Changes are coming to Indianapolis’ sports radio leader, The Fan 93.5FM/107.5FM. Query & Company shifts to 10 a.m.–1 p.m., with The Rich Eisen Show sliding in immediately after from 1–3 p.m.
What We Know: The Fan is restructuring its weekday schedule. Query & Company, hosted by Jake Query, moves earlier to 10 a.m. The Rich Eisen Show fills the 1–3 p.m. slot beginning June 15. The move will eliminate ESPN Radio syndication from 10am-12pm. The daypart has been without a permanent host since Clinton Yates departed ESPN Radio is late March.
What They Said: Andrea Kahrer, Vice President and General Manager for Radio One Indiana: “As listener habits continue to evolve, it’s important that our lineup evolves with them. Moving Query & Company up in the day allows us to build on the momentum Jake has established. All while creating a stronger, more cohesive programming strategy across the entire day. The addition of Rich Eisen gives our audiences access to one of the more respected voices in sports, making the Fan’s weekday lineup stronger.”
Program Director David Wood: “We are thrilled to add Rich Eisen to The Fan lineup. Rich has built a national reputation for credibility, intelligence, and entertaining conversation. His ability to connect with sports fans while delivering thoughtful analysis makes him a perfect addition to our programming.”
What Remains Unclear: Whether or not considerations will be made at a later date to include the first hour of Rich Eisen’s program on the station.
What It Means: Without a permanent host named for over two months on ESPN Radio, the move makes sense for The Fan. Shift your syndication plan to a proven entity in Eisen, while expanding your morning programming to a local voice. Whether or not this becomes a trend among stations that used to carry Clinton & Friends is unknown. However, perhaps The Fan saw better opportunity for growth with expansion in mornings instead of catering to middays.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
