CBS shakes up Boston radio properties, creating all-sports station and moving WBCN to Internet

WBCN signs off air in CBS Boston radio shakeup

BOSTON — A major shakeup on the Boston radio dial is marking the end of an era for one of the nation’s first progressive rock stations, which helped launch U2 and other prominent artists.

Owner CBS announced Tuesday that WBCN-FM will move its programming to the Internet and HD Radio as part of a shakeup that also brings Boston’s first FM all-sports station on Aug. 13.

WBCN began playing underground rock in 1968. It evolved into a more mainstream, album-oriented rock format.

The new 98.5 The Sports Hub will air sports talk shows and play-by-play of the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. The Patriots most recently were heard on WBCN. The Bruins have been airing on CBS-owned WBZ-AM.

CBS also is moving its “Hot AC” station, WBMX, from the 98.5 FM spot to WBCN’s old position at 104.1.