Jon Marks is trading middays for mornings. Beasley Media Group’s 97.5 The Fanatic named him co-host of its new morning drive show, effective August 17.
What We Know: Marks joins Andrew Salciunas from 6 to 10 a.m., filling the slot vacated by John Kincade. He returned to The Fanatic last September after roughly two years away, hosting Middays with Marks. In addition, Ray Dunne shifts from producer to on-air host, pairing with Sean Brace on the new midday show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moreover, Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo continues unchanged in afternoons.
What They Said: Paul Blake, Vice President and Market Manager, Beasley Media Group Philadelphia: “Jon Marks has earned the trust of Philadelphia sports fans through years of outstanding work on the air. Making him a natural choice to drive our morning show. Along with Andrew, Sean, Ray, Ricky and Bill, we’re confident this lineup reflects the depth of talent at The Fanatic. Reinforcing our commitment to delivering the best local sports talk in Philadelphia.”
Scott Masteller, Program Director of 97.5 The Fanatic: “Jon has built tremendous momentum as host of Middays with Marks, making this the right time to elevate him into morning drive. His chemistry with Andrew Salciunas gives us an outstanding combination of experience, energy and perspective to start the day for Philadelphia sports fans. At the same time, Ray Dunne has earned this opportunity through years of hard work behind the scenes. We’re excited to pair him with Sean Brace. With Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo continuing to lead afternoons, we’re confident this lineup will keep listeners engaged from the first segment of the morning through the final whistle each day.”
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t name a replacement for Dunne’s old producer role.
What It Means: The Fanatic is betting on homegrown talent over outside hires. Moreover, promoting Marks and Dunne signals confidence built from within, not recruited from rivals. In addition, with football season approaching, the station wants continuity and familiar voices leading every daypart.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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.