Ocean State Media (RI public radio) to Acquire 103.7 WEEI, leaving Sports Fans Asking – What About the Red Sox?

WEEI 103.7 FM is slated to be acquired by Ocean State Media, the former Rhode Island PBS radio operation that merged with Rhode Island PBS to form the current nonprofit media organization. The transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission, and until that approval is granted, no operational changes will take effect.

If approved, the move would give Ocean State Media a single, high-power FM signal — 103.7 FM — capable of reaching most of Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts, replacing its current patchwork of five lower-power radio frequencies.

For Ocean State Media, the acquisition represents a significant technical upgrade. Instead of relying on multiple smaller signals with limited range, the organization would be able to broadcast from one primary frequency, simplifying operations and improving consistency for listeners statewide.

“With this move, listeners will no longer need to change channels to continue hearing Ocean State Media as they travel throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts,” said Pam Johnston, president and CEO of Ocean State Media. “Once approved, audiences can tune to a single frequency for a clear, high-quality broadcast, advancing our commitment to delivering distinctly local news and information more effectively and efficiently across the region.”

From Five Frequencies to One

Historically, Ocean State Media has relied on five frequencies — 89.3 FM, 89.5 FM, 90.7 FM, 102.7 FM, and 1290 AM — to deliver its NPR-style news and talk programming. Together, those signals provide uneven, overlapping coverage across Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts, often requiring listeners to change stations while traveling.

All five are low- to medium-power signals. While no announcements have been made about selling or shutting down any of them, common practice in nonprofit broadcast consolidations suggests several possibilities:

• Some frequencies could remain as fill-in or supplemental signals for areas where 103.7 FM may have weaker indoor or fringe reception.

• Others could eventually be sold to raise funds if coverage overlaps prove unnecessary.

• Redundant transmitters could be retired once the stronger signal is fully tested.

No firm plans regarding the existing stations have been detailed yet.

The proposed transition — including transmission equipment — represents a $4.9 million investment, to be financed over time. Ocean State Media says the change will improve broadcast quality while creating long-term operational efficiencies.

But Let’s Be Honest: Where Do the Red Sox Go?

For many Rhode Islanders, however, the first reaction to the announcement wasn’t about signal strength or nonprofit efficiencies. It was much simpler:

“So… where will I listen to the Red Sox?”

WEEI 103.7 FM currently serves as a Providence-area simulcast of Boston’s sports station, carrying Red Sox games, Bruins coverage, and popular talk programming. Once the acquisition closes and the station’s format flips to public radio programming, that sports simulcast will end.

Importantly, Audacy — which owns WEEI in Boston — is not selling WEEI overall, only the Providence-area frequency.

A spokesperson for Audacy told the Boston Herald that the company remains “deeply committed to the New England sports market,” adding that it intends to find a new home for Red Sox radio broadcasts in the Providence area.

At present:

• Red Sox games are available via Audacy’s streaming platforms.

• Nothing has been officially announced regarding a new over-the-air affiliate in Rhode Island.

Industry observers expect that decision to move quickly. One frequently mentioned possibility is 790 The Score, a Providence sports station already carrying Rhode Island Football Club games, though no agreements have been announced.

790 The Score could carry Red Sox games, but it does not offer the same statewide, reliable coverage — particularly at night — that listeners have come to expect from 103.7 FM.

A Win for Public Radio — With a Transition Ahead

The planned acquisition is widely seen as a major upgrade for Rhode Island public radio, delivering broader, clearer coverage from a single, powerful signal. At the same time, it marks the end of sports programming on 103.7 FM — a change that will require listeners to adjust, at least temporarily.

For Ocean State Media, the deal is about reach and efficiency.
For Red Sox fans, it’s about muscle memory — and where the dial lands come Opening Day.

More clarity is expected once FCC approval is granted and replacement broadcast plans are finalized.