What's Happening?
The Score, WSCR-AM 670, a prominent Chicago sports radio station, has announced the departure of its longtime morning show co-host, Mike Mulligan. Mulligan had been with The Score for over 20 years, serving as morning co-host since 2008, where he was
part of the 'Mully and Haugh Show' alongside David Haugh. The station also cut ties with midday co-host Marshall Harris. According to an employee memo from Mitch Rosen, vice president of The Score, the decision was part of 'difficult programming decisions.' Mulligan, a former Sun-Times sportswriter, had been a significant personality for the station, particularly in its most prominent daypart. The 'Mully and Haugh Show' had been a staple for Chicago sports fans for the past eight years. The station plans to announce a new morning show co-host for David Haugh on Monday. Marshall Harris's former partners, Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote, will continue their show, which will now be billed as 'Rahimi and Grote.'
Why It's Important?
This shake-up at The Score is significant for the Chicago sports radio landscape, as Mike Mulligan has been a recognizable voice and a central figure for the station for two decades. His departure, along with Marshall Harris, signals a major programming shift for WSCR-AM 670. The station recently began simulcasting on 104.3 FM to expand its reach, but ratings have remained flat, ranking 13th among Chicago stations in July with a 2.7 share, according to Nielsen. These changes are likely an attempt to revitalize listenership and improve ratings in a competitive market. For listeners, it means a new dynamic for their morning and midday sports talk. For the station, it's a high-stakes move to re-engage its audience and maintain its position as a leader in Chicago sports radio, especially given its history of covering major local sports teams like the Bulls, Sox, and Cubs.
What's Next?
The Score is expected to announce a new morning show co-host for David Haugh on Monday, which will reveal the new lineup for its key morning slot. The midday show will continue with Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote, now branded as 'Rahimi and Grote.' These changes will be closely watched by listeners and industry observers to see if they lead to an improvement in the station's ratings and overall market share. The station's management will be looking for these new configurations to attract more listeners and potentially reverse the trend of flat ratings. The impact on advertising revenue and listener engagement will be critical in determining the success of these programming decisions. Marshall Harris has already indicated he is 'open to work' on LinkedIn, suggesting he will be seeking new opportunities in the broadcasting industry.
Beyond the Headlines
The decision to part ways with long-standing personalities like Mike Mulligan highlights the intense pressure on traditional media, particularly radio, to adapt and maintain relevance in a fragmented media landscape. Despite efforts like FM simulcasting, The Score's flat ratings suggest that simply expanding reach isn't enough; content and on-air talent remain crucial. This move could reflect a broader industry trend where stations are willing to make significant changes to their established lineups in pursuit of audience growth and competitive advantage. It also underscores the evolving nature of sports media consumption, with listeners having more options than ever before, from podcasts to streaming services. The station's willingness to move on from a 'signature personality' like Mulligan after 20 years indicates a strategic pivot aimed at future-proofing its appeal and potentially targeting new demographics.
