For the past decade, Matt Nahigian ran the programming department for 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. During that time, the radio station moved from AM to FM, added established local personalities such as Mike Missanelli, Tony Bruno and Anthony Gargano, secured the broadcast rights to the Flyers and 76ers, and surpassed market leader Sports Radio WIP in the ratings on a number of occasions. The radio station’s performance was strong enough to warrant a nomination for a Marconi Award.
Now, Nahigian is hoping to duplicate that success on the opposite coast.
95.7 The Game in San Francisco has announced it’s reached an agreement with Nahigian to become the station’s new program director. He fills the vacant seat which had previously been filled by Don Kollins. Nahigian is expected to arrive in the Bay Area for internal introductions and meetings on Thursday. He confirmed the new opportunity earlier tonight on Facebook.
In 2016, Nahigian was ranked 9th overall among the nation’s top sports radio program directors by radio industry executives. He finished 10th in 2015. He becomes the first programmer hired by new San Francisco market manager Susan Larkin.
Ironically, Nahigian was the third programmer hired by Greater Media in Philadelphia to lead The Fanatic. He now becomes the third programmer hired to lead The Game in San Francisco. In each of those situations, BSM president Jason Barrett served as the radio station’s naugural PD.
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.
