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Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Nashville Radio: The Zone Extends Vols Flagship Deal


Cumulus Media’s 104.5 The Zone/WGFX-FM, Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s premier live and local sports station and brand, announces that it has entered into a multi-year renewal of its dynamic broadcast partnership with the University of Tennessee Volunteers. 

This continued collaboration ensures that fans across Middle Tennessee will enjoy unparalleled access to Tennessee athletics — loud, proud, and live on 104.5 The Zone.

Adding to the excitement, Ramon Foster, former Tennessee Volunteer and current Co-Host of Ramon & Will mornings on 104.5 The Zone, will join the Vol Football Gameday Broadcast Team alongside Mike Keith. A fan favorite and former NFL standout, Foster brings firsthand experience, deep insight, and unwavering Big Orange pride to every broadcast.

Mike Keith, Tennessee Assistant Athletics Director of Broadcasting and “Voice of the Vols,” said: “It has been my privilege to work with 104.5 The Zone since its inception. I recommended to (Vol Network general manager emeritus) Steve Early that the Vol Network should be broadcast on 104.5 the Zone back in 2010. I believed then and now that 104.5’s ability to connect with fans throughout the region is unmatched. And with their University of Tennessee connections up and down their talent lineup, 104.5 the Zone is the destination for the best Vol information and conversation. I will be excited to continue joining 3HL on Mondays and Ramon and Will on Thursdays. And of course, I’m elated that Middle Tennesseans will continue to hear our Vol Network broadcasts on a station that has been my radio home since 1998, 104.5 the Zone!”

Glenn Thackston, Executive Director, Learfield/Vol Network, commented: "For 15 years, 104.5 The Zone has been the proud Home of Vols in Nashville and a fantastic partner with the Vol Network and University of Tennessee Athletics. Being on one of the top sports stations in the country is a perfect fit and VFLs like Ramon Foster and Ron Slay make it must-listen radio for fans of the Big Orange. We look forward to continuing our long partnership with 104.5 The Zone in the state capital as we embark on a new era with the Vol Radio Network."



Paul Mason, Programming Operations Manager, 104.5 The Zone, emphasized: “This partnership is more than just broadcasting games — it’s about celebrating the spirit of Tennessee. We’re proud to continue bringing Vol Nation the coverage it deserves, with passion, energy, and a whole lot of orange!”

Ramon Foster, UT alum and Morning Show Co-Host, 104.5 The Zone, shared: “The partnership between 104.5 The Zone and the Vols is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of — from Monday through Saturday! The Zone’s commitment to delivering top-tier Vols coverage, and now games with me this fall, is something special. GBO!”

Ron Slay, UT alum and Co-Host of 3HL, 104.5 The Zone, added: “Bringing extensive Vol coverage to The Zone’s listeners is the ultimate experience. Being part of it means everything to me. Why? As a Vol, let me just say — CAUSE THAT’S ALL I KNOW! Go Vols!”