John Kincade is coming back to Atlanta. The veteran sports radio broadcaster will sign a new long-term deal with Atlanta-based Dickey Broadcasting Company following his departure from Beasley Media Group’s 97.5 The Fanatic on July 31.
What We Know: Kincade previously spent 20 years with Dickey Broadcasting, building a loyal following in the Atlanta market. Kincade announced earlier this month that he would be departing 97.5 The Fanatic in July during to health concerns. In an interview with Barrett Media earlier this week, Kincade revealed his contract with Beasley Media was ending at the end of the year. However, while navigating contract extension discussions, Kincade informed station management about his desires to step away. Beasley Media Group and Kincade mutually agreed to end the contract in July. Since announcing in June his intentions, Kincade told Barrett Media that he was “happy” with the early interest he received in his services. He also revealed he had no plans on going independent. Kincade preferred to sign with a broadcast company over the independent model.
What They Said: John Kincade (via Barrett Media earlier this week): “I want to step into something that is already established that I’m used to doing in sports radio. I think my wife would kill me if I went independent. She’d say to me that is too much of an endeavor and filled with stress… I admire the hell out of people in our industry that can do it. It’s not for me.”
John Kincade on the new opportunity with 680 The Fan and Dickey Broadcasting (via Barrett Media): “I am so honored that 680 The Fan reached out wanting me to return to Atlanta and their amazing team. I also can’t say enough about how great Paul Blake, Scott Masteller, and the Beasley family has been in treating me through this whole process. I appreciated the other markets that showed interest. But returning to 680 The Fan made the absolute most sense.”
Andy Roth (Program Director 680 The Fan via LinkedIn): “This was so much fun to watch this being announced at the 25th Buck and Kincade Classic. [I] can’t wait to work with John Kincade on 680 The Fan.”
What Remains Unclear: Kincade’s specific role, programming schedule, and on-air start date is unknown. Those details should come in the coming weeks. It is also unclear which show or daypart he will anchor. Also, whether his return affects any current on-air talent at the station.
What It Means: This reunion carries real weight in Atlanta sports radio. Kincade’s two-decade history with Dickey Broadcasting and 680 The Fan means he returns with built-in credibility and audience familiarity. For Dickey Broadcasting, landing a known commodity rather than an unknown commodity reduces risk and accelerates listener reconnection. For Kincade, morning drive in Philadelphia may not be his calling for much longer. However, a return to Atlanta may be the perfect formula for his next steps.
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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.
