SYRACUSE -- Last week, Brent Axe revealed that today would be his final day hosting his afternoon sports talk show, On the Block, on The Score 1260 (WSKO). Originally mum about his plans, Axe has revealed he has accepted a new position as "Community Sports Engagement Specialist" with syracuse.com.
Axe has been blogging about sports on syracuse.com since 2007, before he joined his current radio station in 2008. Today, he used that blog as the platform to announce his promotion to the full-time position with the Syracuse Media Group, the new name of the parent organization that's currently restructuring the way things are done behind the scenes at syracuse.com and the Post-Standard.
Here's how Axe explained his new title:
What is a "community sports engagement specialist?"
Well, that's the fun part.
We are all going to find out together.
Syracuse.com has bascially given me the digital version of a blank slate.
In the post, Axe goes on to explain he'll continue to write his blog, including recaps of SU football and basketball games. But he'll also be engaging more with readers in the comment section below those articles, and he'll be producing podcasts, videos, chat sessions and any other kind of future "interactive" technology we haven't heard about yet.
"That said, radio is in my blood," Axe continued. "It always will be. I wasn't unhappy in the radio business. I may even return one day down the road. But once the chance to do this came about, I just couldn't say no. I couldn't be afraid to try something as different, challenging, and exciting as I think this new gig will be."
Axe's final show on The Score 1260 will be today, in the usual timeslot 2-6pm. The program is also simulcast online at thescore1260.com and on the Time Warner Cable Sports Channel.
When Axe first announced his plans to leave radio last week, Cumulus Media Operations Manager Tom Mitchell told CNYRadio.com that he intends to replace Axe with another local host, but no decisions have been made yet.
Although The Score 1260 is affiliated with Yahoo! Sports Network, and will be switching to CBS Sports Radio Network in 2013, the station overrides the network to provide local programming weekdays from 10am until 6pm, along with some additional hours of local programming on weekends. The station also carries live coverage of various local teams, including the AHL's Syracuse Crunch and minor league baseball's Syracuse Chiefs.
Best of luck, Brent! I know you'll do great at the new position.
The very best of luck to you Brent and congrats on the new challenge that awaits you! I know that you'll do well.