If you grew up in the DMV, the sound of 980 AM is basically the soundtrack to every frustrating commute down I-495. It’s the house that Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon helped build, long before they were ESPN icons. For decades, Sports Talk 980 DC—officially WTEM—has been the central nervous system for Washington fans who just want to vent about the Commanders or argue about whether the Wizards will ever actually rebuild.
It's weird. Radio is supposed to be dying, right? Yet, in DC, 980 stays relevant because it’s deeply local in a way that national podcasts just can’t replicate.
When the news broke that Dan Snyder was finally selling the team, WTEM was where people went to hear the collective exhale of a city. It wasn't just about reporting the news; it was about the shared trauma of two decades of mediocrity. That’s the magic of this frequency. It’s a community.
From The Team to The Fan: A Messy History
The station hasn't always been the same. It started as "The Team 980" and eventually became part of the Audacy family (formerly Entercom), often shuffling its identity to compete with 106.7 The Fan. There was a time when WTEM was the undisputed king, but the rise of FM sports talk changed the game.
FM signals are just cleaner. That’s a fact.
But 980 fought back by leaning into its heritage. They kept the legendary voices and maintained their status as the flagship station for the Washington Commanders. If you want the official word, the pre-game shows, and the unfiltered post-game rage, you tune to 980. Honestly, the AM signal crackle almost adds to the grit of a Sunday afternoon loss.
The Tony Kornheiser Legacy
You can’t talk about Sports Talk 980 DC without mentioning "The Tony Kornheiser Show." Before it became a podcast-first entity, it was the crown jewel of WTEM. It wasn't just sports. It was about Tony’s neighbor’s lawn, his fear of flying, and the "Old Guy" persona that resonated with anyone who felt the world was moving too fast.
The station served as a launchpad.
Think about the talent that has cycled through those studios. Kevin Sheehan. Bram Weinstein. Doc Walker. These aren't just names; they are the people who have been explaining Washington sports to us for thirty years. They know the history. They remember the Joe Gibbs era not as a legend, but as something they actually lived through.
Why the Commanders Ownership Change Changed Everything for WTEM
Under the old regime, covering the team was like walking through a minefield. Reporters had to be careful. The vibes were, frankly, miserable. Since Josh Harris took over, the energy at Sports Talk 980 DC has shifted from a funeral dirge to something resembling actual hope.
Ratings tend to spike when things are either great or a total disaster.
The "mushy middle" is where radio dies. Luckily for 980, Washington sports are rarely in the middle. They are usually a soap opera. Whether it’s Jayden Daniels providing a spark of rookie brilliance or the latest stadium drama in RFK versus Maryland, there is always something to yell about.
- The station provides 24/7 coverage that national outlets like ESPN or Fox Sports simply can't match for local depth.
- They have unique access to the players and coaches because of their flagship status.
- The callers. You haven't experienced DC sports until you've heard "Cousin Al" or some of the regular characters call in after a three-interception game.
The Tech Shift: AM Radio in a Digital World
There is a lot of talk lately about car manufacturers removing AM radio from electric vehicles. It’s a huge concern for stations like WTEM. If you can't find Sports Talk 980 DC on your dashboard, does it exist?
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The station’s answer has been aggressive digital expansion.
You can find them on the Audacy app. You can stream them on smart speakers. They’ve basically turned into a content house that happens to have an AM transmitter. This is the only way to survive. The demographic for sports talk is aging, but the younger fans are still there—they just want to consume it as a 20-minute podcast segment while they're at the gym.
The Sheehan Effect
Kevin Sheehan is arguably the most important voice on the station right now. His "Kevin Sheehan Show" is a masterclass in being an "everyman" expert. He doesn't talk down to the audience. He uses data when it matters, but he also trusts his gut. That’s the balance that works in DC. This isn't a "shouty" sports town like Philly or New York; it’s a "nerdy" sports town. We want to know the salary cap implications. We want to know the backup offensive lineman’s PFF grade.
Sheehan delivers that.
What Most People Get Wrong About WTEM
Some think it’s just a "house organ" for the Commanders because they have the broadcast rights. That’s a misconception. While they are the flagship, the hosts are often some of the harshest critics of the front office. They have to be. If they weren't honest, the audience would sniff it out in a heartbeat and flip the dial to 106.7.
The competition is real.
The rivalry between WTEM and "The Fan" has actually made both stations better. It’s forced 980 to lean harder into their "Insiders" and their deep connections to the Redskins... err, Commanders... history. You go to 980 for the institutional knowledge.
Breaking Down the Current Lineup
- The Morning Shift: Usually sets the tone for the day's debate. If they start talking about the Wizards' lottery odds at 7 AM, the whole city is talking about it by noon.
- Middays: This is where the deep dives happen. More guest interviews, more X's and O's.
- Afternoon Drive: This is the prime time. It’s the high-energy "get me home" window where the takes are hottest.
The Future of Sports Talk 980 DC
Honestly, the station is in a transition period. They are balancing the "Old Guard" listeners who still love the AM frequency with a new generation that wants viral clips on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
It’s a tough tightrope to walk.
But as long as there is drama at Ashburn and as long as the Capitals and Wizards are sharing a downtown arena that may or may not move to Virginia, there will be a need for Sports Talk 980 DC. People need a place to process the chaos.
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They need to know they aren't the only ones who stayed up until 1 AM watching a West Coast road trip game only for the team to blow a lead in the 9th inning.
Actionable Steps for the DMV Sports Fan
If you're looking to get the most out of your local sports coverage, don't just mindlessly surf the dial. You've got to be intentional with how you consume this stuff.
Download the Audacy App
Don't rely on the AM signal if you’re driving through the tunnel or under heavy power lines. The app stream is crystal clear and includes a "rewind" feature that is a lifesaver if you missed the start of an interview.
Follow the Hosts on Social Media
The conversation doesn't stop when the mic turns off. Guys like Craig Hoffman and Bram Weinstein are constantly dropping extra nuggets of info on X that don't always make the air.
Listen to the Podcasts
If you can’t commit to a four-hour block, the station breaks down their shows into bite-sized podcast episodes. Search for "The Kevin Sheehan Show" or "The Team 980" in your favorite player.
Check the Event Calendar
WTEM often does live broadcasts from places like Old Ox Brewery or training camp. Going in person is a completely different experience. You realize these hosts are just as obsessed with the team's roster depth as you are.
Support Local Sponsors
It sounds corporate, but local radio lives and dies by its advertisers. If you hear a local window company or a lawyer sponsoring a segment, that’s what keeps the lights on in the studio.
The landscape of sports media is changing fast. ESPN is laying off legends. National shows are becoming generic. In that environment, a station that knows exactly what "The Hogs" meant to this city is a treasure. Sports Talk 980 DC isn't just a frequency; it’s a piece of Washington’s cultural identity. Whether you’re a die-hard or a casual observer, it’s the place where the conversation never stops. It’s loud, it’s often frustrated, but it’s always home.