The Jim Rome Show: 5 Crucial Changes SiriusXM Listeners Must Know For 2025

Contents

The landscape of sports talk radio is undergoing a massive shakeup, and the epicenter is the legendary "Jungle" itself. Jim Rome, the iconic voice of "The Jim Rome Show," is embarking on one of the most significant changes of his career, directly impacting millions of listeners, especially those tuning in via SiriusXM. This isn't just a minor tweak; a new syndication deal and a major shift in the daily schedule are set to redefine the afternoon drive for the "Clones" starting in January 2025.

For decades, Rome’s signature style—a blend of high-energy rants, provocative interviews, and the best sports debate—has been a midday staple. Now, a new chapter begins with a new broadcast partner, a new time slot, and the same commitment to "Sticking and Moving." Here is everything a SiriusXM subscriber needs to know about the crucial changes coming to "The Jim Rome Show."

The Voice of The Jungle: Jim Rome Biography and Profile

James Phillip Rome, born October 14, 1964, in California, is one of the most influential and recognizable figures in American sports media. His career is defined by an aggressive, opinionated, and highly interactive style that has cultivated one of the most loyal fanbases in radio, known affectionately as "The Clones."

  • Full Name: James Phillip Rome
  • Date of Birth: October 14, 1964
  • Education: University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A. in Communications)
  • Career Start: Began his radio career at KTMS in Santa Barbara before moving to the high-profile sports talk market in Los Angeles on KMPC.
  • The Radio Show: "The Jim Rome Show" (also known as "The Jungle") has been nationally syndicated since 1996.
  • Television Work: Rome is a veteran of sports television, having hosted shows like Talk2 (ESPN2), The FX Sports Show (FX), The Last Word (Fox Sports Net), and Jim Rome on Showtime.
  • Author: He is the author of several books, including "Rome Wasn't Burnt in a Day" and "Rules of Rome."
  • Other Ventures: Rome is a prominent Thoroughbred horse owner, with his horses competing in major races.

1. The Massive 2025 Time Slot Change

The most significant and immediate change for every listener is the show's move to a new time slot. For years, "The Jim Rome Show" occupied the midday slot, perfect for lunch-hour listening and a bridge between morning and afternoon drive sports talk.

The New Schedule Starting January 6, 2025

Starting Monday, January 6, 2025, Jim Rome will shift from his long-time 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET window to the coveted afternoon drive time slot.

  • New Live Broadcast Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST / Noon to 3:00 PM PST.
  • Old Broadcast Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET.

This move positions "The Jungle" against major competitors in the afternoon, a strategic shift that aims to capture the huge audience commuting home from work. The change is a monumental moment in sports radio, demonstrating the continued power and relevance of Rome’s brand, "Van Smack."

2. The New Syndication Home: Westwood One

The time slot change is directly tied to a major distribution deal. The show is moving from its previous syndicator, Audacy’s Infinity Sports Network (formerly CBS Sports Radio), to Westwood One.

Westwood One, a division of Cumulus Media, is a preeminent industry leader in providing live sports coverage and premium content. This partnership is a massive win for Rome, securing the show’s future and distribution across hundreds of radio affiliates nationwide. While the show will continue to air on SiriusXM, this move signals a major realignment in the national sports talk ecosystem, including a network swap that also involved Rich Eisen.

3. How to Listen to Jim Rome on SiriusXM Today and After the Change

SiriusXM subscribers, known as "The Clones," have a reliable way to catch the show, both before and after the January 2025 changes. The show is carried on the platform via the network it is syndicated through.

Current Channel (Pre-Jan 2025):

  • "The Jim Rome Show" airs on the Infinity Sports Network (formerly CBS Sports Radio).
  • The primary SiriusXM Channel is Channel 158.

Post-January 2025 Channel:

While the syndicator changes to Westwood One, the show is expected to remain available on a similar-branded channel on SiriusXM. Listeners should primarily look for the Infinity Sports Network channel or a dedicated Sports Play-by-Play channel on the SiriusXM lineup for the live 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET broadcast. Always check the SiriusXM guide for the most up-to-date channel number, which can sometimes fluctuate. The show is also available on demand via The Jim Rome Podcast and the SiriusXM app.

4. The Core Elements That Define The Jungle

Despite the massive network and time slot changes, the core content that has made "The Jim Rome Show" a powerhouse remains its unique format and cast of characters. The following entities and segments are the heart of "The Jungle" and will continue to be a staple for SiriusXM listeners:

The Annual Smack-Off

The "Smack-Off" is the most famous annual event in sports talk radio, a contest where the best—and often most infamous—callers compete to deliver the most compelling, creative, and aggressive "smack." Since its inception in 1995, it has been a yearly highlight, showcasing the unique talent of callers like Fabian, Flamian, Brad in Corona, Jeff in San Antonio, and Rex in the ABQ.

Signature Segments and Phrases

Rome’s lexicon is its own language, instantly recognizable to the "Clones" and a key part of the show's topical authority. Key phrases and segments include:

  • Sticking and Moving: Rome’s sign-off phrase, representing the show’s constant evolution.
  • What’s Your Beef?: A segment where callers air their sports-related grievances.
  • The Mafia: A term used to describe the most loyal and dedicated listeners.
  • ATPs (All-Time Punks): A designation for athletes or personalities who have earned Rome’s scorn.
  • The Clone Calls: The core of the show, featuring passionate, often theatrical calls from the audience.

5. The Strategic Implication of the Afternoon Drive

The move to the 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET slot is a strategic power play that reflects the show's enduring appeal. This time period is the most listened-to part of the day for talk radio, as it captures the majority of commuters. By shifting to the afternoon, "The Jim Rome Show" is betting on its ability to command a larger, more active audience, a move that is expected to significantly boost the show’s reach and influence.

For SiriusXM, having Jim Rome in this prime slot solidifies their position in the competitive sports talk space. The combination of a new syndication partner, a prime-time slot, and Rome's consistent, high-energy delivery ensures that "The Jungle" will remain a dominant force in sports media for the foreseeable future. The message to the Clones is clear: The voice is the same, the content is the same, but the time to tune in has officially changed.

jim rome on sirius xm
jim rome on sirius xm

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