Jim Traber's Unique Approach to Sports Radio Sets Him Apart in Oklahoma City

The iconic song ‘My Way’ has resonated with audiences for generations, serving as an anthem for individuality and personal responsibility. This theme is reflected in the career of Jim Traber, the afternoon host for WWLS in Oklahoma City, who has spent over 30 years establishing a distinct presence in sports radio by staying true to his unconventional style.

Traber, a former Major League Baseball player, entered broadcasting unexpectedly, landing a role on air just hours after his interview. He credits the advice of beat reporters from his baseball days for his swift transition into the industry. “I’m a very unorthodox guy doing sports radio,” Traber remarked, emphasizing his refusal to conform to typical broadcasting norms, even if it occasionally leads to friction with his superiors.

Known as "The Ultimate," Traber has crafted a reputation for delivering straightforward and original commentary, while holding local teams accountable. He noted, “50% of the people who listen to me love me, and the other 50% hate me. But they’re listening.” Traber prides himself on being an independent voice, steering clear of the bias often found in local sports broadcasting.

His show has become a key player in Oklahoma City’s sports landscape, particularly as the Oklahoma City Thunder have seen significant success, including 13 playoff appearances in 18 years. Traber appreciates how the team has united fans from rival schools like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. “It’s been a very interesting evolution to witness,” he stated, highlighting the positive impact on community engagement.

Despite the Thunder's achievements, Traber remains committed to his honest critiques, emphasizing that his job is to provide a fair assessment of the team's performance. “The Thunder fans cry a lot,” he quipped, acknowledging the backlash he sometimes faces for not being overly supportive of the team.

Having grown up in Maryland before becoming a two-sport athlete at Oklahoma State, Traber has now called Oklahoma City home for over 35 years. He believes that sports radio is evolving in a direction that lacks the spirited debates he values, lamenting the loss of genuine argumentation in the format. “There are points that must be debated,” he insisted. “I’m not doing it to get people fired up. I’m doing it because that’s how I feel.”