San Diego Radio: Future Of The Mighty 1090 Remains In Doubt

The future of San Diego sports talk radio station XPRS The Mighty 1090 FM remains in doubt after Andreas Bichara, the Mexico-based signal operator, alleging nonpayment of lease fees, this month replaced conversations about the Padres, Gulls and Lakers with Spanish-language music simulcast from a station in Brownsville, TX.

While the station is off the air, some programming is still available via the station’s website and app.

According to timesofsandiego.com, The Mighty 1090, operated by Broadcast Company of the Americas, had a good run since launching in 2003 with opinionated talk-show hosts, loyal listeners and promotions that engaged the community. In 2004, the year Petco Park opened, 1090 began a 12-year run as the flagship radio station for the Padres. The Padres switched to KBZT 94.9-FM for the 2017 season, and it was the first time in history for Padres game broadcasts to be heard on the FM dial.

After losing the Padres, the station focused on its broadcasts of San Diego State Aztecs football and basketball and San Diego Gulls hockey. It also aired the University of San Diego (USD) Toreros football and men’s basketball games beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

Last year, the station made headlines again by becoming the San Diego flagship station for the National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams. Rather than having XPRS hosts focus on the departed Chargers franchise, the choice was made to stay engaged with the NFL by forging a new partnership with the Rams.

“It was a valuable property at one time, but now I’m afraid it’s gone,” said Mike Shepard, a BCA executive for seven years and former VP of programming. “It’s an incredibly sad and heartbreaking situation that affects a group of very talented people and our community.”