ESPN Radio is within the means of what might be an entire transformation which will impression each a part of its schedule and ultimately result in Dan Le Batard not being on the community and the potential return of Mike Greenberg to radio, The Put up has discovered.
Whereas these plans could play out over the following year-plus, the departure of afternoon host Will Cain from ESPN Radio seems imminent. He’s quickly anticipated to signal a contract with Fox Information and Fox Nation, in response to sources.
ESPN declined remark, whereas a Fox Information spokeswoman didn’t instantly return a message searching for remark.
As beforehand reported, ESPN is also strongly contemplating altering up its morning program of “Golic & Wingo,” as Trey Wingo’s contract is up this yr.
Whereas the impression of the coronavirus pandemic might alter choices, discussions concerning the potential modifications are in progress.
ESPN has not but determined the way it might exchange “Golic & Wingo,” although Mike Golic and Mike Golic Jr. might stay in some capability. The Massive Lead has beforehand talked about that Wingo hoped to be taken off this system.
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Wingo was the lead host on ESPN’s NFL Draft 2020 protection, however with the financial impression of the sports activities shutdown, he might not be in an excellent place to be picky. His Twitter bio says that he’s “Not likely a morning particular person …,” which might make the 6 a.m. each day begin time incompatible.
A reunion of “Mike & Mike” — placing Greenberg and Golic again collectively — just isn’t on the desk for quite a lot of causes, however one is that it conflicts with Greenberg’s TV program.
As an alternative Greenberg, who makes $6.5 million yearly, might ultimately be supplied a noon slot with 1-Three p.m. a risk.
That spot is presently held by Jason Fitz nationally, as he hosts “First Take, Your Take,” which options commentary from the TV present fronted by Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman. ESPN Radio executives are excessive on Fitz, so he would possible be within the combine in different components if Greenberg finally landed from 1-Three p.m.
Both approach, Greenberg will proceed with “Get Up!” on ESPN, which has seen a resurgence after this system was re-formatted and Greenberg’s unique co-host, Michelle Beadle, left in the summertime of 2018.
As for Le Batard, he nonetheless has greater than a yr left on his contract, however there’s a feeling amongst many who his program doesn’t mesh with the tastes of Norby Williamson, who’s ESPN’s govt vice chairman and the purpose particular person on ESPN Radio’s programming. Le Batard does extra of a range present moderately than strictly sports activities.
In July, Le Batard received into bother with ESPN after difficult the community’s “no pure politics” edict in July and calling the community “cowardly,” whereas denouncing President Trump.
Since then, Le Batard has steered away from political speak. If Le Batard, who makes round $3.5 million per yr, have been taken off radio, ESPN might nonetheless have his TV present on and proceed along with his podcast community.
Whereas at one level, ESPN might need thought of going outdoors the community, it’s more likely to go inside if it makes a transfer.
ESPN could be very excessive on Mina Kimes, however she would possible should relocate from the West Coast and that appears unlikely in the mean time.
Peter Rosenberg, who has helped the “Michael Kay Present” in New York attain the highest of the rankings and is part of Sizzling 97’s Ebro within the Morning, might be a possible member of a brand new group. Keyshawn Johnson is one other title to think about as half of a bigger transfer that might embody extra TV.
Kellerman has radio expertise in each New York and Los Angeles and will find yourself within the combine, as effectively.
In New York, the potential nationwide strikes wouldn’t have as huge of an impression, as solely “Golic & Wingo” are heard on 98.7 FM.