Dino Costa’s time in Portland has expired. The polarizing talk show host has been notified by Alpha Media and its sports station 750/102.9 The Game that they intend to move in a different direction without him.
The termination of Costa takes place one day after Alpha’s radio partner the Portland Timbers distanced themselves from the radio station, stating the offensive and insensitive views shared by Costa on his program were not reflective of their organization. The team also hinted that they would take into consideration Costa’s role with the station when determining their future radio rights when their contract expired in 2018.
Costa was added to the station’s lineup in June. During his two months in Portland, Costa drew the ire of local listeners and sports teams for comments made about female radio broadcasters and Black Lives Matter supporters.
In a statement issued by Alpha Media to the Associated Press and posted on Oregon Live, the company said, “After further review, Alpha Media has decided to cut ties with Dino Costa. Additional information is not available at this time.”
The radio station has since removed Costa’s show and information from their website and discontinued his show’s Twitter account. No word yet on who will step into afternoons.
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.
