Houston’s ESPN Radio Affiliate Hacked During Cowboys-Eagles Game

Houston sports fans tuning into ESPN 97.5 on Sunday afternoon, November 24, 2025, for the Cowboys vs. Eagles game were met with an unexpected and disturbing interruption. The station’s broadcast was briefly hijacked by an online hacker, resulting in the airing of an Emergency Alert System (EAS) tone followed by a vulgar, racist country music song.

Houston’s Airwaves Hijacked: What Happened on Sunday

The afternoon began like any other major sports broadcast, with ESPN 97.5, Houston’s local affiliate for ESPN Radio, carrying the highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. However, the typical game commentary was abruptly replaced by a series of alarming sounds. Listeners reported hearing an EAS tone, which typically precedes important public alerts, before a “vulgar, NSFW country-music song” began to play. This unauthorized audio played on a loop for several minutes, interjected with promotions for various social media channels, creating a chaotic and offensive broadcast.

The Station’s Immediate Response and Fallout

As the incident unfolded, ESPN 97.5 Houston quickly acknowledged the problem via social media. At 4:34 p.m. CT, the station posted, “In the past hour, there was audio airing on 97.5 FM signal that didn’t come from the radio station. Our signal had been hacked. We are actively trying to rectify the problem. We appreciate the many of you who posted to alert us of the issue.” The prompt communication from the station helped inform concerned Houstonians and confirmed the external nature of the broadcast disruption. ESPN 97.5 successfully resumed its regular programming shortly after the hijacking.

Unmasking the Vulnerability: A “Default Barix Login” Issue

Understanding the Technical Glitch

The incident raised immediate concerns about the security of local radio broadcasts. Lance Venta of RadioInsight.com provided crucial context, suggesting that ESPN 97.5 likely utilizes a “default Barix login” for its audio feed. This type of login, when not properly secured, can reportedly be accessed by hackers through an unsecured Barix-device database. This technical vulnerability meant the station’s audio stream was susceptible to external takeover, leading to the broadcast of the inappropriate content.

Preventative Measures and Future Security

The situation highlights a significant cybersecurity challenge for radio stations, not just in Houston but across the nation. Venta emphasized that stations can and should implement “additional security measures” to protect their login information. He cited a recent guide from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, which advises on strengthening Barix box security. For Houston’s local broadcasters, this serves as a critical reminder to review and bolster their digital defenses against similar malicious attacks, safeguarding the integrity of their programming for the community.

Back to Broadcast: ESPN 97.5 Moves Forward

Following the unfortunate event, ESPN 97.5 was back up and running the very next morning. Listeners could once again tune in to their usual Morning Drive program, “The John and Lance Show” with John Granato and Lance Zierlein. While regular programming has resumed, the incident underscores the continuous need for vigilance in cybersecurity within the broadcasting industry, ensuring that Houston’s airwaves remain secure and free from unwelcome intrusions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ESPN 97.5 Hack

• What happened to ESPN 97.5 Houston?
  During its Sunday broadcast of the Cowboys vs. Eagles game, the station’s signal was hacked, airing an Emergency Alert System (EAS) tone followed by a racist, vulgar country music song and social media promotions.
• When did the incident occur?
  The hack took place on Sunday afternoon, November 24, 2025, lasting for several minutes. The station acknowledged the issue via social media at 4:34 p.m. CT.
• What was the suspected cause of the hack?
  According to Lance Venta of RadioInsight.com, the station likely used a “default Barix login” for its audio feed, which hackers can exploit through unsecured Barix-device databases.
• Has ESPN 97.5 resumed normal programming?
  Yes, the station rectified the problem and resumed regular programming, including “The John and Lance Show” on Monday morning.
• Are other Houston radio stations at risk from similar vulnerabilities?
  The vulnerability related to “default Barix logins” suggests that any station using similar unsecure login practices for their audio feeds could potentially be at risk without implementing enhanced security measures.

This incident serves as a stark reminder for all local broadcasters and listeners in Houston about the evolving challenges of digital security in traditional media. It underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices to protect broadcasts from malicious interference and ensure a safe, respectful listening experience for the community.

Houston ESPN Hacked During Game Vulgar Music