On the third episode of Season 2, Jason starts with The 5 in 5. This week’s topics include Jim Rome’s Smackoff, Jay Bilas’ issue with LaVar Ball, Denver Sports 760’s decision to offer non-stop Broncos and NFL conversation, shrinking coverage of MLB insight and breaking news, and the constant scrutiny and criticism of former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry.
This week’s featured guest is Bob Fescoe of 610 Sports in Kansas City. Over the course of nearly 40 minutes, Bob takes Jason through the various stops of his sports radio career and explains how his maturation, outreach, and second time around in Kansas City has changed him personally and professionally for the better.
AREAS OF CONVERSATION EXPLORED WITH BOB FESCOE
- Growing up on WFAN and its influence on his sports radio interests
- Getting started in Seguin, TX and being grateful to work for under 20K
- Opportunity knocks in Kansas City and Bob answers the door
- WHB enters the picture and Bob makes the decision to join them
- Earning a morning drive opportunity in KC while still in his mid-20’s
- The positives and negatives of his experience working for WHB
- Auditioning in Philadelphia with Ray Lucas and what he gained from it
- Landing an opportunity in St. Louis and being naive to what awaited him
- The importance of receiving feedback from a program director
- What he learned from an impossible situation at KFNS in St. Louis
- Utilizing his producer as an on-air character and the chaos it produced
- How to approach a situation when out of work and trying to get back in
- Being contacted for a return to KC and what fueled his desire to go back
- How Ryan Maguire coached him and why he appreciated his approach
- The evolution of the morning show since returning to Kansas City
- Developing a bond with John Hanson and how he’s helped him improve
- Why he has unwavering confidence and trust in his producer Steven Spector
- Growing personally and professionally by getting involved in charitable causes
- What it takes to have success in a market that you’re not originally from
- Why he feels KC is a place for the long-term, not a stepping stone city
- Quick Hits – KC or NY, Best former 610 host, WHB, Kansas, Sports radio changes
FROM THE GUEST
Bob’s Twitter handle: @BobFescoe
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.
