What's Happening?
The Score, WSCR-AM 670, a prominent Chicago sports radio station, has parted ways with longtime morning show co-host Mike Mulligan. Mulligan, a former Sun-Times sportswriter, had been the morning co-host since 2008, most recently partnering with David
Haugh for the "Mully and Haugh Show." The station's vice president, Mitch Rosen, announced the decision in an employee memo on Friday, stating that a new morning show co-host for Haugh would be announced on Monday. Rosen acknowledged Mulligan's significant contributions over two decades, calling him a "vital part of The Score family." In addition to Mulligan, midday co-host Marshall Harris was also let go. The midday show will continue with Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote. Mulligan's departure follows a long career at The Score, where he previously co-hosted with Brian Hanley and contributed to the Tribune as a sports columnist. The station, which began simulcasting on 104.3 FM in February to expand its reach, has seen flat ratings this year, ranking No. 13 among Chicago stations in July with a 2.7 share, according to Nielsen.
Why It's Important?
This personnel change at The Score signifies a significant shift in Chicago's sports radio landscape, potentially impacting listener demographics and advertising revenue for the station. Mike Mulligan's nearly two-decade tenure made him a recognizable voice and a staple for many Chicago sports fans, and his departure could lead to a period of adjustment for the station's audience. The decision to drop both Mulligan and midday co-host Marshall Harris, particularly after the station's recent simulcast expansion and flat ratings, suggests a strategic move by Audacy, The Score's owner, to revitalize its programming and improve its competitive standing. This shake-up reflects the highly competitive nature of the radio industry, where ratings and listener engagement are paramount, and stations often make difficult decisions to maintain or grow their market share. The changes could also open doors for new talent and fresh perspectives in Chicago sports media.
What's Next?
On Monday, The Score is expected to announce a new morning show co-host to join David Haugh, marking the official launch of a new era for the station's morning programming. The midday show will continue with Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote, with Harris having already indicated he is seeking new employment. These changes are likely aimed at boosting the station's ratings and attracting new listeners, especially following the recent simulcast expansion. The station will be closely monitoring listener feedback and ratings in the coming months to assess the impact of these personnel decisions. The departure of established personalities like Mulligan and Harris may also lead to speculation about the future direction of sports talk radio in Chicago and how other local stations might respond to these changes in the competitive landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The departure of long-standing figures like Mike Mulligan from local media outlets often reflects broader trends in the media industry, including evolving listener preferences, the increasing influence of digital platforms, and the constant pressure for content innovation. While the immediate reason cited is flat ratings, such changes can also be indicative of a shift in editorial direction or a desire to appeal to a younger or different demographic. The move to simulcast on an FM frequency highlights the industry's adaptation to changing consumption habits, yet the subsequent personnel changes suggest that simply expanding reach isn't always enough to guarantee success. This situation also underscores the precarious nature of careers in broadcast media, where even established personalities can be subject to sudden changes based on market performance and strategic decisions by ownership.
