# 97.1 The Fan — user reviews > 68 indexed App Store user reviews of 97.1 The Fan by WBNS TV, Inc., rated 1.88/5 from 184 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/971-the-fan/id915052455/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/971-the-fan/id915052455.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 33 · 4★ 3 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 14 · 1★ 129 ## What do users think of 97.1 The Fan? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Enjoyable content/shows - 👍 App has improved over time - 👍 Good content for Buckeyes fans **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent crashes - 🐛 Constant stream drops/buffering - 🐛 Excessive and intrusive ads - 🐛 Ads play over content - 🐛 App won't open/load - 🐛 Connection issues (Wi-Fi/cellular switching) - 🐛 Ads when stream refreshes - 🐛 Ads during commercial breaks - 🐛 Ads from out of state - 🐛 App freezes - 🐛 Poor audio quality - 🐛 Issues with car stereo connection - 🐛 Issues with headphones connection - 🐛 App messed with phone volume - 🐛 Ads in German - 🐛 Random ad drops - 🐛 Podcasts restart constantly - 🐛 Alexa/smart speaker integration issues - 🐛 No offline podcast downloads - 🐛 App doesn't pause correctly - 🐛 Issues with older recordings access - 🐛 Network connection errors - 🐛 Stream cuts out frequently - 🐛 Ads play over live broadcast - 🐛 App doesn't work on iPhone - 🐛 App is buggy **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes frequently - Stream drops and buffers constantly - App fails to open or load - Ads play over live content - Connection issues when switching networks - Podcasts restart frequently - Alexa integration issues - App freezes during streams - App messes with phone volume - Cannot download podcasts for offline listening - App doesn't pause correctly - Cannot access old recordings - Network connection errors displayed - App doesn't work on specific iPhone models - Ads play during non-break times - Stream cuts out and takes a long time to reconnect **Most requested features** - Fix app crashing issues - Improve stream stability - Reduce ad frequency/intrusiveness - Fix ads playing over content - Allow offline podcast downloads - Improve Alexa/smart speaker integration - Fix app not opening/loading - Fix Wi-Fi/cellular switching ad issues - Fix app freezing - Fix app volume issues - Improve app stability - Fix connection errors - Ensure app works on all iPhones - Improve app updates and bug fixes ## Newest reviews (14 of 68) ### 2/5 — The app crashes *2025-08-29, version 7.4.3* I used to like this app. I used all the time: while I drove, in the house, while walked. Now it is stuck on the black screen and won’t connect in my truck , to my ear buds, or just open listening over my phone. It needs updated!! ### 1/5 — Just a bad app that has good content *2022-08-22, version 7.2.0* You have to close the advertisement before it starts playing content. Which means that every time you stop playing, like if you have an alarm, sometimes Twitter will stop it, you have to open up the app just to hit closed on the advert, especially painful if you are driving. I had people from Germany working with me for a month, I guess it’s always listening because it gave me an advertisement in German, which I had to look up what the German word for closed is for it to start playing the shows. I’m surprised I put up with it but I do like most of the shows of this station it’s just the app is garbage ### 1/5 — Terrible App *2022-07-26, version 7.1.0* The only thing this app does effectively is play adds. So frustrating to use, I love the radio station unfortunately it’s hard to listen with this app because it cuts in and out all day long and plays replays adds every time it cuts out. SMH….. so frustrating ### 1/5 — Unbelievably bad *2022-07-12, version 7.1.0* Refer to previous review. So well written. ### 2/5 — Still isn’t fixed despite on-air talents’ claim *2022-03-15, version 7.1.0* See review from Bentzie99 dated January 18. Copy & paste here. It’s frustrating how often it cuts out and I’m sick of hearing Little Animal’s voice on a commercial endlessly when it picks up again. He isn’t in Columbus anyway. ### 1/5 — Broken Record *2022-01-18, version 7.0.0* I came to leave a review on how terrible this streaming app is, but a simple search shows that many people have already stated the obvious. A review from TWO YEARS AGO states the same issues that are STILL currently happening. I try to enjoy listening while doing yard work or other misc. tasks but become too frustrated with how often the service is dropped. In comparison, I have not had this issue with any other podcast or listening service. Only this one. Mowing the yard? How about listening to the same ads over and over and over again. Receive a phone call, even if you don’t answer it? Congrats, you get to listen to more ads before you get