Cyclone Radio Network: Inside Iowa State’s Premier Sports Broadcasting Legacy

The Cyclone Radio Network has been the pulse of Iowa State Athletics since 1963 bringing the thrill of game day to thousands of fans across the Midwest. Whether it’s the roar of Jack Trice Stadium or the electric atmosphere of Hilton Coliseum this network delivers play-by-play action that makes listeners feel like they’re right in the middle of the action.

With a reach spanning over 40 stations the Cyclone Radio Network has become more than just a broadcast service – it’s the voice of Iowa State sports culture. Led by veteran broadcasters who blend expert analysis with passionate storytelling the network transforms every game into an unforgettable experience for loyal Cyclone fans who can’t make it to the venue.

What Is the Cyclone Radio Network

The Cyclone Radio Network serves as Iowa State University’s official radio broadcasting platform for athletic events. The network connects Cyclone fans to live game coverage through professional play-by-play commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

History and Development

The Cyclone Radio Network began operations in 1963 when Iowa State University partnered with local radio stations to broadcast football games. Legendary broadcaster Pete Taylor joined the network in 1971, establishing a distinctive voice that defined Cyclone broadcasts for over three decades. The network expanded its programming in the 1980s to include basketball games from Hilton Coliseum. By 2000, the network incorporated digital broadcasting technology to enhance sound quality and reach. Today’s broadcasts feature John Walters as the lead voice, continuing the tradition of excellence in sports coverage.

Network Coverage Area

The Cyclone Radio Network spans across Iowa and neighboring states through more than 40 affiliate stations. Major metropolitan areas include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Mason City. The network’s signal reaches listeners in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri Nebraska and South Dakota. Additional coverage extends through mobile streaming platforms and online broadcasts, enabling fans to connect from any location. Each affiliate station maintains specific broadcast schedules for football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games.

Programming and Content

The Cyclone Radio Network delivers comprehensive sports coverage through strategically structured programming blocks focused on Iowa State athletics. Each broadcast component integrates professional commentary with real-time game analysis.

Live Sports Broadcasting

The network broadcasts over 150 live sporting events annually, featuring football games from Jack Trice Stadium and basketball matchups from Hilton Coliseum. Play-by-play coverage includes detailed descriptions of game action, statistical updates during natural breaks and expert analysis from seasoned broadcasters. John Walters leads the broadcast team with color commentary support during football games, while Eric Heft provides basketball expertise. The broadcasting schedule prioritizes revenue sports with complete season coverage of football and men’s basketball games. Select women’s basketball and volleyball contests receive live coverage based on programming availability.

Pre-Game and Post-Game Shows

The network’s game day programming starts 90 minutes before kickoff or tip-off with the “Cyclone Tailgate Show.” This pre-game segment features coach interviews, player spotlights, opponent analysis and key matchup breakdowns. The “Cyclone Locker Room Show” follows each game, offering 45 minutes of post-game coverage including press conferences, player interviews and statistical analysis. Both shows incorporate live fan interaction through social media engagement and call-in segments. The post-game programming extends to digital platforms where additional content supplements traditional radio coverage through podcast episodes focused on game highlights.

Flagship Stations and Affiliates

The Cyclone Radio Network operates through a strategic partnership of radio stations across Iowa and neighboring states. KASI 1430 AM in Ames serves as the primary flagship station, broadcasting all Iowa State athletic events with crystal-clear reception throughout Story County.

Key Radio Partners

WHO 1040 AM in Des Moines anchors the network’s metro coverage, delivering Iowa State sports to central Iowa’s largest population center. KGLO 1300 AM serves northern Iowa from its Mason City base, while WMT 600 AM broadcasts to the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City corridor. The network maintains partnerships with KSCJ 1360 AM in Sioux City and KXEL 1540 AM in Waterloo, ensuring comprehensive coverage in major metropolitan areas. These stations deliver consistent signal strength and professional broadcast quality during all Cyclone sporting events.

Regional Distribution

The affiliate network spans 40+ radio stations across five states, creating a broadcast footprint that reaches from Nebraska to Illinois. Strategic station placement ensures coverage in key markets like Omaha, Kansas City and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Rural communities connect through local affiliates such as KSIB 1520 AM in Creston and KDEC 100.5 FM in Decorah. The network’s regional expansion focuses on areas with high concentrations of Iowa State alumni and supporters, maintaining signal coverage along major interstate corridors I-35 and I-80.

