Tony Bruno is such heavyweight in Philly sports radio that when it comes to replacing him, SportsRadio 94.1 WIP might need two people.
Sources say the station is considering pairing current afternoon host Josh Innes with WIP program director Spike Eskin and former Eagles defensive tackle and WIP host Hollis Thomas, an afternoon trio that would hopefully help the station retain the ratings lead it has achieved over 97.5 The Fanatic afternoon host Mike Missanelli.
Crossing Broad was first to report the news of the trio, but sources indicate a final decision hasn’t been made about Bruno’s replacement (or replacements).
When asked for comment, Thomas said he hadn’t been offered anything yet, saying, “Dude,I just work here.”
It’s worth noting the station would have to figure out how to accommodate all of Eskin’s off-air duties as program director before they could entertain committing him to co-hosting a daily show.
The small group of people at CBS who thought the trio of Thomas, Eskin and Innes sounded good together also thought both ex-Eagles legend Jon Runyan and current WIP host Rickie Ricardo each paired solidly with Innes. I’m also told current WIP hosts Marc Farzetta and Jody MacDonald can’t be ruled out of the decision.
“I love Marc and Jody is always great when he’s on with me,” Innes told me earlier this week. “We have a lot of great options.”
The ultimate decision on Bruno’s replacement comes at a time of change for CBS Radio. On Monday, longtime local executive David Yadgaroff began as the channel’s senior vice president and Philadelphia market manager. Yadgaroff, who took over for promoted Marc Rayfield, oversees all six local CBS stations, including WIP.
Last month, CBS layoffs hit Philadelphia hard. Among those who lost their job were 98.1 WOGL’s weekday night jock Bob Charger and longtime KYW Newsradio 1060 anchor Vince Hill.
WIP officials anxious to end the revolving host situation say a final decision will be made by the end of next week.
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.
