Mike Francesa stays, but whither the Mad Dog?

Each morning at his home in Connecticut, radio personality Chris "Mad Dog" Russo watches sports programs and also scours the newspapers sports and commentary sections as he prepares for his Sirius XM show. (Sept. 28, 2012) Credit: Craig Ruttle
Now that WFAN’s Mike Francesa is under contract through 2017 – just like A-Rod, but for less money and more production – those of us who spend far too much time thinking about local sports radio can turn our attention to two other matters.
First, whither Chris Russo, whose contract at Sirius XM Satellite Radio expires in September? I don’t know. I do know what is best for media writers: Having him go to ESPN New York, solo or with Michael Kay, to take on Big Mike.
Less interesting options include accepting a pay cut – and a reduction in executive duties – to stay with Sirius XM or perhaps a radio/cable TV deal with a national outfit such as NBC or Fox.
Second, where will the Mets and Yankees be heard in 2014? Their contracts with CBS Radio to appear on WFAN and WCBS expire after this season and ESPN is waiting in the wings, presumably eager to pounce.
The Mets are a financial stinker for the FAN, so it is not clear what sort of deal would make sense for the station to keep them. If there isn’t one, CBS Radio could opt to re-sign only the Yankees, move them to WFAN and let the Mets fend for themselves, opening the door for ESPN.
More sports media


