Matt Jones KSR - The Story Behind Kentucky's Big Voice
When folks talk about Kentucky sports, it’s pretty hard not to hear the name Matt Jones and the famous Kentucky Sports Radio, often just called KSR. This isn't just any regular sports chat show; it's become a really big deal for fans of the Kentucky Wildcats, reaching lots of people through both radio and online podcasts. So, you know, it’s a place where many gather to hear what’s happening with their favorite teams.
The latest news and updates from KSR, which is the popular Kentucky Wildcats local radio show and sports podcast, led by Matt Jones, have been buzzing quite a bit. There's been talk of a new agreement with iHeartMedia, which is a pretty huge step for the show's reach, making sure more and more listeners can tune in. This kind of arrangement helps the show get to even more ears, which is, actually, a really big deal for a local program.
People often wonder about the person behind all this, the one who brings the energy and the talk every day. Matt Jones is that person, and his path to becoming such a well-known figure in Kentucky sports media is, in some respects, quite a journey. We’re going to take a closer look at his background, how KSR came to be, and what makes it such a favorite gathering spot for fans of the Big Blue Nation. This article will, basically, give you a good idea of who he is and what he’s all about.
Table of Contents
- Matt Jones KSR - His Background and Beginnings
- Personal Details and Life Facts
- How Did Matt Jones KSR Get Started?
- What Makes Matt Jones KSR So Popular?
- Matt Jones KSR - His Life Beyond the Airwaves
- What's Next for Matt Jones KSR?
- Matt Jones KSR - A Look at His Team and Guests
- How Does Matt Jones KSR Cover Big Sports News?
- Matt Jones KSR - Other Interesting Happenings
Matt Jones KSR - His Background and Beginnings
Matt Jones, the driving force behind Kentucky Sports Radio, has quite an interesting story leading up to his media fame. He didn't just start out talking sports on the radio. Actually, his academic path first took him to Duke Law School, a place known for its tough programs. After finishing his legal studies there, he made the choice to return to Kentucky, his home state, to practice law. So, you know, for a while, he was involved in legal work, which is quite a different scene from sports commentary.
It was after some time in the legal world that he founded Kentucky Sports Radio, a website and radio presence that soon became widely known by its short name, KSR. This move from legal documents to sports chatter shows a real shift in what he decided to pursue. It's almost as if he found his true calling in connecting with fans about the teams they love. His ability to talk about legal matters, as seen later with guests, probably comes from this earlier career, too.
Personal Details and Life Facts
Matt Jones is a person with many different hats, beyond just leading the KSR broadcasts. He's also a writer whose work has appeared on the New York Times list of best-selling books, which is a pretty big achievement for any author. Then there's his connection to the world of professional wrestling, owning OVW Pro Wrestling, which is, you know, a different kind of entertainment altogether. It just goes to show he has a wide range of interests and involvements.
He's also a business person in the food world, owning a restaurant called KSBar. This name, KSBar, is a fun nod to his popular blog and radio show, KSR, or Kentucky Sports Radio. It's a place where fans can gather, maybe grab a bite, and probably talk about Kentucky sports, too. This collection of roles, from author to wrestling owner to restaurant owner, really paints a picture of someone who likes to be involved in many things, and who, frankly, has a lot going on.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Role | Host of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) |
| Education Background | Graduate of Duke Law School |
| Author Status | New York Times Best-Selling Author |
| Business Ventures | Restaurant Owner (KSBar), OVW Pro Wrestling Owner |
| Media Reach | KSR has 40 affiliates; NFL preview show on ESPN Radio |
| Known For | Popularity among UK sports fans, engaging commentary |
How Did Matt Jones KSR Get Started?
The beginning of Kentucky Sports Radio, or KSR, really starts with Matt Jones's return to his home state after finishing up his legal studies. Instead of just sticking to law, he saw an opportunity, perhaps a need, to talk about Kentucky sports in a new way. He started KSR as a website, which then grew into a radio show. It was, in a way, a fresh voice for the passionate fan base that follows the Kentucky Wildcats so closely.
His early efforts with the website and then the radio program quickly gained a following. People seemed to really like his approach, and the way he talked about the teams. This kind of popularity, you know, doesn't happen overnight. It builds up over time as listeners and readers connect with the content and the person delivering it. So, basically, it grew from a simple idea into something much bigger, a true community hub for sports discussions.
What Makes Matt Jones KSR So Popular?
What makes Matt Jones and KSR such a favorite among Kentucky sports fans is, in some respects, a mix of things. Part of it is probably Matt's personality; he's known for having a way of talking that draws people in. He connects with the folks who listen, making them feel like they're part of the conversation, rather than just observers. This kind of connection is, honestly, a big part of why people keep coming back.
The show also covers the Kentucky Wildcats, which is a huge topic for many in the state, with a lot of passion. They talk about the teams, the players, and all the happenings around the sports programs, which is what the fans want to hear. Plus, KSR has a staff of people who are also very much into covering the Wildcats, and they share their backgrounds, their roles, and their strong feelings for the teams. This collective passion, you know, makes the show feel very genuine and relatable.
