Sports Radio Battle: WMVP overtakes WSCR

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 15, 2005 3:19AM

On Thursday, the local Arbitron radio ratings came out, and they signaled a major shift in Chicago's sports radio market. The incumbent WSCR 670 AM was passed by relative newcomer WMVP 1000 AM. Personally, Chicaogist isn't surprised. We try to listen to both, but usually find our radio turned to ESPN 1000.

WMPV is owned by ESPN, which dominates the cable TV and online sports markets, and benefits from both the cross-marketing and stable of big name national talent.

ESPN's national morning show featuring Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, pulled a 5.2 rating in men 25-54. Meanwhile, the Score's local show with Mike North, did a 3.3 rating with his new morning show despite his $1.5 million contract. ESPN 1000 also dominated the afternoon slot with it's "Mac, Jerko and Harry" show.

Big ratings, however, were not enough to save controversial Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti's show, which had aired from 9am-noon. He and WMVP parted ways a couple weeks ago because he wouldn't honor the station's request that he tone down criticism of Bulls and Sox management -- the station also airs their games. Maybe he'll end up at The Score and help them get back into the game.