Local sports talk in Norfolk, VA got a little more quiet as Bob Matthews departs his afternoon show on Sinclair Communications’ Sports Radio 96.5 and 850 WTAR.
A local TV and radio personality for more than two decades, Matthews is being replaced on WTAR’s airwaves by a replay of The Rich Eisen Show. According to Larry Bonko of The Daily Press, station owner Bob Sinclair believes the time was right to add The Rich Eisen Show to the afternoon timeslot.
Eisen’s syndicated program airs live, weekdays from noon – 3pm, but WTAR will carry a replay of the show in Matthews former 3 – 6pm afternoon drive post. Recently, Eisen announced the future of his show is unsettled as its flagship TV Network, Audience Network is ending later this month.
In addition to hosting his weekday sports radio show, Matthews is also the longtime producer and news anchor for Tony Macrini’s morning program on sister station WNIS 790 from 6 – 10am. Departing WTAR, Matthews will remain in the Sinclair Communications family, continuing as a contributor to Macrini’s show.
Without Matthews, WTAR’s weekday lineup is now controlled by national programming from FOX Sports Radio except for their morning simulcast of 106.7 The Fan’s Sports Junkies. Matthews’ departure leaves the afternoon drive audience with Nick Cattles of ESPN Radio 94.1 for their local sports talk needs.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
Hey Brandon, sad to see the show go but you never know what the future holds. Let your readers know we are still online either at WTAR.com or here: https://bobmatthewsfinke.podbean.com/
Thanks!