Michael Kay ends beloved afternoon drive time show lineup

In the United States, Michael Kay recently announced the end of his afternoon drive time show on ESPN New York, concluding a remarkable 22-year collaboration with co-hosts La Greca and Rosenberg. The show originally aired from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from July 15, 2002, before moving to drive time in 2005, where it competed successfully against the renowned 'Mike and the Mad Dog' program on WFAN. Kay made this decision to allow more time with his children, who are currently aged 11 and 10, while he also maintains his role as the play-by-play voice for the New York Yankees on the YES Network. During his farewell, Kay expressed gratitude to the listeners for allowing him into their lives for over two decades, calling it the honor of his life. The show's longevity, lasting nearly two decades in the afternoon slot, outperformed its primary rival, 'Mike and the Mad Dog,' which operated for 19 years. Kay's exit will lead to a new configuration on the show, with La Greca and Rosenberg continuing to rush during drive time alongside Alan Hahn under the new title 'Don, Hahn and Rosenberg,' set to debut on January 6 after a soft launch next week. The transition represents not only a change in personnel but also the faith and commitment of the station's executives, who have seen the show evolve over the years. Tim McCarthy, a former ESPN executive, highlighted the significance of Kay’s move into drive time, emphasizing that such shows are extremely rare to last for as long as 22 years. Tributes poured in during Kay's final broadcast from various guests, including celebrities and colleagues from ESPN, who shared their admiration and appreciation for Kay's impact on the show and the listeners. For many fans, the farewell served as a poignant reminder of the show's contributions to sports talk radio and its persistent evolution over the years. In essence, the departure of Kay not only signals a change for the show but reflects on the personal journey of Kay as he seeks to balance his professional and family life. It remains uncertain whether the new program will maintain its simulcast status on the YES Network, a crucial aspect of its broadcast strategy. Finally, Kay’s decision to step back marks a moment of reflection within the sports media landscape, highlighting the intricate balance hosts must navigate between public life and personal priorities. His legacy in the world of sports broadcasting is recognized as an enduring influence for future discussions in sports talk radio, making his last show a significant milestone, heralding not just an end but also an opportunity for new beginnings within the lineup.