On weekdays, WTSO mostly simulcast the Wisconsin-based sports shows airing on co-owned WRNW in Milwaukee. Steve Czaban is heard in morning drive time. He's followed by former Green Bay Packers linebacker John Kuhn. In afternoons, Mike Heller, Drew Olsen, and Kevin Brandt host shows focused on Wisconsin and national sports. Programming from Fox Sports Radio] is heard on nights and weekends.
The station signed on the air on January 19, 1948; 76 years ago (January 19, 1948). The original call sign was WKOW.[4] With Wisconsin known as "The Dairy State," the original call letters stood for the word "cow." The licensee was the Monona Broadcasting Company.[5]
In the mid-1970s, the call sign was changed to WTSO to stand for Ten Seven zerO, its frequency. At that time, it was owned by Mid-Continent Broadcasting and aired in a country music format. As country music listening switched to the FM dial, WTSO tried a talk radio format and later adult standards.
In 2000, WTSO switched to its current all-sports format, initially as a network affiliate of ESPN Radio. It was called "Madison's ESPN Radio 10-7-0." On January 1, 2009, WTSO parted company with ESPN Radio and rebranded as "The Big 1070, Madison's Sports Station." It affiliated with Fox Sports Radio and later added some programming from NBC Sports Radio.[6] (ESPN Radio programming now airs on WTLX.)
On February 3, 2020, WTSO rebranded as "1070 The Game." In March 2021, WTSO announced it would become the Chicago CubsRadio Network's first Wisconsin affiliate, providing a locally based alternate to the Chicago-based WSCR, which also covers Southern Wisconsin with its signal.[7]
From 2014 until February 1, 2020, WTSO programming was simulcast on FMtranslatorW265CV at 100.9 MHz.[8] W265CV now airs a 1960s-1970s oldies format as "U-100.9".[9]
Previous Logos
WTSO's original logo under the "Big 1070" branding (c. 2010).
