New Sports Radio Station Might Add Local Flavor

Northwest Arkansas’ already full menu of sports radio selections added yet another selection last week when KKEG-FM, 92.1 was transformed from “The Keg” into “The Ticket,” a 24-hour, sports-formatted station.

And while “The Ticket” initially will offer round-the-clock ESPN programming, a smidgen of local flavor could be added at some point. The Cumulus Broadcasting Inc. station has had talks with Fort Smith-Fayetteville KFSM-TV about a partnership.

Yes, that could mean the return of veteran Channel 5 sports reporter Mike Irwin to the airwaves. Irwin previously had a long-running gig on the local morning show “Press Row,” but gave it up some time ago.

If a deal is reached, Irwin likely would be joined by KFSM’s John Engleman, who we’re sure is a swell guy. What really would whet our appetite, though, would be the return of Irwin, whose combination of experience, keen insightfulness and acerbic wit — especially in relation to all things Razorback — would make him music to local sports fans’ ears.