A big change has taken place at 92.9 FM ESPN in Memphis. Chris Vernon has left the station and his position as its midday host. Taking over are John Martin and Jason Smith.
Vernon, who was recognized as one of the top midday shows in the nation earlier this year, is joining Bill Simmons to host a podcast series for his website “The Ringer”. He’s also expected to remain involved locally working with the Memphis Grizzlies on their television broadcasts.
Martin is the youngest sports host in a Top 50 market in America and has been with 92.9 FM ESPN since 2013. Smith is an award-winning reporter who brings over a decade of experience in the Memphis sports landscape. He joins 92.9 FM ESPN after spending the last six years at The Commercial Appeal as the University of Memphis basketball beat writer.
The two men were once colleagues at The Commercial Appeal, who will reunite to host the midday show from 11a-2p. Smith will also contribute to The 92.9 Line, the radio station’s online home for written content and breaking news.
“I could not be more excited to have this opportunity with a man I consider a true friend and talent. We always said we wanted to team up again, and we think we’ll bring an entirely new twist to Memphis sports radio,” Martin said.
“I am so pumped to be with my guy John Martin again,” Smith said. “I am so grateful to the folks at 92.9FM ESPN. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait to get started. I also want to thank The Commercial Appeal for the last 13 years.”
“This is a significant day in this market,” 92.9FM ESPN/680AM sports programming director Brad Carson said. “We couldn’t be more excited about the dynamic that John and Jason both bring – from a reporting and entertainment perspective.”
“We are thrilled to bring this show to Memphis,” Entercom Memphis VP/Market Manager Dan Barron said. “Jason and John are highly skilled and bring unique insight. I believe listeners will enjoy this fresh, informative and entertaining show.”
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.
