Football Gameday Radio Question - iPhone

Submitted by captainlonghair on
I finally sold out and bought my first app for iPhone - the wunder radio app. I bought it solely for the purpose of listening to Michigan football games while I'm at work on Saturdays. When I tried to use it during the ND game, the broadcast on 1050 WTKA cut out after the countdown to kick-off and went to their looping nothingness. I tried 104.3 and it also was blacked out or something, because they were playing the oldies. I didn't go down the entire list of michigan football radio affiliates, but I figured it would be more of the same. Anyone know if there are live radio streaming restrictions regarding the game broadcast? 104.3 has a link to listen live to the game on their website, but I can't do internet radio at work (no sound capabilities).

shorts

September 25th, 2009 at 7:45 PM ^

I've listened to games via Internet/streaming radio on WTKA (back before I had the option of Big Ten Network), so unless this is some blackout restriction added in the last year, I have no idea why you wouldn't be able to pick it up.

jcgold

September 25th, 2009 at 9:42 PM ^

Michigan owns the radio rights to games, and sells them as they see fit. They sold them to the radio stations for the actual radio, but not for online streaming. You can get free live audio from Mgoblue.com, who controls these rights. However, their software does not work on the iPhone, so it seems you are out of luck. Do yourself a favor. Buy a Slingbox, hook it up at home, and install it on your iphone. That way you can watch michigan games at work. I have had one for four years now, and as a Cleveland fan at U of M, it has been my essential tool to keep up with the Browns, Indians, and Cavs. Its a must have for a sports fan. EDIT: Online streaming rights means that radio stations that stream online must turn off these feeds when games start.

captainlonghair

September 29th, 2009 at 9:09 AM ^

I was able to listen to the game on my iPhone last Saturday by tuning into the Toledo, OH affiliate. I think they only black out the online radio streams for the radio stations that are in the Ann Arbor/Detroit listening area (WTKA, WOMC). I tested this and was able to connect to a Saginaw station too. I'd recommend downloading the app if you're out of the Michigan area and can't get to a TV or computer. Just be sure to have your charger ready cause the app will drain the battery before the second quarter starts.