The Mike’s On app debuts today, Friday. Listeners have been asking Mike Francesa ‘what’s next?’ since early 2016, when he told Katie Nolan his plans to leave WFAN in December of the following year. After months of silence, Francesa returned to WFAN this past May, but insisted his comeback was in conjunction with launching his new project, the Mike’s On app.
“I’ve wanted for a while to have my own content machine – my own content vehicle that I could control and that I would have the ability to go [on-air] when I wanted,” Francesa told TheStreet in an interview on Thursday from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. “I think there’s a market for it.”
Francesa appears to be more committed to the Mike’s On app than his 2012 project, the Audio Roadshow App which was oft ignored and eventually forgotten by the legendary WFAN host. At a steep price of $8.99 per month, Mike has no choice but to remain committed to his new platform.
To compare, SiriusXM, which offers Francesa’s former partner Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, Howard Stern, and hundreds of exclusive channels and sporting events, costs about $13 per month. ESPN+ carries thousands of live sporting events, unique programming and Insider content, while costing just $4.99 per month. For a host that spends four hours each weekday on WFAN at no expense to consumers, Francesa will need to offer a lot of exclusive content to make the $8.99 price fee worthwhile.
According to Andrew Marchand of The New York Post, the Mike’s On app is expected to launch in two phases. The first phase features just Francesa, the video simulcast of his WFAN show and the ability to hear Mike’s immediate reaction following breaking news or a big game 24/7. The app will also provide consumers with an exclusive Saturday college football show and Mike’s long-running Sunday morning NFL program.
The second phase of the app launch, according to Marchand, will introduce other voices to the app. Francesa has stated on his WFAN show that he will look to use the app as a way to develop other sports radio personalities. While on-air Thursday afternoon, Mike confirmed WFAN overnight host, John Jastremski, will be featured on the app. The enthusiastic Jastremski has frequented Francesa’s WFAN show as a guest in recent months.
For the first two weeks, the Mike’s On app will be available for a free trial, giving fans the opportunity to decide if $8.99 is a worthy fee. WFAN’s parent company, Entercom and Francesa’s agency, CAA are minority partners in the new venture.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