Notable Broadcasters and Personalities

The Cyclone Radio Network features distinguished broadcasters who bring Iowa State athletics to life through expert commentary and play-by-play coverage. These voices connect fans to the excitement of Cyclone sports through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling.

Past and Present Voices

Pete Taylor established himself as the iconic voice of Cyclone athletics from 1971 to 2003, earning recognition as “The Voice of the Cyclones.” John Walters took over as lead broadcaster in 2003, maintaining the high standards of his predecessor through dynamic play-by-play commentary. Eric Heft contributes expert color analysis for men’s basketball broadcasts, drawing from his experience as a former Iowa State basketball player. Rich Fellingham handles play-by-play duties for women’s basketball games, partnering with Molly Parrott for insightful commentary.

Award-Winning Coverage

The Cyclone Radio Network’s broadcasting team earned multiple Iowa Broadcast News Association awards for sports coverage excellence. John Walters received the 2015 Iowa Sportscaster of the Year honor from the National Sports Media Association. The network’s coverage garnered recognition for outstanding live game broadcasts, including awards for football bowl game coverage in 2018. Special features like “Cyclone Rewind” segments earned industry praise for creative storytelling. The broadcast team’s excellence extends to digital platforms, with podcasts receiving regional broadcasting honors for sports content innovation.

Technical Operations and Production

The Cyclone Radio Network maintains professional broadcast quality through advanced audio equipment and skilled production teams. Modern digital infrastructure enables crystal-clear transmission across the network’s extensive coverage area.

Broadcasting Technology

The network utilizes Wheatstone digital audio consoles paired with Telos Zephyr codecs for high-fidelity game broadcasts. Remote broadcasting equipment includes Comrex Access portable units that transmit audio signals through cellular networks at 128 kbps. Backup satellite systems ensure uninterrupted coverage during adverse conditions. Studio facilities feature Electro-Voice RE20 microphones standard radio broadcasting tools that capture rich vocal tones. Digital audio workstations running ProTools software enable real-time mixing editing of program content. The control room incorporates redundant systems with automatic failover capabilities maintaining 99.9% uptime during live broadcasts.

Behind-the-Scenes Team

A crew of 15 technical professionals manages the network’s broadcasting operations. Audio engineers monitor sound levels balance multiple input sources during live games. Production coordinators synchronize commercial breaks station identifications with game action. The technical director oversees signal routing quality control across all affiliate stations. Board operators execute precise timing of pre-recorded segments promotional spots during broadcasts. Field technicians set up maintain remote equipment at venues ensuring optimal audio capture. IT specialists monitor network connectivity troubleshoot transmission issues in real-time. The team includes certified broadcast engineers who perform preventive maintenance calibrate equipment weekly.

Impact on Iowa State Athletics

The Cyclone Radio Network plays a transformative role in Iowa State Athletics, connecting fans to university sports programs while generating substantial revenue streams. This broadcasting platform strengthens the bond between teams and supporters through comprehensive coverage across multiple channels.

Fan Engagement

The network creates direct connections between Iowa State Athletics and supporters through interactive programming features. Fans participate in pre-game shows through social media interactions, call-in segments during halftime breaks, and post-game discussions. Listener engagement metrics show peak interaction during rivalry games, with over 50,000 social media impressions per broadcast. The network’s mobile app enables real-time stat tracking alongside audio streams, keeping fans connected during away games. Digital platforms extend reach to younger demographics, with podcast episodes averaging 25,000 downloads per week during football season.

Revenue Generation

The Cyclone Radio Network generates $3.5 million annually through advertising partnerships and sponsorship deals. Corporate sponsors secure 30-second advertisement spots during game broadcasts, pregame shows, and post-game coverage. Local businesses participate through segment sponsorships ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per season. The network’s digital platforms create additional revenue streams through targeted advertising, generating $750,000 in digital ad sales. Premium content subscriptions contribute $250,000 annually through exclusive access to archived games, special interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.

Conclusion

The Cyclone Radio Network stands as a cornerstone of Iowa State Athletics broadcasting establishing itself as more than just a radio network. It’s a vital connection between the university’s sports programs and its dedicated fan base through professional commentary expert analysis and innovative programming.

With its extensive reach across multiple states state-of-the-art technology and talented broadcasting team the network continues to evolve while maintaining its commitment to excellence. The success of the Cyclone Radio Network demonstrates how traditional sports broadcasting can thrive in the digital age serving as a model for collegiate sports coverage nationwide.