In March 2023, Galaxy Media — parent company of ESPN Syracuse — ended the long-running afternoon show hosted by Brent Axe after the company’s CEO thought Axe’s content became “overly dark and negative.” Today, Axe is reflecting after marking a full year since his departure.
The longtime Syracuse host’s exit coincided with the retirement of legendary men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim, who is an investor in the radio group. Ed Levine, Galaxy Media CEO, announced the day before Axe’s firing that Boeheim would be taking a more active role in appearing on the station. Axe has shared his belief that he can’t prove Boeheim had a hand in his firing, but he “will go to my grave believing it was done to appease him.”
In a video posted to social media Tuesday, Axe — who has subsequently launched a podcast and reports on the Orange in other digital aspects — shared his appreciation for those who have supported him since his radio exit.
“I was reflecting a little bit today because it’s been a year since the radio show came to a close. And boy there is not a day that has gone by since that I haven’t heard about that in one way, shape, or form,” Axe admitted. “But here’s what I’m encouraged by: the conversation since then has changed from ‘We miss you there,’ to ‘We have found you here,’ whether that’s the podcast, becoming a Syracuse sports insider, reading a column, following on social media, whatever the case may be. So thank you for that. Thank you for sticking with me through this past year.”
Brent Axe continued by noting he’s not alone in being let go in the last calendar year and offered support to other media members who have experienced job loss.
“Hey, if you’re going through it, too, it’s kind of a s—– time in our business unfortunately,” he added. “Know that I’ve been there. I’ve been through it, if you need a digital shoulder to lean on…I’d be happy to offer whatever I could in that department. So that’s all. I just wanted to say thank you.”