to listen to any content. Accidentally tap on something that has sound? More ads for you. Hit pause briefly to answer someone? Ads, ads, and more ads. Ironically here in central Ohio you’ll get to listen to many ads from… Michigan? If I could I would rate this with a -1 star. Going on 2 years of a pandemic where many people work from home and this app has consistently been terrible. The hosts have mentioned that the app has been updated multiple times to fix issues, yet none of the issues have been fixed. This is utterly pathetic and sad that a radio station takes such little pride in what they put out to their listeners. Do better! ### 1/5 — This app could not be worse. *2022-01-01, version 7.0.0* It’s not even playing the Rose bowl even though it says it’s playing the rose bowl. Just playing ESPN radio stuff. Abysmal app which is unfortunate because they have a lot of radio talent I’d like to hear. I also don’t appreciate having to listen to an ad just to start the radio and every time the app crashes ( which is frequent) I have to listen to another ad to start listening ### 2/5 — App keeps crashing again *2021-11-11, version 7.0.0* Not much more to say. App keeps crashing while streaming and I open another app. ### 1/5 — Glitchy *2021-10-09, version 7.0.0* Buffers too much ### 1/5 — Sick of the ads *2021-08-26, version 7.0.0* The only thing worse than hearing the ads from out of state is hearing why people took the shot in Michigan and how to get a medical marijuana card. If that’s what you want to listen to…this apps for you. ### 1/5 — Ohio sports? *2021-08-25, version 7.0.0* You talk Ohio sports but have ichigan commercials. Also drop to ESPN instead of local, yesterday common man and t-bone became repeat on on segment. ### 1/5 — Crashes immediately *2021-07-10, version 7.0.0* This app doesn’t actually open on an iPhone SE. it crashes immediately ### 1/5 — DUDE!!! *2021-06-21, version 7.0.0* THE app won't even load for the last 2 weeks.........STOP, Just stop even trying to have an app. Good God you've tried 4 times you IDIOTs ### 1/5 — New and improved app??? *2021-05-21, version 7.0.0* I sure would love to listen to the content rather than having “my new and improved the fan app” crashing mid segment sending me to a loop of commercials. Needs work and is quite embarrassing that over a year in that this app is so problematic and to be honest...basic... ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — You can do better *2025-04-24, version 7.4.3* Basically downloaded so I could listen to Cincinnati Reds baseball. Have tried two days in a row and the link doesn’t work. ### 1/5 — Somehow it got worse… *2025-01-02, version 7.4.3* Inarguably the worst app ever… like we all know it look at the review…. But somehow it got worse…. Even the glitchy jumping to local commercials if u ever think about changing wireless connection, played constantly… now it’s 50:50 if you even start your stream … I know 97.1 doesn’t design the app themselves… so why keep this failure of a app engineer company ### 1/5 — Crashing *2023-11-26, version 7.4.1* Just installed, rebooted and still crashing and won’t open. On latest iOS release. ### 1/5 — Absolute garbage *2023-08-27, version 7.4.0* Sure would be nice to listen to a game on “the home of the crew”. If this was an OSU issue, it would have been fixed by now. But since it’s not, I guess I’ll just have to listen to some crappy ESPN content. Thanks a bunch !! ### 1/5 — Just awful streaming service experience *2023-05-12, version 7.2.1* This app delivers an awful streaming service experience. Whenever you switch your phone from Wi-Fi to cellular or vice versa, the app immediately believes you need to hear an advertisement. These ads are annoying, repetitive and too long, while you wait and miss content. Oh, and even when you don’t switch between Wi-Fi and cellular, the app says I think you need another ad! Just random ad drops for no reason. ### 1/5 — Media company can’t write a functional app? *2023-04-06, version 7.2.1* Worst app on the App Store? Probably. Issues already addressed by other users but… Switch from network to WiFi? Frozen, repeated commercials when finally resumes Leave wifi range and switch to network? Same as above. Press pause (well, now it’s a stop button)? Same as above. This usually requires additional step of swiping app closed and relaunching to even get to the commercials. No other streaming app has a problem continued service when switching data sources or pausing. Oh, almost forgot…connect to car stereo? Same as above. Put headphones (AirPods) in, seamlessly continues…take them out? Have to swipe closed and relaunch to get to work again. ### 1/5 — Same complaint as everyone else *2023-03-06, version 7.2.1* I’m listening to the app… My cell service drops and the stream cuts out… Then when my phone gets back into service and the stream picks up, I have to