97.5 The Fanatic has confirmed the exit of evening host Joe DeCamara. DeCamara spent eleven years with the radio station, hosting the weeknight show, and previously serving as an update anchor, producer, pre/post game host, and the station’s Assistant Program Director.
Although no formal announcement has been made, it’s rumored that DeCamara will join crosstown rival, WIP. He previously worked behind the scenes for WIP as Howard Eskin’s producer prior to joining Greater Media when the company launched the sports format on 950AM in October 2005.
There is an opening currently at WIP in afternoon drive. The vacancy was created after the radio station elected to part ways with Josh Innes this past August. One name that has been widely rumored to be on WIP’s radar for the vacancy is Adam The Bull, the current afternoon host for 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland. Whether there’s smoke to that fire is unknown.
Others who have been mentioned as possibilities include former Fanatic host Jon Marks, and former NFL player turned analyst Ross Tucker. There have also been whispers about a few former Eagles players receiving consideration. How DeCamara factors into the station’s lineup plans is unclear.
One name that doesn’t seem likely to be part of the station’s daily plans is Howard Eskin. The longtime talk show host who occupied the afternoon slot for over a decade has made it clear that he’s not interested in returning to afternoons on a permanent basis.
As the radio station resolves its current afternoon situation, it also has another challenge to address in the near future. Angelo Cataldi, the station’s longtime ratings king and face of morning drive for over two decades, has stated that he plans to retire after fulfilling his contractual obligation. Cataldi’s agreement is set to expire next year.
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.
