Live Nebraska Sports Talk Arrives in Central Nebraska with Launch of 97.7 The Zone
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — G.I. Family Radio is bringing live Nebraska sports talk to Central Nebraska with the launch of Sports, Talk & Rock — 97.7 The Zone, debuting Monday, March 16.
The station will feature live, Nebraska-based sports talk programming simulcast from Omaha’s 1620 The Zone, which Alan Usher also owns through Usher Media Group, bringing some of the state’s most recognizable sports voices to listeners across the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities.
Unlike many sports radio stations that rely heavily on national programming, 97.7 The Zone will deliver live shows hosted by Nebraska broadcasters discussing Nebraska teams, Nebraska sports, and the issues that matter most to fans across the state.
Weekday programming will include:
Happer & Schaefer, hosted by Conner Happer and Mike Schaefer
6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Middays with Matt, hosted by Matt McMaster
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct, hosted by John Bishop and Josh Peterson
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Following the evening sports talk lineup, 97.7 The Zone will transition to the rock music Thunder listeners expect from the station, delivering a high-energy soundtrack to round out the broadcast day.
“Sports fans in Central Nebraska are incredibly passionate,” said Alan Usher, owner of G.I. Family Radio. “With 97.7 The Zone, we’re excited to bring live Nebraska sports talk to this market every day while keeping the station energized with the rock music listeners already know and love.”
Listeners can tune in beginning March 16 on 97.7 FM or stream online at 977TheZoneFM.com.
About G.I. Family Radio
Founded in 2004, G.I. Family Radio is a locally owned and operated broadcast company based in Grand Island, Nebraska. The company owns and operates radio stations serving communities across Central Nebraska, along with three additional stations in the McCook area of southwest Nebraska, delivering locally focused news, entertainment, and sports programming throughout the region.
About Usher Media Group
Usher Media Group, led by Nebraska broadcaster and entrepreneur Alan Usher, owns and operates multiple radio stations across Nebraska, including Omaha’s 1620 The Zone and several other broadcast properties serving the Omaha metropolitan area. The company focuses on strong local programming, sports coverage, and community-centered broadcasting.
Media Contact:
Alan Usher
Owner & CEO
Usher Holdings
308-379-5144