Mike Missanelli Announces Shocking Return to Philly Sports Radio—Here’s What Fans Need to Know

Philadelphia sports-talk icon Mike Missanelli has exited 97.5 The Fanatic again, ending a return stint that lasted just under a year. Beasley Media Group confirmed the move late Friday, saying, “Friday was Mike’s last day at the station … we are grateful for his contributions and we wish him all the best.” Missanelli had been anchoring the midday slot from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. alongside Ray Dunne and, until June, Bill Colarulo. Dunne will serve as interim host while the station auditions a rotating cast of contributors, an approach that mirrors Beasley’s recent lineup shuffle designed to boost ratings and cut costs. The abrupt departure evokes déjà vu for listeners who remember his sudden exit from afternoon drive in May 2022 after a 15-year run. At that time Missanelli hinted he’d been “pushed out,” only to shock the market with a comeback in August 2024 that management framed as a “fresh start” in middays. Why it matters for Philly sports radio • Ratings driver: Even at age 68, Missanelli remains one of the few personalities who reliably move Nielsen numbers and social-media chatter. • Competitive landscape: WIP-FM has dominated afternoons with Jon Marks and Ike Reese; Missanelli’s exit removes star power from The Fanatic’s daily lineup. • Budget pressures: Beasley Media Group has executed multiple rounds of layoffs nationwide, and insiders say more cost cutting is likely before football season kicks off. What’s next for Missanelli? Industry sources say podcast networks and regional TV outlets have already reached out. Missanelli also owns the digital platform “MikeMiss Ventures,” which streams live post-game shows on YouTube and could expand into a daily podcast. During his previous hiatus, he guest-hosted for NBC Sports Philadelphia and taught a sports-journalism seminar at Saint Joseph’s University, suggesting he won’t disappear from the local conversation for long. Fan reaction and social buzz Within hours of the news, “Mike Miss” trended across X in the Philadelphia metro. Many listeners expressed frustration over losing a familiar voice during Eagles training-camp season, while critics argued the station needs younger talent to attract the 25-54 demo advertisers crave. Bottom line Missanelli’s second departure underscores the volatility of modern sports radio, where legacy names face tighter budgets and evolving audience habits. Whether he lands on another terrestrial signal, pivots fully to digital, or embraces a hybrid model, the Mike Missanelli brand remains a central storyline in Philadelphia sports media—and one The Fanatic will have to counter quickly if it hopes to keep pace in the city’s cutthroat airwave wars.