Mike Francesa is about to be in the market for a new television simulcast home.
An industry source confirmed Francesa’s drive-time radio show on WFAN 101.9 FM/660 AM, “Mike’s On,” will no longer be carried via simulcast on the YES Network when the channel’s contract with the radio station expires on Jan. 31.
Replacing Francesa on the YES Network will be one of his chief competitors, ESPN 98.7 FM’s Michael Kay, who also serves as the Yankees’ play-by-play commentator. He hosts “The Michael Kay Show” on weekday afternoons opposite Francesa.
Francesa’s show had been carried on the YES Network since the channel’s inception in 2002.
There also are financial ramifications behind YES no longer carrying Francesa’s show, as it will not cost them as much money to carry the simulcast of Kay’s show, according to a report.
In 2009, it was reported the simulcast of Kay’s show nearly was picked up by YES, as the MSG Network made a substantial bid to simulcast Francesa’s show. However, YES trumped MSG’s bid and retained Francesa.
There are no immediate plans for a new television simulcast home for Francesa. MSG has been mentioned as a possible landing spot. The station has history with WFAN — up until September they simulcasted the morning radio show of Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton.
“Boomer and Carton” will be seen nationally on CBS Sports Network starting next month.
However, it does not appear likely that Francesa’s show will be simulcast there. In a recent interview with Newsday, he did not sound enthusiastic about having his show picked up by the national network, as it would force him to change the content of his show.