Bills Radio Network

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

For over six decades, the Buffalo Bills Radio Network has been the heartbeat of football in Western New York. The network's roots trace back to the franchise's inception, with WKBW serving as a foundational pillar until the end of the 1978 season. This era established the deep connection between local radio and the team, setting a precedent for the extensive affiliate system that would follow. As the decades progressed, the network weathered changes in ownership, league realignments, and shifts in media consumption, always ensuring that Bills fans could hear the action regardless of their location. A defining chapter in this lore involves the tenure of John Murphy, who became synonymous with the voice of the Bills for forty years. His departure marked a historic shift for the organization; in January 2024, Murphy announced his stepping down from the broadcast booth due to health issues, ending an era that began in 1984. His successor, Mark Kelso, took over the play-by-play duties, bridging the gap between the franchise's golden eras and its modern future while honoring the legacy of those who came before. The network is more than just a broadcast outlet; it is a community institution that has grown alongside the fanbase. From the snowy Sundays of the 1970s to the high-definition digital streams of today, the Bills Radio Network has remained a constant companion. It preserves the history of the franchise through its archives and live coverage, ensuring that the stories of legendary players and coaches are passed down to new generations of fans.

In Their Own Story

The connection between the broadcast team and specific players often drove affiliate decisions. In 2021, KGAB in Laramie County, Wyoming, joined the network specifically to allow Wyoming Cowboys football fans to follow Josh Allen, a Bills starting quarterback and Wyoming alumnus. This unique alignment ended when KGAB dropped games for the 2023 season. The current roster features a blend of legends and new voices: Chris Brown, formerly a studio host on MSG Western New York and play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Destroyers, now handles play-by-play duties alongside former offensive lineman Eric Wood as color commentator. Steve Tasker, a former special teams ace, joined as sideline reporter in 2026.

Reader's Guide

Fans can track the network's evolution through its changing flagship and affiliate list. The current configuration began with the 2026 season when the Bills ended their affiliation with Audacy and WGR to partner with Good Karma Brands. WGRF returned as the flagship, joined by new affiliates in New York City and South Florida, targeting home markets of division rivals. Former affiliates include WGNA (1988–1989), WBEN (various stints including 1960–1971 and 1979–1989), WKBW (1972–1978), and WGR (2012–2025). Rochester stations WCMF and WROC served from 2012 through 2025. The network currently has no Canadian affiliates, having lost its Ontario presence after the Toronto Series ended and CHML in Hamilton dropped coverage. For those seeking historical context, the announcer list includes Ralph Hubbell, Dick Rifenburg, Ed Rutkowski, and Don Gilbert from earlier eras, while recent sideline reporters include Sal Capaccio (2014–2025) and the returning Steve Tasker.

Did You Know?

• John Murphy served as the primary play-by-play announcer for exactly 40 seasons before his health-related departure in January 2024.
• WKBW held the exclusive flagship radio rights for the Bills through the completion of the 1978 season, not ending in 1977.
• The network currently broadcasts to over 70 affiliate stations spanning three states and parts of Canada.
• Mark Kelso, who joined the broadcast team as a sideline reporter in 2015, was promoted to lead play-by-play following Murphy's exit.