Like a tightrope walker, Ian Beckles always balances his life between various pursuits and interests: sports, fitness, fashion, food, music, business and his foundation.
People have never been able to define him solely as a former Bucs offensive lineman and sports nut. But now, Beckles will perform his balancing act without the financial safety net of his sports talk job at WDAE-AM 620.
Beckles, 48, walked away from his WDAE role last month after 14 years with the station, 12 spent as co-host of the midday show with Ron Diaz.
“It got to a point where I needed a change,” Beckles said. “I’m not going to lie, money had something to do with it, but I think I’m just ready to start a new chapter.”
Beckles says you will see the beginning of his new chapter this month when he launches a webcast with the help of Tampa Bay Multimedia called “Flavor of Tampa Bay.” The title will sound familiar to those who have listened to Beckles’ weekend show that featured various area restaurants, but he assures this product will go beyond food.
“It’s going to expose people to all the happening things in Tampa Bay whether its art or fashion or jewelry or venues or music,” Beckles said. “I want to focus on local. I want some of the smaller companies that need some help.”
Beckles expects this new venture to get a boost from the sponsors of his old radio show, but he’s quick to note the deals he’s held with companies such as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Jaguar of Tampa and the Gold and Diamond Source are more than just sponsors.
“These are relationships,” Beckles said. “These are people who have been to my house, met my family and eaten my food.
“I’m just trying to create a community of like-minded people who are doing some good things.”
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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.
