Feature of the Day: Matt Jones and the Connections KSR has created across Kentucky

It has been almost 20 years since Matt Jones created Kentucky Sports Radio. What was once just a blog now has an extensive podcast network, a digital media branch, and the most successful midmarket midday sports radio show in the country.

Last week Barrett Sports Media bestowed that prestigious honor upon Kentucky Sports Radio. BSM’s Derek Futterman spent time speaking with Jones to get a better understanding of how the show works and why it resonates with so many people.

“I think a key to doing radio is to make the audience have an affinity for you personally,” Jones said. “I think that’s where people have really screwed up radio in recent years. They try to do plug-and-play hot sports takes, and ultimately nobody cares. The shows that succeed are ones where people feel a connection to the host.”

Many of the radio shows that were ranked among the best in the country air on sports stations. For most of its history, Kentucky Sports Radio has been listened to on stations with a news-talk format. KSR also differs in that it does not rely on big-name guests to appeal to an audience.

“The question is, ‘How do you take what’s happening in sports or life and make it entertaining and relatable?,’” Jones said. “I think the media of sports talk has gotten away from that way too much, and that’s why when people find a show they feel that connection to, they’re loyal to it because so much of the rest of it is just boring. The moment you become nerdy about sports, everyone that isn’t nerdy about sports stops caring, and that’s most people.”

It’s an excellent read that describes how Kentucky Sports Radio got its start and what sets itself apart from the pack. The well-written feature also includes a few lines that should amuse our wonderful audience.

“There are even times when the program could center a segment on a narrative surrounding a co-host, such as Lemond recently damaging a new car he purchased,” writes Futterman.

Ryan Lemond damaged a new car he just purchased? Who would’ve thunk it?

READ: Matt Jones Values the Listener on Kentucky Sports Radio, by Barrett Sports Media

More News and Views on the Kentucky Sports Radio YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.