Michael Kay goes solo on ESPN New York radio slot change

In the United States, significant changes are happening in the ESPN New York radio lineup. Michael Kay, known for his long-standing role as the host of 'The Michael Kay Show,' will be leaving the afternoon drive time slot after the December 13 edition. This decision marks a new chapter in his career, as he will transition to hosting a solo show during the midday hours of 1 to 3 p.m., effective from January 6, 2025. The announcement was confirmed by an industry source to Newsday, and the news first broke in The Athletic. Kay has been a prominent figure in sports radio since 2002 and has been leading the afternoon drive for nearly two decades, becoming a significant competitor to Mike Francesa of WFAN throughout the late 2010s. The competitive dynamics between their shows contributed to a robust sports media landscape, generating high ratings and lively discussions among sports fans. His success in this format has been a hallmark of his career and has built a loyal audience over the years. Additionally, this change comes in light of Kay's increasing commitments as the television voice for the New York Yankees on YES Network, a role he has consistently maintained alongside his radio responsibilities. Kay has expressed a desire to lessen his radio workload to better balance his various professional engagements. As part of the reorganization, Alan Hahn will be taking over Kay's previous late afternoon role, joining Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg, further reshaping the ESPN New York radio landscape. Furthermore, Hahn's existing co-host Bart Scott will be moving to a different time slot, taking over the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. show alongside Dan Graca. This restructuring also means that Mike Greenberg's national show will no longer be featured on ESPN Radio's 880-AM terrestrial station. While Kay's change is a significant adjustment in the lineup, it reflects broader trends in sports media where personalities shift and evolve based on their capacities and the networks' needs. These adjustments are part of a larger strategy to enhance programming and cater to listener preferences. As the landscape of sports radio continues to change, the implications of these shifts will be keenly observed by fans and industry insiders alike. Overall, the upcoming transition in programming symbolizes a pivotal moment for both Kay and ESPN New York radio, as they adapt to new circumstances while still maintaining elements of what made the shows successful in the first place.