Jim Donovan is a name that makes grown men in Northeast Ohio get a little misty-eyed lately. If you’ve ever sat in a parked car in a Giant Eagle parking lot just to hear the final three minutes of a drive, you get it. Cleveland Browns game radio isn't just a broadcast; it’s basically the heartbeat of the city from September to January. There’s something about the way a radio call captures the desperation of a goal-line stand or the sheer, unadulterated chaos of a Nick Chubb breakaway that a 70-inch 4K TV just can't replicate. It’s raw. It’s visceral.
Honestly, the transition the team is going through right now in the booth is a big deal. With Donovan stepping away to focus on his health, Andrew Siciliano has stepped into some massive shoes. It’s a weird time for the "University Hospitals Cleveland Browns Radio Network," but the loyalty of the listeners hasn't budged an inch.
Finding the Cleveland Browns Game Radio Signal (Without Losing Your Mind)
You’d think in 2026 it would be easier to just "press play" and hear the game. It’s actually kinda complicated because of those pesky NFL blackout rules and digital rights management. Basically, if you’re within the 50,000-watt blast radius of 92.3 The Fan (WKRK-FM) or 98.5 WNCX, you’re golden. Those are the flagship stations. You turn the dial, you hear the pads popping, and life is good.
But what if you’re driving through the Pennsylvania border or stuck in a basement in Columbus?
- The Flagships: 92.3 The Fan is where the heavy lifting happens. They do the pre-game, the mid-game, and the five-hour post-game therapy sessions where fans call in to complain about play-calling.
- The Affiliate Map: There are over 25 affiliates across Ohio and even into West Virginia. Stations like WHBC in Canton or WAKR in Akron pick up the feed.
- The Digital Loophole: Here is where people get tripped up. You usually can't stream the play-by-play for free on the station's website if you’re outside the local market. The "Listen Live" button often switches to national talk shows the second the kickoff happens. To get the actual Cleveland Browns game radio feed on your phone, you usually need the Browns official app or a subscription to NFL+ (formerly Game Pass).
People often ask why they can't just use a standard radio app. It’s all about the money, obviously. The NFL protects those broadcast rights like they’re the crown jewels. If you're out of state, the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel is your best bet for the home-call feed, which is usually found on channel 227 or thereabouts depending on the weekly schedule.
The "Donovan Factor" and the Voice of the Fan
We have to talk about the legacy here. For over two decades, Jim Donovan provided the soundtrack to some of the most miserable—and occasionally glorious—football in history. When he shouted "Run, William, Run!" during William Green’s 64-yard sprint against the Falcons in 2002, he wasn't just reporting. He was screaming for all of us.
That’s why the radio broadcast matters so much in Cleveland. In other cities, the announcers are just guys in suits. In Cleveland, they’re family.
Andrew Siciliano, the new primary play-by-play voice, is a pro’s pro. You might know him from the NFL RedZone days (the DirecTV version). He’s a Browns fan at heart, which helps. He knows that a three-yard gain on first down isn’t just a stat; it’s a relief. He joins Nathan Zegura, who is essentially a human lightning bolt of energy in the booth. Zegura’s style is... polarising? Some people love the hype; some people miss the old-school grit of Doug Dieken.
Dieken, who retired recently after 34 years in the booth (and 14 years on the offensive line), was the steady hand. He was the guy who could explain a holding penalty while sounding like he was sharing a beer with you. The chemistry between a former player and a professional caller is the secret sauce of Cleveland Browns game radio.
The Logistics of a Sunday Broadcast
The broadcast day is an absolute marathon. It starts four hours before kickoff. Think about that. Four hours of talking about injuries, weather conditions at Huntington Bank Field (still feels weird not calling it FirstEnergy, right?), and offensive line matchups.
- The Pre-Game: Usually hosted by Ken Carman and Jerod Cherry. It’s high energy. It’s loud. It’s perfect for the tailgate.
- The Game: This is the sacred time.
- The Post-Game: This is where the real drama happens. Fans calling in from their cars on I-71, venting their frustrations. It’s part football analysis, part group counseling.
One thing that surprises people is the "delay." If you try to listen to the radio while watching the TV, the radio is usually about 5 to 10 seconds ahead of the cable feed. It’s annoying. You hear the touchdown on the radio, and then you have to wait for the TV to catch up. Some hardcore fans use "radio delay" apps or specialized hardware like the Sportscaster to sync the audio perfectly with the video. It’s a lot of work, but for many, hearing the local guys is better than listening to whatever national broadcast crew the networks assigned that week.
Why Radio Survives in the Age of Streaming
You’d think radio would be dead. It’s not. Especially not for the Browns.
Cleveland is a lunch-pail town. People are working on Sundays. They’re in garages, they’re painting houses, they’re driving deliveries. Cleveland Browns game radio is the only way they stay connected. Also, the radio crew doesn't have to be "neutral." On CBS or FOX, the announcers have to pretend they don't care who wins. On the Browns network? They want the win just as bad as you do. When a flag gets thrown against the Browns, Zegura is going to tell you exactly how he feels about it. That bias is a feature, not a bug.
Technical Hurdles and Solutions
If you’re struggling to get a clear signal, remember that AM still exists. 850 WKNR is a huge part of the ecosystem, even if the FM signals are crisper. AM signals travel further, especially as the sun starts to go down.
If you’re trying to listen internationally? You’re basically forced into the NFL+ ecosystem. It’s about $7 to $15 a month depending on the tier, but it gives you the home radio feed for every team. For a displaced Clevelander living in London or Los Angeles, it’s a lifeline.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
To get the most out of the next game day, don't just wing it.
- Download the Cleveland Browns App: It’s free. In-market fans can often stream the audio directly there without a subscription, though GPS must be enabled to prove you’re in the "home" territory.
- Check the Weather: Radio signals (especially AM) can be finicky during heavy storms. If the sky looks nasty, have your digital backup ready.
- Sync Your Audio: If you’re watching the game on mute to hear the radio, use a "DVR-style" radio app like TuneIn Premium which allows you to pause the live stream for a few seconds to let the TV catch up.
- Follow the Insiders: Keep an eye on the Twitter (X) feeds of Nathan Zegura and the official Browns account. They often post "radio highlights" immediately after big plays, which are great for re-listening to those explosive calls.
The era of Donovan might be shifting, but the institution of Cleveland Browns game radio is as solid as ever. It's the sound of autumn in Ohio. It’s the crackle of the speaker and the roar of the crowd, filtered through a hometown lens. Whether we're 11-0 or 0-11, those voices are the ones that guide us through. Turn it up.