CINCINNATI, OH –In a move that marks a significant chapter in his broadcasting career, Thom Brennaman, the familiar and often captivating voice of Cincinnati sports, has officially returned to the fold, not to the television booth as many might have anticipated, but as a key part of the Cincinnati Reds radio broadcast team. The announcement, which comes after a hiatus following his controversial departure in 2020, has been met with a mixture of excitement and thoughtful consideration across Reds Nation.
Brennaman, the son of the esteemed longtime Reds radio broadcaster Marty Brennaman, has deep roots in the Queen City and a broadcasting legacy that spans over three decades. While he spent a considerable amount of time as the television voice of the Reds, his return in the spring of 2025 sees him taking on a prominent role on the radio side, specifically with iHeartMedia’s “Cincinnati’s News Radio” WLW (700), a powerhouse station known for its extensive sports coverage.
Beginning in April 2025, Brennaman debuted a new morning show on WLW, airing weekdays, showcasing his seasoned broadcasting experience and his undeniable connection to the Cincinnati sports scene. This move back to the airwaves follows a period of absence after Brennaman uttered an anti-gay slur during a Fox Sports Ohio television broadcast of a Reds-Kansas City Royals game in August 2020. The incident led to his immediate suspension and subsequent departure from Fox Sports Ohio.
Prior to this new full-time role, Brennaman had made a part-time return to WLW in 2024, hosting various time slots, signaling a potential reconciliation with the Cincinnati broadcasting landscape. Now, in 2025, he steps into a more significant position, which crucially includes calling Cincinnati Reds games on WLW.
The decision to bring Brennaman back to the Reds’ radio coverage is one that has been carefully weighed by both the broadcaster and the team’s radio partners. While his talent and deep understanding of the game are undeniable, the circumstances of his previous departure have remained a point of discussion within the community. Brennaman has publicly expressed remorse for his past actions, and his return to a prominent role suggests a belief in his commitment to moving forward and rebuilding trust.
For many Reds fans who grew up listening to the Brennaman duo, with Thom following in his father Marty’s footsteps, this return to the radio booth evokes a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The opportunity to once again hear his voice calling Reds games, albeit on a different platform than in recent memory, is a welcome development for a significant portion of the fanbase.
However, the move is not without its complexities. The incident in 2020 left a lasting impact, and some fans may have reservations about his return to such a prominent position within the Reds Nation. The broadcasting landscape has also evolved since his departure, with new voices and perspectives emerging.
Nevertheless, the move to bring Brennaman back to the radio booth signifies a new chapter for both the broadcaster and the Cincinnati Reds. His extensive experience, his deep knowledge of baseball, and his established presence in the Cincinnati market make him a valuable addition to the WLW and Reds Radio Network team.
As the 2025 Major League Baseball season unfolds, fans will once again have the opportunity to tune in and hear Thom Brennaman’s voice bringing the action of the Cincinnati Reds to life. While his primary role appears to be on the radio, this return to a prominent position within the Cincinnati broadcasting sphere marks a significant comeback for a voice that was once synonymous with the Reds, and now begins the work of rebuilding that connection with the fanbase.
The airwaves of Cincinnati are once again set to feature the familiar tones of Thom Brennaman, a voice eager to contribute to the next chapter of Cincinnati Reds baseball.
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