Looks like ESPN Radio isn’t carrying the punch it used to—but in a sports city like Pittsburgh?!: ESPN Radio WEAE-AM Pittsburgh’s local programming was shut down 9/27 by its parent, ESPN. The station also fired its six on-air employees. The station will carry ESPN’s national programming, including the “Mike and Mike” morning show, for the remainder of the year. It will become Radio Disney on 1/1, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
“It was a business decision,” said Tim McCarthy, senior vice president for ESPN Audio. Three local shows with contractual ties to ESPN Radio 1250 will continue, including two with Steelers ties: “Going Hollywood with LaMarr Woodley” on Tuesdays and “Black and Gold Uncensored,” with James Farrior and Larry Foote on Wednesdays.
Also, “The Trib Total Media High School Football Pregame Show,” with producer Michael Grau and Tribune-Review sports columnist Kevin Gorman also will continue from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays.
The station will continue to carry Penn State football games through the remainder of the season.
Besides Savran and Junker, drive-time hosts Scott Paulsen and Mike Logan, Chris Mack and Steelers reporter Ken Laird were fired.
Savran and Junker will remain visible on TV. Junker is a sports anchor on WTAE-TV Channel 4, and Savran is host of Pirates and Penguins pregame shows, plus the “Mike Tomlin Show” on FSN Pittsburgh.
