Here are the latest developments inside sports media circles. If you have a future news tip, press release, promotion or other tidbit to pass along, you can reach me at JB******@hv*.me.
According to sources, big changes are on coming to the update desks in New York. As part of the adjustments, WFAN update anchors are expected to handle update duties on WINS 1010AM. CBS Sports Network anchors will pull double duty taking on update responsibilities at WCBS 880AM. There could also be some adjustments coming to the overnight schedules. Stay tuned.
In Milwaukee, Drew Olson has a brand new daily show on The Big 920. Olson joined iHeartMedia Milwaukee in August after a long run with Good Karma’s ESPN 540 and will be installed in mid-days from 1p-3p CT. Former host Mitch Nelles is transitioning into a full time sales role with the company.
Across town at Olson’s former employer, FOX Sports Wisconsin‘s Sophia Minnaert will appear daily as a guest on ESPN Milwaukee to provide updates on the latest happenings with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Former St. Louis sports radio host Brian McKenna is home and recovering after undergoing four surgeries in three weeks to battle a cancerous cell. During the process there were complications which caused nerve damage and partial paralysis to the right side of Brian’s face. Although the cells were removed, Brian still faces a long road ahead which includes additional surgeries and therapy. The broadcasting community is encouraged to reach out and lend a hand by contributing via the family’s GoFundMe page.
Congratulations is in order for Rob Taylor who has signed on with 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland as an anchor. Taylor previously worked in Dayton, Ohio where he spent over a decade at Alpha Media’s HOT 102.9 and 1410 ESPN Radio.
Former WHB evening host T.J. Carpenter has landed a new opportunity in Denver. Carpenter will be relocating to join Sean Walsh on Mile High Sports Radio 1340AM. The pair will team up weekdays from 2p-4p MT.
Following the arrival of 1580 The Fanatic in Phoenix, former NBC Sports Radio 1060AM program director and talk show host Rich Gray has decided to make the jump and work for the upstart sports station. Gray has signed on with the station as an on-air producer.
WGN in Chicago has added former NHL defenseman Brent Sopel as a hockey analyst and weekend talk show host. Sopel will be part of the weekend show “The Beat” which includes Mark Carman, Adam Hoge, and Jarrett Payton.
Longtime Los Angeles Kings broadcaster Bob Miller announced his retirement last week following doctor’s orders. The 78-year old Miller had suffered a mild stroke in January and was encouraged to step aside and focus on his health. Miller called Kings games from 1973 to 2017. Former Dallas Stars play by play voice Ralph Stangis will call the team’s games going forward with analyst Jim Fox.
According to Chad Finn of the Boston Globe, Evan Drellich is leaving the Boston Herald for a multi-platform opportunity at Comcast SportsNet New England. Drelich has also appeared recently on WEEI creating some explosive content with Kirk Minihane and Gerry Callahan.
The Big Lead’s Ryan Glasspiegel reports that Kaylee Hartung will be leaving ESPN to join CNN. Hartung has been with ESPN since 2012. Prior to that she worked for CBS News in Washington D.C. She’s expected to join CNN in April.
Michael Gehlken has confirmed that he’s no longer with the San Diego Union Tribune. Gehlken had been working the San Diego Chargers beat but with the team moving to Los Angeles his position was eliminated.