In April 2014, Marc Hochman switched sides, and left 790 The Ticket to join WQAM. The move included shifting from mornings to afternoons, and developing a new on-air partnership with co-host Zach Krantz.
Upon making the move Hochman said “The opportunity to host an afternoon drive show on the most legendary sports talk station in Miami was one that I couldn’t pass up. When I first moved to Miami in 1987, I listened to WQAM all the time. Now, a little over 25 years later, I’ll be sitting behind that microphone, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!”
Since making the jump, Hochman and Krantz have developed chemistry, consistency, and a good on-air relationship. That made it possible for WQAM Program Director Ryan Maguire to feel comfortable about adding a third piece to the puzzle.
In August 2015, former Miami Dolphin, Florida Gator, and midday co-host Channing Crowder joined the mix, bringing a new dimension to the program. Crowder’s credibility, sense of humor, and offbeat takes, were embraced by the duo, and when you listen now to “Hochman, Crowder, and Krantz” you hear a trio that’s got the makings of being a very strong and consistent afternoon performer for years to come.
Today, WQAM has rewarded Hochman for his leap of faith, hard work, and adjusting, by giving him a new two year contract extension. The news was first reported by the Miami Herald.
By locking up Hochman, the conductor of the afternoon program, WQAM is counting on their afternoon trio to become the dominant force in afternoons in Miami. That mantle previously belonged to 790 The Ticket’s Dan Le Batard, but when he moved out of afternoons and into middays on ESPN Radio, that made it anybody’s ballgame.
The Ticket has since stabilized their afternoon show with the addition of Ethan Skolnick, but the door remains wide open, and now it’s only a matter of which station’s afternoon program is able to shut it in the near future.
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.
