ESPN 96.1 is bleeding local content. Just over a week after “Big” Drew McCarthy announced he was leaving radio to open a marijuana dispensary, his former partner Jim Costa has been laid off. Costa made the announcement on Twitter.
Costa arrived in Western Michigan in 2016 to serve as a host on ESPN 96.1. In 2018 he was promoted to also serve as the station’s program director.
Prior to his arrival in Grand Rapids, Costa worked for his alma matter, the University of Central Michigan. He was a part of the Chippewas’ radio team, serving as the pregame host and sideline reporter on the team’s radio broadcast.
Unfortunately, Costa is another name on a long list of talent that is out of a job this week. iHeartMedia began a reduction in force late last week that has claimed the jobs of a number of hosts and support staff across the country.
You jerks! No on air announcement, no time to say good-bye (esp. as compared to Drew’s leaving), nothing!…for Jim Costa. Worst company ever!
Totally agree. The sudden jerk off the air not only hurts Jim but also all us listeners. Im done with ESPN radio. Can’t stand the national shows.
I loved listening to Big Dew and Jim on the way home from work every day. I was sad to hear about Drew leaving but I was willing to give Jimbo a shot. You asshats in corporate suck for yanking a great show for a national one. It’s small local shows that give areas favor and we can talk about our teams in our community.