Hockey fans have voiced their displeasure online regarding the news that the Blue Jackets are moving away from a full-time radio broadcast next season.
When they announced the team would simulcast its TV broadcast on radio, the Blue Jackets shared that longtime radio announcer Bob McElligott's contract wasn't renewed. He was the voice of the Blue Jackets for 17 years.
Blue Jackets TV play-by-play broadcaster Steve Mears and analyst Jody Shelly will be heard on both television and radio calls. Dylan Tyrer will remain in his roles as studio host for Blue Jackets radio broadcasts and video host for select in-house video productions.
"I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the McConnell family and the Blue Jackets organization for the privilege
of calling games for the past 17 years," McElligott said in a statement on his X account. "To the #5th line, I am especially grateful to you. Your passion, enthusiasm and caring motivated me and drove me to give you the best broadcast that I could. Although I don't know what is next for me, I look forward to keeping in touch on here and to sharing more great moments with you in sports."
See internet reactions to the changes to the Blue Jackets' radio broadcast below.
As a PxP broadcaster this is disheartening to see. @BobbyMacSports does an excellent job calling hockey. I feel awful for him. Not deserved at all based on the quality of his work.
— Phil Giubileo (@philgpbp) July 29, 2026
Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of simulcasts. It’s not fair to the fanbase. Credit instead… https://t.co/Vpmlsx8Rs5
Extremely disappointed to see the Blue Jackets part ways with @BobbyMacSports. Not only is Bob an outstanding announcer but he’s also an A+ professional. I don’t think the Jackets fully realize what they’re losing. Thanks for all you’ve done Bob! Jackets fans will miss you
— Matt McCoy (@MattMcCoyRadio) July 29, 2026
TV vs. Radio broadcast play by play is entirely different especially in the NHL. That sucks for Blue jackets fans. https://t.co/NWuq1jsgnQ
— Pockafella (@pockafella) July 30, 2026
Another team has turned to the dreaded simulcast rather than a dedicated radio broadcast. The Columbus Blue Jackets parted ways with long-time play-by-play man Bob McGelligot and will use the TV feed. It never sounds good because a simulcast can’t serve two masters.
— Steve Clark (@SteveClarkMedia) July 29, 2026
@BobbyMacSports im going to miss your play by play and the cbj in 30 I looked forward to in every Monday!! Thanks for the memories and always being a voice for the Blue Jackets. Your no nonsense takes were always your on point. No sugar coat no bs just straight facts. Ty Bobbymac
— Djtittle81 (@djtittle811) July 29, 2026
Its honestly hard to believe in @BlueJacketsNHL when they dump @BobbyMacSports after all hes meant to the city, fans, the sport & the team. But want us to stick with them and trust the process.
— Josh Reho (@Grecko4371) July 30, 2026
Shame on those bean counters and shame on the ownership & front office.
With a TV call you can go long stretches where you let the visuals tell the story with no talking backing it up. That, obviously, doesn't work for radio.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) July 29, 2026
Also, on radio the first rule is 'mention the score every 2 minutes' as people are popping in and out of the broadcast… https://t.co/QiBfk2IiJK
I hate this route.
— David Alter (@davidalter) July 29, 2026
As someone who called sports for radio at the Canadian collegiate level, there is an art to painting the picture to what is going on in a way that TV doesn’t do.
The audio medium isn’t dying. You can justify these positions by adding social/team reporting… https://t.co/Bygr1CtCa5
Absolutely horrible decision. Anybody who has done both, or has paid attention to both, knows that TV and radio are two VERY different broadcasts. Shame to see things like this. https://t.co/MsfCTJTz2O
— Brandon Alter (@brandon__alter) July 29, 2026
I’m disappointed in this outcome, in part because of a long history of broadcasting here in the state of Ohio.
— Max McDulin (@maxmcdulin) July 29, 2026
Radio is a fantastic way to listen to hockey, and Bobby Mac paints it. TV broadcasting is totally different than the art of real play by play.
Radio Gaga. https://t.co/lGNatcXD0K
Came into the #CBJ media world when I was 17 years old. The first time I met Bob was when he sat down for press dinner after seeing me at a table alone, because that’s just the type of person he is. He’s got the uncanny ability to make a game come alive on the radio. The Jackets… https://t.co/VvtLnLYQu5
— Ian Phillips (@ianphillipsnews) July 30, 2026
I really hope this doesn't set a new precedent. Radio and TV pxp require a COMPLETELY different cadence and tone. https://t.co/tyA80sUFY4
— MICHAEL DISTEFANO (@mickey_canuck) July 29, 2026
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Hockey fans, internet react to Blue Jackets radio broadcast changes
