Philadelphia sports radio circles are buzzing once again with speculation surrounding Broomall native John Kincade. Recently laid off from 680 The Fan in Atlanta after a significant tenure, Kincade’s name is consistently linked to potential openings in his hometown market. For years, whispers have circulated about Angelo Cataldi possibly passing the torch to Kincade upon retirement, adding fuel to the fire of a potential Philadelphia comeback.
Just weeks after Kincade himself stated that “everything is on the table,” including a return to Philadelphia radio, he posted a cryptic image on social media. The picture, taken at Philadelphia International Airport, the city’s notoriously disliked travel hub, was shared without a caption, igniting a flurry of questions:
John Kincade at Philadelphia International Airport, hinting at a possible return to Philadelphia radio.
Could this be more than just a family visit? Is John Kincade in town for serious discussions with 94 WIP? Are meetings with Beasley Media Group executives in Bala Cynwyd on the agenda? Or perhaps, is he simply satisfying a craving for a taste of home, specifically a classic Philadelphia hoagie, something he might be missing from his time in Georgia?
Previously, there has been speculation about where John Kincade might fit into the Philadelphia radio landscape if he were to return. While WIP would seem like a natural fit, particularly given Kincade’s existing rapport with Angelo Cataldi, the morning slot appears unavailable for the foreseeable future. Cataldi recently signed a contract extension, securing his position.
Could middays at WIP be an option for John Kincade? Unlikely. The current midday team of Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie are performing strongly, consistently winning their timeslot, making any changes unnecessary. Similarly, the afternoon drive show with Jon Marks and Ike Reese has surpassed Mike Missanelli in recent ratings books, and Joe Giglio is holding down nights effectively. WIP currently enjoys a stable and successful lineup across all day parts, making any significant shakeup improbable.
That brings us to 97.5 The Fanatic. The morning show at The Fanatic has long been considered a potential area for change, fueled by rumors, including the largely unsubstantiated speculation surrounding Craig Carton, and persistent industry chatter. However, positioning John Kincade in mornings at The Fanatic presents its own challenges. He would not only be directly competing against his friend Angelo Cataldi but also facing established Beasley morning shows like Preston and Steve on WMMR and John DeBella on WMGK. Investing significantly in Kincade to enter an already saturated morning market and compete for a smaller share of the ratings might not be the most strategic move.
Middays at The Fanatic are also potentially in play, although Beasley seems to favor Anthony Gargano in that slot. While Gargano’s ratings may not be exceptional, “The Cuz” is considered valuable in terms of sponsor relationships and brings a seasoned presence to a station that leans towards younger talent.
This naturally leads to the question of Mike Missanelli’s afternoon drive show. While historically successful and a recognizable voice for The Fanatic, Missanelli’s ratings have seen some recent slippage. With his contract reportedly nearing its end, the timing could align for a change if Beasley were inclined to make one. Moving on from their most established host would be a significant decision for The Fanatic, but if the goal is to create space for John Kincade, or any major talent acquisition, the afternoon drive slot is where 97.5 has the most potential to be competitive.
(Industry sources suggest that Beasley management was reportedly unhappy with a recent incident involving headphones being thrown on-air and some of the political discussions on the show and on social media.)
For now, John Kincade’s Philadelphia airport appearance raises more questions than answers. Is he interviewing with WIP, The Fanatic, or both? Is this simply a family visit with a side trip to Tony Luke’s for cheesesteaks? The radio industry will be closely monitoring the airwaves for any signals as the “RADIO WARS” narrative involving John Kincade in Philadelphia potentially heats up.
