Last May, Chris (Mad Dog) Russo said he was unable to find a black host “who is worthy of doing a national (sports) talk (radio) show.” It appears his, and the people running SiriusXM’s “Mad Dog Radio” channel, search is over.
Stephen A. Smith will soon leave ESPN-98.7 FM and take his verbal stylings to SXM’s “MDR,” where he will host his own show, according to satellite radio sources. Smith currently co-hosts a 1 p.m.-3 p.m. program with Ryan Ruocco on 98.7.
The sources said there was no consideration of pairing SAS with Russo. Smith’s new show will probably air from 1 p.m.-3 p.m., which will put him in direct competition with Ruocco on ESPN 98.7. Smith would serve as a lead-in to Russo’s “Mad Dog Unleashed” soiree and force SXM to juggle its current “MDR” lineup.
On one level, Smith’s apparent decision to move to SXM is surprising. It was only two weeks ago when Smith, on the air, suggested his radio days were numbered. “Ryan Ruocco can have the show,” SAS said at the time. “I have enough on my plate (with TV opportunities).
Still, the idea of Smith working freestyle in the uncensored world of satellite radio is fascinating. SAS has gone right up to the line, and sometimes crossed it, as he did on Friday on ESPN’s “First Take” when he went on a rant concerning Ray Rice’s two-game suspension and implied some women should be blamed for domestic violence.
How much further will he push it working without a seatbelt on “MDR?”
Smith’s departure from ESPN-98.7 will leave a void. Not only is he the station’s only black voice hosting a daily show, Smith also has built a loyal core of listeners. His partnership with Ruocco jelled slowly but ultimately produced a compelling, and often controversial, sound.
Smith’s NBA insights and inside look at the league, particularly the Knicks, are a key ingredient of a show that will be missed.
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Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
