Red Zebra Broadcasting
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports marketing, Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Fate | Sold last station WTEM in August 2018; ceased operations |
| Headquarters | Rockville, Maryland , United States |
Area served | Washington, D.C. metropolitan area; Hampton Roads, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia |
| Products | Radio stations (WTEM, WSPZ, WXGI, WWXT, WWXX, WXTR) |
Red Zebra Broadcasting operated as a sports marketing enterprise headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. The company managed a portfolio of radio stations, including four within the greater Washington, D.C. area, one located in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and two stations serving the Richmond, Virginia region.
In May 2018, Red Zebra revealed plans to divest its last remaining station, WTEM, with the transaction finalized by August 2018. This sale marked the conclusion of the company’s operations.
Among its primary outlets were WTEM ("ESPN 980") and WSPZ ("Sports Talk 570") based in Washington. While WTEM concentrated on regional sports talk content, Richmond's ESPN affiliate WXGI, 950AM “The Game” delivered daily ESPN Radio programming.
Established in 2006, Red Zebra initially acquired WBZS-FM (92.7 FM, Prince Frederick, Maryland), WBPS-FM (94.3 FM, Warrenton, Virginia), and WKDL (730 AM, Alexandria, Virginia). These stations were rebranded to WWXT, WWXX, and WXTR respectively and formed a trimulcast known as "Triple X ESPN Radio." This network broadcasted most of ESPN Radio’s weekday lineup alongside a local program hosted by former Redskin John Riggins. After entering into competition with WTEM, Red Zebra purchased WTEM in 2008 and subsequently sold the Triple X network.
The company's programming primarily revolved around coverage of the Washington Redskins, including live game broadcasts and daily analysis. Additionally, its stations featured coverage of other prominent Washington sports franchises such as the Washington Nationals, Washington Capitals, and Washington Wizards, as well as major sporting events.
Red Zebra also provided live play-by-play broadcasts for collegiate football and basketball teams including the Maryland Terrapins and Virginia Cavaliers.
On-air talent comprised former Redskins athletes and distinguished sports broadcasters. As of March 2017, notable personalities included Chris Cooley, Brian Mitchell, Doc Walker, Bram Weinstein, and Steve Czaban.