Windy City Woes: Wrestling With the Radio Dial for Bears Football
Ah, Chicago Bears football. A season filled with hope (usually dashed by a rogue interception in the fourth quarter), questionable calls from the refs (seriously, did they not see that blatant hold?), and the sheer joy of hearing Mike Ditka yell at a cloud (or maybe that's just my TV). But hey, at least we have the radio!
Except...which radio station to choose? It's a battle royale out there, folks. Here's your survival guide to navigating the Chicago Bears radio jungle:
The Flag Wavin' Faithful: WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9 FM
This is the official Bears broadcast, your one-stop shop for Jeff Joniak's dulcet tones (and occasional dad jokes) calling the plays, and Tom Thayer's expert analysis (did you know he once wrestled a badger? Probably not relevant to football, but impressive nonetheless). If you crave that die-hard Bears homerism, this is your station. Just be prepared to yell "Da Bears!" at random intervals throughout the game (it's practically a Chicago law).
The Chatty Cathouse: 670 The Score & 590 The Fan
These guys might not have the official broadcast, but they bring the pre-game hype, post-game meltdowns (because, let's be honest, sometimes the Bears deserve a good meltdown critique), and enough hot takes to fuel a bonfire. You'll get a revolving door of sports radio personalities, each with their own brand of enthusiasm (bordering on insanity) and questionable takes. It's like watching a live sports debate with your crazy uncles...but way more entertaining.
The Lone Wolf: Streaming Services
Maybe you're a digital nomad, or your radio reception is about as reliable as a politician's promises. Fear not, brave soul! There are streaming services like SiriusXM that offer Bears radio, letting you take the game with you wherever you roam (as long as you have an internet connection). Just remember, with great streaming power comes great responsibility (and potentially a hefty subscription fee).
The Final Whistle: Choosing Your Champion
The truth is, there's no wrong answer. It all depends on your game-day mood. Feeling traditional? Stick with WBBM. Craving a good sports radio brawl? Tune into The Score or The Fan. Just remember, mute the button if things get a little too heated during a close game (we all know how passionate Chicago sports fans can be!).
So, fire up the grill, grab your favorite beverage (adult or otherwise, no judgement here), and get ready to cheer on the Bears (or, you know, commiserate with your fellow fans when things inevitably go sideways). No matter which station you choose, here's to a thrilling (hopefully) Bears season!
