Breaking: Philadelphia sports radio personality Mike Missanelli has been removed from his role as host of the 97.5 The Fanatic afternoon drive show, effective immediately. The move comes less then a year after his return to the station following a previous departure in 2022.
Missanelli’s exit marks the second time he and The Fanatic have parted ways under challenging circumstances. His initial departure occurred in the summer of 2022,stemming from a fractured relationship with then-cluster manager Joe Bell. His return in 2024 was directly facilitated by bell’s departure in June and the subsequent promotion of Paul Blake to the position of Vice President and Director of Sales.
in the interim, co-host Mike Biddle has been promoted to the primary drive-time role. previously, Biddle had been working alongside producer Jamie Dunne, who was handling the second microphone during recent broadcasts. The Fanatic is owned by Beasley Media.
Missanelli’s contract is fully guaranteed, meaning beasley Media will continue to pay his salary for the duration of the agreement, despite his removal from the air. The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but sources indicate it represents a significant financial commitment by the station.
The departure fuels speculation about potential replacements.Jon Marks,who recently left 94.1 WIP, has publicly expressed interest in a midday slot and is considered a leading candidate for the afternoon drive position. Marks left WIP at the end of 2023 after several years co-hosting with Ike Reese.
Background: 97.5 The Fanatic,located in Philadelphia,pennsylvania,is a sports radio station serving the Delaware Valley. The station primarily focuses on coverage of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams – the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), Sixers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL) – as well as college sports. The afternoon drive slot is a key ratings period for sports radio stations, and the replacement choice will be crucial for The Fanatic’s continued success.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports sence 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team’s 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University.email – k.kinkead@sportradar.com
