Andy Pollin is out at ESPN 630. Cumulus Media’s nationwide layoffs claimed the longtime D.C. sports radio voice.
What We Know: Pollin joined ESPN 630 in 2019, anchoring morning updates during Golic & Wingo before eventually hosting his own show from 9 to 11 a.m. weekdays. He spent seven years at the station, the finale of a nearly 30-year run across D.C. sports radio that also included stops at WTEM and 106.7 The Fan. His exit lands amid a broader wave of Cumulus cuts hitting sales, programming, and podcasting staff across multiple markets.
What They Said: Andy Pollin (via X): “As I often say, “in this business, you don’t retire, they retire you.” Cumulus just did that to me. I’m open to opportunities, but sadly that’s unlikely at my stage of the game. I’m thankful for the last 7 years at 630 and look forward to what’s next.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN 630 has not named a replacement as of yet. Pollin’s next steps are also unknown.
What It Means: Pollin’s exit strips ESPN 630 of a nearly three-decade fixture in D.C. sports radio. He returned to D.C. in 1992 to play a key role in the launch of D.C.’s first all-sports station, WTEM, where he served as Sports Director for 25 years. His early jobs took him through Texas and New York City where he helped start the nation’s first all-sports radio station, WFAN. For ESPN 630, replacing that morning and midday presence tests whether local identity survives corporate cost-cutting. Meanwhile, listeners lose a familiar name as the industry’s contraction rolls on.
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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.