A lifetime is full of choices. Where you choose to live and work. Who you choose to love. Choices have benefits and consequences, but in the end, it’s the choice of the individual. For Steve Mason and John Ireland, their latest choice at ESPN Los Angeles was one they’ve made a number of times before.

Recently, Mason & Ireland were rewarded with new multi-year contract extensions to remain hosts of their program, which bears their names, on ESPN Los Angeles. The duo has worked alongside each other for the last three decades and, once again, have further solidified another run of time entertaining audiences in the ‘City of Angels.’

“I am so unbelievably grateful for ESPN and for Good Karma Brands,” said Mason. “It was an easy decision to re-sign and come back to work here.”

Steve Mason has experienced a wonderful career both in radio and in television. Before joining ESPN Los Angeles, Mason was known for his work on The Late, Late Radio Show with Tom Snyder & Steve Mason. He’s served as a broadcaster for seven Olympic Games and for his red-carpet coverage from the Academy Awards.

Moreover, Mason is the die-hard sports fan in all of us. Expressing his bold opinions and infectious enthusiasm every afternoon alongside Ireland. The pairing has drawn massive acclaim over two decades on the radio station, which ultimately led to an easy negotiation for the recent extensions.

“ESPN came to us early and they were unbelievably motivated to get something done,” explained Mason of the contract negotiations. “I truthfully can’t imagine working somewhere other than ESPN and Good Karma.”

Mason Sharing Pride for Who He Represents

Growing up in the Midwest, Mason says he never could have charted his journey of how he landed in Los Angeles. He doesn’t know fully how he arrived at the destination he now calls home, but he understands there is a lot of luck that comes with success. Referencing his father, who took pride in working for Eastman Kodak, Mason shares the same pride in being associated with ESPN.

“I’m with ESPN means something to me. It’s a great company that I have been a fan of since long before I ever worked for them,” said Mason. “I couldn’t figure out how to do it again, but I know I landed in the right place. I love this town. I love the lifestyle. I can’t imagine not only ever working anywhere else, but I can’t imagine living anywhere but LA.”

Additionally, Mason referenced the cultural vibe that sports plays in the Los Angeles market—a city built on a melting pot of culture whose people are passionately attached to their teams. He believes, however, that passion is often forgotten and overlooked by many in the sports radio industry based on locale.

“L.A. has gotten an unfair rep when it comes to being a sports town. This is a great sports town,” explained Mason. “The temperament is different in L.A. I still think they are strong takes and there are disagreements that really stir the drink here.”

‘Mason & Ireland’: Adapt or Die

Indeed, the market houses landmark franchises in all four major sports and beyond—where legends have become household names and the demand for greatness remains at an all-time high. Meeting the expectations of the Los Angeles sports fan is what Mason & Ireland pride their program on, knowing that a successful formula never stays the same, with change as the only constant.

“Our show is completely different today than it was 30, 10, or even 5 years ago. I strongly believe in that expression adapt or die,” notes Mason. “We have continued to be relevant because we’ve been willing to change. We’re willing to try new things, and I’ve always said you’re either getting better or you’re getting worse. We’re pushing forward creatively with this show, and I think evolution is ongoing.”

As part of their ongoing evolution, Mason & Ireland have strategized around taking telephone calls from listeners for a single segment of the program. Interestingly, the show also does not feature many guests—something some may find intriguing, considering their history with the radio station and Ireland’s work as the play-by-play voice of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Instead, the program leans heavily on opinion, belief, and cultivating a more honest and transparent relationship with the audience. The hosts are not afraid to be critical of the local franchises when warranted.

“We [Mason, Ireland] don’t do a lot of face-to-face prep for the show. We both prep individually and then surprise each other during the show,” explained Mason. “We don’t plan out everything. We leave room for some creative content that just develops on the fly.”

Furthermore, Mason credits the show’s strong production team of Laura Romo and Brian Cohen for guiding and enhancing Mason & Ireland. He values their contributions in keeping the show fresh daily and calls them partners in any success the program achieves. Even with the run of success under the ESPN umbrella, there has never been a moment when the program was considered for the national lineup.

“I used to do national stuff for Fox Sports Radio. I’ll be honest with you, I prefer local stuff,” said Mason. “I don’t think there’s ever been any conversation about it. I just feel like I’m closer to people when I’m doing radio in a town. This is L.A. This is my town.”

Being Dominant on Digital, Staying a Fan

Another element that helps Mason & Ireland stand out is their strong digital presence across ESPN Los Angeles social media platforms. A sports radio station with a social following of over a million combined followers provides more reach to connect with listeners and draw them to the program on a day-to-day basis.

“We’ve got a social media team that I would argue stacks up against any social media team in the country,” complimented Mason. “People are consuming content differently than they used to. We have lots of people who watch the show on YouTube and Twitch. They look for those Instagram posts. The more times you can touch a listener, the more loyalty they develop for you. All those connection points on social media are important.”

Given that different audiences consume the program in different ways, Mason believes the fear of losing appointment listening shouldn’t be a concern. Instead, he sees the shift to short-form digital media as an extension of the program, not a threat to its integrity.

One consistent aspect that Mason has always preferred is attending games as a fan. He still holds season tickets and prefers seats in the stands over seats in the press box. This experience allows him to see the game through the lens of the fan, ultimately enhancing his on-air approach for Mason & Ireland.

“When you go to a game as a fan, it’s a different experience compared when you go to a game on a press pass. I like being right in the middle of it,” said Mason. “I don’t think I get that from the press box. I get a very visceral take on it by being at the game and experiencing it as a fan.”

Looking ahead, Mason is excited and looking forward to being fully involved with the 2028 Summer Olympics and 2026 World Cup, as both events call Los Angeles home. He continues to be grateful every day for the opportunity to continue doing what he chooses to do. Now, with a new extension from ESPN and Good Karma Brands, the future continues to look promising for Mason & Ireland on ESPN Los Angeles.

“I just love what I do every day. I have fun every day,” said Mason. “I joke on the air that you’ll have to pull this microphone from my cold, dead hands. I really can’t imagine that I would retire. I just like what I do so much.”

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