ball.
The radio network is a lifeline. It’s the connection between the team and the fans that has survived the rise of the internet and the death of traditional media. It works because it’s local, it’s passionate, and it doesn't care about national narratives. It just cares about the Bengals.
To ensure you never miss a snap, bookmark the Bengals’ official "Radio Affiliates" map on their website. Stations change ownership and formats every year, so the station that carried the game last season might be playing 80s pop this year. Always verify the affiliate list during the preseason to stay ahead of the game.