Dino Costa has his share of fans and critics. The controversial talk show host is on his way to St. Louis where he’ll soon be hosting mornings on 590 The Fan, KFNS-AM. He debuts on Monday morning March 14th.
In a conversation with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Costa made it clear that he’s going for the throat and not holding back. When asked about his expectations for his show he said “If I don’t dominate this market in a year, I will crawl on hands and knees back to Wyoming. They’ve got some nice little shows on sports radio here but they’re ham-and-eggers for the most part. The worst thing that ever happened to other people in sports radio is the arrival of Dino Costa. I have nothing personal against any of these guys but I have to destroy them, I will destroy them, and I will dominate this market.”
That brash approach has been part of Costa’s DNA for a long time and only time will tell if it resonates with St. Louis listeners. Others have tried that approach and not performed, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t work. However, it’s clear that one of the first objectives on Dino’s end is to try and ruffle the feathers of other local personalities.
When asked about Tim McKernan, Jim Hayes and Doug Vaughn’s morning show on CBS Sports 920, WGNU-AM, he said “it’s sophomoric, juvenile, and a lot of sexual talk. McKernan, appeals to a younger demographic. He can keep the kids. I’ll take everybody else.”
He also took aim at market ratings leader 101 ESPN. Costa said of morning host Bernie Miklasz, “I have been a longtime fan of Bernie from his days writing for the Post-Dispatch, and he was a huge fan of my show on SiriusXM. I love Bernie. But it’s unfortunate I now have to destroy him, and I do so without apology or any hesitancy.”
In addition to hosting mornings, Costa is also jumping into the programming end. Since joining the station he’s dumped Dan Patrick’s show in favor of a Blues-specific program hosted by Dave Rapp, and he’s extended an offer to Curt Schilling, although it appears to be a publicity stunt. Costa though says the offer is legitimate.
What’s even more interesting, is that he’s joining a radio station which includes Kevin Slaten, a market veteran who’s built a career as St. Louis’ bad guy, and wears that title like a badge of honor. When asked about Dino’s arrival, Slaten gave him a ringing endorsement.
“There’s something new and fresh about his show that I think people will gravitate to. I think this is a home run for St. Louis. If St. Louis doesn’t give him a fair chance, shame on them.”
But although Slaten offered praise to Dino, the response from Costa wasn’t as warm.
“As long as Slaten stays the (expletive) out of my way we won’t have any problems. I think my presence is going to bring his game up. From what I’ve listened to Kevin, I think he is very good. But he could be so much better.”
His approach and attitude may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Dino Costa operates a certain way, and KFNS knows what they signed up for. The ability to generate headlines, make noise, and create interest are right in Dino’s wheelhouse. The real question is will that style and approach be received favorably by St. Louis listeners?
If it works, KFNS will benefit. If not, it’ll be an experiment that was tried and didn’t prove to be unsuccessful. Either way, they’re taking a risk to get people to take notice of the brand. Now it’s up to the audience to decide if KFNS’ risk was worth it.
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.
