Florida A&M University football has secured a broadcast partnership that will bring the Rattlers back to radio airwaves for the 2026 season. The agreement, announced Friday, pairs the program with Tallahassee radio station WHBX 96.1 Jams to carry games throughout the season.
The partnership marks a significant return for FAMU football fans who have experienced a gap in radio broadcast availability. Radio remains a vital medium for HBCU athletics, connecting alumni, local communities, and supporters who may not have access to streaming platforms or cable television. For a program with the historical significance of Florida A&M football—competing in the MEAC and carrying decades of tradition—restoring broadcast access represents both a practical and symbolic step forward.
The Rattlers have long been a cornerstone of FAMU's athletic identity and campus culture. Football broadcasts on local radio create touchpoints for the broader Tallahassee community and allow fans across Florida and beyond to stay connected to the team's performance week to week. WHBX 96.1 Jams, as the broadcast partner, will serve as the official voice of FAMU football during the 2026 campaign.
Radio partnerships like this one reflect the evolving media landscape for college athletics, particularly at HBCUs. While streaming and digital platforms have expanded reach, radio broadcasts remain essential for accessibility and community engagement. They allow fans without internet connectivity or subscription services to follow their teams, and they create a shared listening experience that strengthens fan loyalty and school spirit.
The announcement comes as FAMU continues to invest in its athletic programs and fan experience. Securing broadcast coverage requires coordination between the university's athletics department, the radio station, and various stakeholders committed to elevating the program's visibility. The fact that this agreement was reached and announced publicly signals institutional commitment to ensuring Rattlers football reaches its audience.
Details about the full broadcast schedule, play-by-play announcers, and additional programming around game coverage were not included in the announcement. Fans interested in following FAMU football during the 2026 season will be able to tune in to WHBX 96.1 Jams for live game broadcasts.
Why this matters: Radio broadcasts are lifelines for HBCU athletic programs, connecting dispersed alumni networks, supporting local economies through game-day engagement, and affirming the cultural importance of football within the Black college experience. When an HBCU secures or restores broadcast coverage, it signals that the institution values accessibility and community connection—principles central to the HBCU mission. For Florida A&M, this partnership ensures that Rattlers football remains woven into the fabric of Tallahassee and the broader FAMU family.