WEEI in Boston is making changes to its evening programming. Longtime evening host Mike Adams was fired yesterday after spending the better part of 23 years with the radio station. Chad Finn of Boston.com was first to report the story.
Adams was called in for a morning meeting where he was made aware of the news. Sources say that the necessity for an evening host had been a topic of debate for quite some time. With Red Sox games occupying most of the evening hours between April and September, the job was seen as a half-time position.
Entercom Boston Market Manager Phil Zachary alerted staff members in a memo that WEEI management had arrived at the decision after lengthy and careful consideration of the radio station’s present market position as well as a number of longer-term, strategic opportunities that are available. He added that during the next three or four months, those options will be evaluated with an eye toward the next chapter of WEEI nighttime programming.
WEEI recently signed a new deal with the Red Sox that runs through the 2023 season. That said, some were surprised of Adams’ termination considering that his show and the Red Sox play by play had co-existed for the past 10 years, and his timeslot delivered solid ratings.
According to Finn, inside speculation is that Mike Mutnansky, who hosts the Red Sox pre- and postgame shows, could be given the evening slot in the future.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
