Dickey Broadcasting is coping with budget shortfalls like so many other media companies during the Covid-19 pandemic. For Dickey, it means layoffs for a number of major personalities at its Atlanta sports stations.
Barrett Sports Media has learned that two big names in the world of Atlanta sports radio are out.
John Kincade, the longtime host of ‘Buck & Kincade’ which included Buck Belue, had been a staple in The Fan’s lineup since 2000. The show in fact held the distinction of being the longest running sports talk radio show in The South with more than 5,000 broadcasts produced by the two partners. Kincade started his career in Philadelphia with Sports Radio WIP and has since gone on to host national shows for ESPN Radio, and CBS Sports Radio. He also hosts “The BIG Podcast with SHAQ” with Shaquille O’Neal for Podcast One.
The second big name to exit the station is Steak Shapiro, one of the lead voices of The Front Row with Sandra Golden and Brian Finneran in morning drive on 680 the Fan. Shapiro joined the station in January 2014 following a long stint at the now defunct 790 The Zone which he previously served as host and co-owner of. Fortunately for Shapiro, his food company and television show ‘Atlanta Eats‘ has been doing well. The program just celebrated a Southeast Emmy Award as the Best Lifestyle Program Feature/Segment & Program.
Kincade and Shapiro are not the only hosts to be let go as part of the station’s cuts. Mark Zinno, who had hosted A to Z Sports on Xtra 106.3 also had his position eliminated. After our report came out, Zinno took to social media to confirm the news.
According to sources, Zinno’s exit is part of eliminating local programming entirely from Xtra 106.3 as Joe Hamilton, Brandon ‘Home Team’ Leak, and Hutson Mason are expected to move over to 680 The Fan soon. Tug Cowart who has worked with Mason is expected to move to a digital role with the company.
One additional name which has come up and is said to be part of the station’s lineup plans moving forward is Atlanta sports radio veteran John Michaels. Michaels previously worked for 92.9 The Game and 790 The Zone and is reportedly going to replace Shapiro alongside Sandra Golden and Brian Finneran on the morning show. Though he writes a weekly column for BSM, Michaels hasn’t responded to texts or calls seeking confirmation.
The latest lineup changes follow another big change at the station which recently flew under the radar. Veteran Operations Manager Jim Mahanay was let go as part of company cuts. Mahanay’s duties are expected to be assumed by Matt Edgar. Edgar has worked as a producer at the station but has a history in programming, previously occupying that role at 790 the Zone, a station he spent 14 years at.
What comes next for Kincade and Shapiro remains to be seen, but given their credentials, relationships, and talent, local and out of market options should be available. Zinno is also a talented host who should have appeal to other stations.
The Link LonkSeptember 18, 2020 at 07:47PM
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John Kincade, Steak Shapiro Out Amidst Dickey Broadcasting Cuts - Barrett Sports Media
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