Longtime sports radio host Mike Heller has departed iHeartMedia sports radio station 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee. Heller confirmed the news to Barrett Media on Thursday.
In a statement to Barrett Media, Heller explained how he was informed of the decision by the station and his appreciation for his supporters.
“I’ve been in sports-talk radio for 25 years, most of that for one company,” said Heller to Barrett Media. “On Tuesday, they told me they were ending our relationship. It’s a tough thing to be told, but I’ve been blessed to do what I do for a long time and with many great people. I’ll get back up again. I’m not done. I’ve got more to do.”
Heller hosted middays at the radio flagship of the Green Bay Packers. The radio station website has scrubbed Heller and his program from the website. Veteran broadcaster Tim Allen is listed in Heller’s timeslot on the station website.
The veteran host posted a video on his X account with the following message.
“Got a little more free time right now than I expected,” said Heller. “For the foreseeable future there’s going to be a lot more golf in my daily life. I’ll explain more as time goes on.”
According to post by Wisconsin Badgers radio voice Matt Lepay, Heller will remain in his role with the Badgers radio network serving as the pre-game host for the network.
Heller’s program was simulcast on iHeartMedia’s Madison station 1070 The Game, but that information has also been scrubbed from the website. Heller’s final program was Tuesday.
97.3 The Game morning host Steve Czaban shared his thoughts on Heller’s departure via social media.
“The vagaries and cruelty of this life we’ve chosen in radio, never gets easier. Losing Mike Heller at The Game is especially tough because nobody was more professional, more deeply knowledgeable about sports, and as good of a guy to spar with than Mike,” wrote Czaban.
97.3 The Game nor iHeartMedia has not returned correspondence from Barrett Media for comment.
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I’ll never understand that radio biz and my father worked in it for 50+ years! Firing who was arguable the best sports guy on their station makes absolutely zero sense. Probably going with a cheaper alterative but Mike is the consummate professional and he will be missed.
I agree fully. Heller was the best at the station.
Looks like the big unit will get a lot more of my listening time.
Heller is a professional. He’s pretty good at debating but, his sometimes subtley denigrating tone is off-putting. (Putting somewhere, I’m sure). Best wishes to him and hope to hear him along the Badger (he’s the consummate shill) Network.
I’ll enjoy the NO BS transition to 4 hours, and Doug Russell’s maturation and dedication over the years is notably commendable.
Helller was the best radio show in our area. I will not listen to 1070 any more.
The person or persons who decided to cancel the best sports show on radio should be fired.
Mike Heller’s show was my favorite sports talk radio show. I wish him the best and I will be listening to a different station going forward.
I guess I can delete AM 1070 as a preset in my truck. Won’t be needing that anymore. Hope to hear Mike in the future, he’s the best in my opinion! Good luck pal.
I looked forward to hearing his comments on sports..going to be missed, they let go the best sports talk guy in Wisconsin…hope he stays and catches on with another Wisconsin based show so I can switch.
I’ve enjoyed listening to Mike Heller over many years since his days of covering local sports at WMTV in Madison.
As so many have said he’s a consummate professional and the one I go to get reliable and relatable information on my favorite Wisconsin sports teams and players.
I was beyond shocked that they fired Mike Heller.
I’ve been listening to other sports shows since this happened.
Bad decision.
1070 has already been removed from my radio preset and iHeart favorites. Heller was where I went to for sports information and talk. I’m not a big fan of the “entertainment driven sports talk” where entertainment is more important than sports coverage – especially where Brewer coverage was concerned. I am a football fan, but guess it’s 24/7 going forward.
Yeah, this sucks. Been listening to Mike’s rants for almost half my life. I agreed with most of them. But, his sports knowledge has no equal. It had gotten to a point where until I heard his opinion, I was unable to form my own. I understand why they canned him, he’s just too good! Take a break, play some golf, then sign up somewhere and we will follow. I have a mutual friend who played baseball with Mike at UW-Oshkosh back in the day. I asked him what he thought of Mike a long time ago, and being the wise ass as he is, said, “you know, Mike was always ready to play…” He’ll be ready again, and we will be waiting. Thank you.