Matt Jones KSR - His Life Beyond the Airwaves
Matt Jones's influence and work extend far beyond just hosting the KSR radio show. His popularity as a voice in Kentucky sports eventually led to him opening his own restaurant, KSBar. This place is, essentially, a physical spot for the KSR community to gather, a direct result of the strong following he built through his media work. It's a pretty clear sign of how much people enjoy what he does.
He's also a New York Times best-selling author, which means his writing has reached a wide audience and resonated with many. And then there's his involvement with OVW Pro Wrestling, where he is an owner. These different ventures show that he has a knack for business and a desire to be involved in various kinds of entertainment and community building. It’s almost as if he’s always looking for new ways to connect with people, whether through sports talk, food, books, or even wrestling, which is, like, pretty cool.
What's Next for Matt Jones KSR?
The future for Matt Jones and KSR always seems to hold something new and interesting. There was news about KSR getting a new agreement with iHeartMedia, which points to a wider reach for the show, making it available to even more listeners. This kind of deal suggests that the program is still growing and finding new ways to connect with its audience. It’s a sign that KSR, in a way, is looking to expand its footprint.
Also, there was a time when Matt Jones, the person who started the popular Kentucky Sports Radio website, sold the site to one of the people who founded the 247Sports network. This kind of change can bring new directions for the online part of KSR, while the radio show, it seems, continues strong. It shows that, you know, things are always moving and changing in the media world, and KSR is very much a part of that ongoing story.
Matt Jones KSR - A Look at His Team and Guests
Matt Jones isn't alone in making KSR what it is; he's joined by a group of other folks, often called his cohorts, who help bring the show to life. The staff at KSR are a big part of why the show is so popular for UK sports fans. They all have their own backgrounds and roles, and they share a strong feeling for covering the Wildcats, which, honestly, comes through in their discussions. It's a team effort, really.
The Matt Jones Podcast also brings in various guests who add different perspectives to the discussions. For instance, Steve Romines, a lawyer who has been around for a long time, a legal expert, and a friend of KSR, has joined the show to talk about legal matters. This shows that the show isn't just about sports scores; it also looks at broader topics that might affect the sports world or just be of general interest to listeners. It’s, in fact, a nice mix of topics.
How Does Matt Jones KSR Cover Big Sports News?
When big sports news breaks, KSR, with Matt Jones at the helm, really gets into it. For example, when there was talk about UK and Coach Calipari getting close to extending his contract for another year at $8 million through 2022, KSR was on top of it, getting information from its own sources. They also talked about the $1.6 million longevity bonus he would earn, which is, you know, a pretty specific detail that fans would want to hear about.
They also cover specific sports within the UK program, like baseball. KSR has shown a commitment to UK baseball, featuring someone who knows the program very well. This kind of focused coverage helps fans stay up-to-date on all aspects of Kentucky sports, not just the most talked-about ones. So, they really try to give a full picture of what's happening across the board, which is, actually, quite helpful for the listeners.
Matt Jones KSR - Other Interesting Happenings
Beyond the immediate sports talk, Matt Jones and KSR sometimes touch on other subjects that catch their attention. For instance, Matt has mentioned his enjoyment of reading Supreme Court opinions, and he'll talk about some big ones that come out. He found a particular one involving Jack Daniels to be very interesting to read, which shows a different side to his interests outside of sports, too. It’s, in a way, a bit unexpected but makes for good conversation.
There are also moments of lighter, more personal sharing on the show. Matt has talked about loving the "Elly De La Cruz" song by Dan Bern and said he would definitely play it on KSR. This kind of inclusion of personal taste in music or other cultural bits helps to make the show feel more human and connected to the host. It’s, basically, another way he connects with the audience, showing a bit of his own character.
The show also has guest hosts sometimes, like when @bfw was set to host KSR, talking college football and interacting with the BBN. Matt had a feeling that people would have strong feelings, both good and not so good, about him, which is, you know, a frank admission about how different voices can be received. This kind of honesty about listener reactions is, actually, pretty refreshing.
Drew Franklin also shares updates and thoughts on Kentucky basketball, covering things like changes to the team roster and how the team is getting ready for upcoming tournaments. This kind of ongoing reporting keeps fans in the loop about the finer points of the basketball program. It’s a very practical way to keep the listeners informed about what’s happening with their favorite team.
Sometimes, the show touches on news from outside Kentucky, like when there was talk about Bob Huggins and how his legacy might become more complicated as he left his position. Matt Jones's verified account @kysportsradio, which also mentions his role as host of KSR with its 40 affiliates and his NFL preview show on ESPN Radio, also shared thoughts on this, saying it was a shame and that Huggins likely wouldn't win any case he claimed to have. This shows that KSR and Matt Jones also engage with broader sports news, offering their views on national stories, too.
This article has explored the various facets of Matt Jones and Kentucky Sports Radio, covering his journey from law school to becoming a prominent voice in Kentucky sports media. We've looked at his diverse ventures, including his restaurant and involvement in wrestling, along with his work as a best-selling author. The piece also touched on KSR's growth, its dedicated team, how it covers significant sports news, and other interesting discussions that happen on the show.
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