Another edition of Under The Radar takes a look at some of the news you might have missed from across the sports media universe. A reminder that if you have personnel, promotional, or a brand success story to share, send it via email to JBarrett@hvy.tcp.mybluehost.me.
- Former 97.5 The Fanatic midday host Sean Brace has landed a sports anchoring position with FOX 29 in Philadelphia. Brace begins his venture into sports television starting September 9th.
- Despite Detroit Sports 105.1 folding, Rico Beard has landed on his feet. The former midday host announced that he’s taken over as host of “The Spartan Beat” on 92.1FM in Lansing. The show airs from 6p-7p and debuts on Tuesday September 6th.
- Eric Messersmith has exited 101 ESPN in St. Louis where he was working primarily in a behind the scenes role in order to accept a position as an on-air talent at the new 590 The Fan KFNS operated by Tim McKernan. Messersmith will work on the 2p-4p show with Joe Roderick and Howard Balzer.
- ESPN 980 evening host Tim Murray has been named the new studio host for Navy football radio broadcasts this season. Murray will host the pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows on the Navy radio network.
- 670 The Score in Chicago is holding auditions to find its 2016 Fantasy Football Expert. The radio station will be present at the Illinois Media School for a number of tryouts, and a final decision will be made by judges at a September 20th event. The will appear every Sunday on The Score during Joe Ostrowski’s show from 8-9a CT.
- Congrats is in order for Brady Farkas who was named the new Program Director of ESPN 101.3 in Burlington, Vermont. Farkas had been working in Albany, NY for 104.5 The Team as a producer and on-air contributor. His first day of duty is Tuesday September 6th. He joins a radio station which recently installed Arnie Spanier in afternoon drive.
- With Farkas heading to Burlington, 104.5 The Team has filled his void by promoting Zach Bye. Bye will produce “Big Board Sports with Rodger Wyland” and contribute on-air. Bye is already familiar with Wyland from having worked with him on University of Albany football and basketball broadcasts.
- TNA Wrestling voice Josh Matthews had been hosting a weekend show on 102.5 The Game in Nashville. Matthews though has announced that the two parties have agreed to part ways. He says to stay tuned for future news regarding the Josh Matthews Show.
- Staying in Tennessee, Marky Billson is hosting shows all of this week on WEMB 1420 in the Tri-Cities area. Billson previously worked for the radio station in the 1990’s and will be hosting the 12p-2p shift.
- ESPN has added a new play by play broadcaster for the SEC Network. Courtney Lyle is joining the network and she’s expected to be involved in calling basketball, softball, and volleyball games.
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.
