You’re stuck in a crawl on I-77, the sky is that specific shade of Cleveland grey, and the Browns just blew a fourteen-point lead. Where do you turn? For most of us, it’s not some polished national podcast or a TikTok highlight reel. You hit the dial for ESPN WKNR Cleveland Radio.
There is something visceral about 850 AM. It’s loud. It’s often frustrated. It’s quintessentially Cleveland. Honestly, the station has become more than just a place to hear box scores; it’s the city’s digital town square where we all go to collectively vent, celebrate, and occasionally argue about whether a hot dog is a sandwich.
The Pulse of the Flats: Why WKNR Matters
What most people get wrong about sports radio in the 2020s is thinking it’s a dying medium. If you look at the ratings or the sheer engagement on The Land on Demand, WKNR is doing just fine. They’ve basically cracked the code on how to move from "old school" AM signals to a multi-platform beast.
You’ve got the local legends like Tony Rizzo and Aaron Goldhammer anchoring the morning. Their flagship program, The Really Big Show, isn't just sports talk. It’s lifestyle. It’s food. It’s a four-hour window into the psyche of a fan base that has seen it all. Rizzo, a Cleveland native, brings that "Uncle Tony" energy—the guy who’s been there since the days of Municipal Stadium and isn't afraid to let the "made men" know exactly how he feels about the current front office.
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The 2026 Lineup: Who’s On the Mic?
If you’re tuning in today, the schedule is a mix of national heavy-hitters and the local voices we grew up with. Here’s how the day usually breaks down on the 850 frequency:
- 6 AM – 9 AM: Unsportsmanlike with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon. This is your national fix to start the day.
- 9 AM – 1 PM: The Really Big Show. This is the meat and potatoes. Rizzo and Goldhammer (and often Chris Oldach) dominate this slot. They’ve recently leaned hard into YouTube, too, so you can actually watch Rizz lose his mind over a missed field goal in HD.
- 1 PM – 3 PM: The Next Level. This is where Emmett Golden and Je’Rod Cherry take over. Jerod brings that Super Bowl-winning perspective (he’s got the rings to prove it), while Emmett provides the voice of the younger, sneaker-culture-loving fan.
- 3 PM – 5 PM: Cleveland Browns Daily. Hosted by Beau Bishop and Nathan Zegura. If you want the deepest dive into the orange and brown, this is the only place to be. It’s the official home for Berea insiders.
From Alan Freed to The Really Big Show
The history of this station is wilder than people realize. Before it was "ESPN Cleveland," the 850 AM frequency (formerly WJW) was where Alan Freed basically invented the term "Rock and Roll." Think about that. The very fabric of music history was woven in the same studios where we now argue about the Guardians' bullpen.
It hasn't always been sports. Over the decades, it’s been a home for beautiful music, talk radio, and even big band standards. But since Good Karma Brands took over and solidified the ESPN affiliation, it has become the undisputed "flagship" for many.
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The station’s move to the East Bank of the Flats was a massive turning point. It put the hosts right in the middle of the city’s resurgence. You’ve got the water, the fans, and the energy of downtown Cleveland right outside the window. It’s a far cry from the "tin-pan" sound the station supposedly had back in its 1920s Mansfield origins.
The "Fan" Rivalry: 850 vs. 92.3
You can't talk about ESPN WKNR Cleveland Radio without mentioning the competition over at 92.3 The Fan. It’s the classic AM vs. FM battle. While the FM side often leans into more traditional, stat-heavy sports talk, 850 focuses on the personalities.
People don't tune into Rizzo for advanced analytics. They tune in for the "Rizz Quiz." They tune in for the legendary rants. Goldhammer, the Denver transplant who has become the guy Cleveland loves to "hate-listen" to, provides the perfect foil. It’s theatre. It’s entertainment.
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The "AM to Algorithm" shift that Goldhammer often talks about is real. They aren't just competing for your car's radio presets anymore; they’re competing for your attention on YouTube, Twitter (X), and their proprietary app. By putting a price tag on their premium content through The Land on Demand, they took a gamble that Clevelanders would pay for extra access. Turns out, we're a loyal bunch.
Why Local Radio Still Wins
In a world of national AI-generated snippets and cookie-cutter sports takes, WKNR stays local. They know the pain of "The Drive" and "The Fumble." They know the specific joy of a warm night at Progressive Field.
They also acknowledge the limitations. Sometimes the "homer" bias is real, and sometimes the segments go off the rails into "what kind of pizza is best" territory. But that’s the charm. It feels like a conversation you’re having at the bar with your buddies.
Actionable Insights for the Cleveland Fan
If you want to get the most out of your listening experience, stop just treating it like a background noise machine. Here’s how to actually engage:
- Download The Land on Demand: If you miss a segment of The Really Big Show or The Next Level, the archives are there. It’s the best way to catch up on the legendary "RBS" rants you see people tweeting about.
- Follow on YouTube: The visual element adds a lot. Seeing the hosts' reactions during a breaking news segment about a Browns trade is way better than just hearing the audio.
- Engage with the "Insiders": Guys like Tony Grossi provide specialized coverage that you won't find on national ESPN. Use their specific segments to stay ahead of the curve on injury reports and draft rumors.
- Check the Podcasts: If you can’t commit to four hours, the "Best Of" podcasts are a lifesaver for your evening commute.
Whether you're a die-hard Rizzo fan or you find yourself shouting back at Goldhammer through your speakers, there's no denying the impact of 850 AM. It's the heartbeat of Cleveland sports, loud and proud, right there on the dial.