SYRACUSE -- When Clear Channel eliminated the sports format on AM 620 (WHEN), as part of a two-stage move to create an AM/FM simulcast of dominant news/talk station WSYR, two local sports shows hosted by Mike Bristol were left homeless. Now, both shows are "back and better than ever," across town at the four ESPN Radio stations owned by Galaxy Communications.
Bristol's move was detailed today in a Post-Standard article by Pat Spadafore. According to the article, Bristol was connected with Galaxy by Syracuse University men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim. In addition to hosting his two radio shows, Bristol also works as Boeheim's personal publicist and marketing manager. He's also the head of fundraising efforts for the Jim Boeheim Foundation.
Knowing of those connections, it's no surprise that all the pieces fell into place -- even though Galaxy acquired the market's ESPN Radio affiliation just last March, the company has carried live play-by-play coverage of SU games (and midweek SU-focused talk shows) on its music stations for several years.
In the article, Bristol told the newspaper, "I sat down with [Galaxy CEO Ed] Levine, who is a visionary, and I was impressed with how he truly understands sports marketing and his unique approach."
The Onondaga Community College Inside High School Sports show, now in its 11th year, will air on Saturdays at 9am. The NAPA Syracuse Legends Show with Mike Bristol airs on Fridays at 6pm.
ESPN Radio is heard locally on WTLA (1200AM) and WSGO (1440AM), along with two FM translators at 97.7 and 100.1.
Hi There!
I'm glad to hear Mike's show found a new home as he knows his stuff concerning high school sports. I was hoping that Galaxy would pick up the Jim Rome show as I miss that alot. Currently, I'm streaming that via Clear Channel's WHTK in Rochester. Are there any rumors out there as to whether any other station is picking up this show or Dan Patrick or even Fox Sports Radio?
As of yet, I haven't heard anything official, unofficial, or even any secret "insider tips" on the future of Fox Sports Radio in the Syracuse market.
Of course, there's been plenty of speculation and I've got two possible theories of my own, but I haven't heard anything that would lead me to believe either theory is a strong contender at this point.
As always, if anyone out there does know, feel free to speak up.