listen to an ad again… every.single.time. And yet I still have to listen to ads during the commercial breaks. Please just get this corrected. It’s clearly been going on for years and years. I no longer live in central Ohio, so I have no choice but to use the app on my drive to work. Maybe someday I will return but for now goodbye my 97.1 friends. ### 1/5 — GAWD AWFUL! *2022-10-11, version 7.2.0* GD worst app ever!!!! Advertisements will literally take over screen to the point where you have to delete app and then re download. And that is just one issue. No joke this happened. I used this app to listen to live radio. The app messed with my phone volume and I missed phone calls and text alerts. Even with volume all the way up. ### 1/5 — Terrible *2022-10-10, version 7.2.0* They seriously need to fire whoever made this horrible app and fire whoever hired them. And if they have been fired they need to fire their replacement ### 1/5 — Worst app ever *2022-09-09, version 7.2.0* I am a Buckeye who has lived far away from Columbus for years and I love keeping up with my team through The Fan radio shows. This app has always been terrible and seems to be getting worse! Constantly buffering, shutting off and then going to a commercial…over and over. I’ve reinstalled multiple times this week with no better luck. The shows are getting worse too — Bishop and FRIENDS — can you please shell out some money for some actual radio talent or athletes??? Bishop and his friends are neither. But that’s besides the point for this review. Please fix this!!!!!! ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Morning Juice *2024-07-30, version 7.4.3* I always enjoy listening to some news for the Buckeyes every week, and Morning Juice is what I mostly listen to hosted by Brandon Beam, & co-hosted by former Buckeye & nfl player Bobby Carpenter. ### 5/5 — The Fan *2021-10-08, version 7.0.0* Absolutely love this Buckeye station!! Every show is different but all content is the same all Buckeyes!! ### 5/5 — Awesome *2021-08-22, version 7.0.0* Bonus show was hilarious! Need another! ### 5/5 — PerverTED ft. Big Daddy *2021-03-12, version 7.0.0* I long to hear ted’s soft nasally voice whisper sweet sexy nothings into my moist ear holes. I’m not sure if it’s part of the program plan already but I think the addition of Paul Keels would be a fantastic piece for perverTED. But he’s not a co-host or even allowed to talk he’s just there to go mmmm and oh yesss whenever Predator Ted is being incredibly sexy. This would definitely add to the Lake Tahoe that is currently developing on top of my loins just thinking about it. ### 5/5 — Version 7.0.0 is a MASSIVE improvement *2021-02-05, version 7.0.0* Friends, ignore all reviews from 2020 and before. They just relaunched the app and it is a monumental improvement. There’s an up-to-date program list, a catalog of all shows and podcasts, and the ability to switch among the three streams (FM, AM, and HD3). Most importantly, it’s a fast, responsive, and stable app finally! ### 5/5 — Version 7 is fantastic! *2021-02-03, version 7.0.0* I use this app all the time to listen to the shows as I live out of state. It was previously very bad, but the new version 7 update has been amazing for me. I no longer lose connection like I used to and the sound quality seems to have improved too. ### 5/5 — Finally! *2020-09-10, version 6.12.0* The App works great now: no more crashing or buffering ecery 20-30 minutes during the show or during commercials either. I am listening from 5 Am to 8 am right now and have not had any crashes or buffering issues with this app. Unlike 2018-19 where crashing and buffering was so much of a issue with the app I wasn't using the app and listening off the web page. So happy this app is finally fixed. No issues anymore with this app. And now I can give it the 5 star rating it deserves. Go Bucks! ### 5/5 — Surprised!! *2018-10-11, version 6.8.0* I am surprised with all the negative reviews. I live in New Mexico and this app has been nothing but incredible for me. I listen to it everyday at work with no problems. ### 4/5 — Many good improvements *2025-10-24, version 7.4.4* This app has come a long way! A couple of years ago it was nearly unusable and now I can have nearly flawless listening, most of the time. Annoying bits are regarding ads whenever the stream/audio is refreshed. So if I’m ever moving from wifi to data, I’m constantly hearing commercials, even when the shows are live. ### 4/5 — Not streaming on Alexa devices *2021-02-11, version 7.0.0* I see another reviewer has mentioned this problem, which I first noticed Feb. 1. I hope the app developers and the Amazon engineers can straighten it out. I’ve had few buffering issues in the past year. I enjoy listening to OSU and Blue Jackets games and I hope you can fix the Alexa issue. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-08.*