YOUNGSTOWN, OH — When fans tune into 1390 AM WNIO on Friday nights to hear their favorite high school football team take the field, a familiar voice will be behind the microphone calling the action. That voice belongs to Jim Evans, a Youngstown native and proud graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and Youngstown State University, who is celebrating an extraordinary 45-year career in radio and television sportscasting across the Mahoning Valley.
Evans’ broadcasting journey began in the late 1970s, and his passion for storytelling and local sports has never wavered. He’s spent the last 25 of those years with iHeartRadio, where he continues to bring games to life for listeners across the Valley. In his career he has served as Sports Director, play-by-play announcer, and afternoon drive DJ at WSOM Radio, while also hosting the popular show Loose Change with Jim Evans on Armstrong TV and YouTube.
His career includes stints as a sports anchor and reporter at both 27WKBN-TV and 21WFMJ-TV, where his coverage earned him a reputation for authenticity, energy, and deep community connection. In 2019, Evans was inducted into the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame for Sports Media—a fitting tribute to his decades of dedication and impact.
Reflecting on his career, Evans shared, “I’ve been fortunate to witness some of the most amazing moments in Youngstown sports history, and I’ve been privileged to bring those moment to those listening at home.”
As he celebrates his 45th year, fans can still catch Evans in action alongside longtime broadcast partner Bob Gavalier on 1390 WNIO-AM, where the duo delivers play-by-play coverage with unmatched chemistry and insight.
With 45 years behind the mic and no signs of slowing down, Jim Evans remains a beloved fixture in Valley sports—and a voice worth tuning in for.
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