Mike's On Explained

Show Name:Mike's On: Francesa on the FAN
Runtime:6 p.m.–7 p.m., weekdays
Creator:Mike Francesa
Location:New York City
Home Station:WFAN, WFAN-FM (2008–2017, 2018-2020)
Television:Yes Network (2008–2014)
Fox Sports 1/2 (2014–2015)
First Aired:September 3, 2008
Last Aired:December 15, 2017 (First run)

Mike's On: Francesa on the FAN was a sports radio talk show airing on New York City station WFAN, hosted by Mike Francesa. The show debuted on September 3, 2008, as the successor to Francesa's previous program, Mike and the Mad Dog, which was broadcast from 1989 to 2008 and made Francesa and his partner Chris Russo the first nationally known team in sports radio. When simulcast on television, Mike's On is broadcast under the title The Mike Francesa Show;[1] it was simulcast on the YES Network from its inception until January 31, 2014.[2] On March 24, 2014, Francesa signed an agreement to occasionally simulcast a portion of the show on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2.[3] The arrangement with Fox Sports ended September 11, 2015 with Mike taking the blame for the project not succeeding.[4] Francesa announced his retirement and the final show aired on December 15, 2017.

Mike's On returned to the airwaves on May 1, 2018, after what Francesa described as taking "some time off."[5] On December 6, 2019, Francesa signed off his afternoon drive slot for the final time, transitioning to an expanded role on the Radio.com app and a half-hour daily show on WFAN.[6] On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, Francesa's timeslot was expanded to 6pm-7pm, Weekdays on WFAN. On Thursday, July 23, 2020, Francesa announced that Friday July 24 would be his final show, and he once again retired the following day.[7]

Show format

The format of the show is similar to Mike and the Mad Dog with Francesa giving his opinions on the major sports stories of the day, as well as answering calls from listeners. Also, Francesa brings on guests from various sports ranging from head coaches/managers and players in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and NCAA to broadcasters, and sportswriters from major newspapers across the country. The radio show includes sports updates every twenty minutes formerly provided by John Minko.

Name

The show's previous name is Mike'd Up: Francesa on the FAN. Francesa had a TV show on WNBC entitled , and WFAN had to secure permission from WNBC to use the name Mike'd Up.[8] On January 15, 2012, Francesa announced that the show could not reach an agreement with WNBC to continue to license the name Mike'd Up and changed its name to Mike's On: Francesa on the FAN.[9]

Broadcast times

The program now airs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on WFAN[10]

Theme Song

Mike's on.

He's ready to go.

On the FAN, New York Sports Radio.

Mike's on. Mike's on.

He'll get you the sports any way that he can.

It's Mike Francesa on the FAN.

Sports Radio 66, and 101.9 FM. W-F-A-N.[11]

Awards

In 2012, 2013 and 2014, Francesa was ranked number one among the 100 most important sports talk radio hosts in America by Talkers Magazine.[12] Francesa credited colleagues at WFAN for his success with special salute to Russo.[13] Francesa won the 2012 Marconi Award for Major Market Personality of the Year,[14] [15] which is his second since 2000. The announcement was made on September 20 at the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Awards Dinner and Show in Dallas, Texas.

Notes and References

  1. News: MSG trying to get Francesa's YES show. Best. Neil. 2008-09-05. The Daily News. 2008-09-05.
  2. News: YES Network Dumps Mike Francesa for the $avings of The Michael Kay Show. Blitz. Bob's. 2013-12-15. BobsBlitz.com. 2013-12-15.
  3. News: FOX Sports 1 & 2 COO David Nathanson Comments on Mike Francesa Joining the Fledgling National Network. Blitz. Bob's. 2014-03-12. BobsBlitz.com. 2014-03-12.
  4. News: Mike Francesa, Fox finally end failed marriage. New York Post. September 9, 2015. September 10, 2015.
  5. Web site: Mike's on: Francesa Talks About WFAN Return (Exclusive). 9 July 2018 .
  6. Web site: Mike Francesa Signs off from Last Afternoon Show on WFAN. 7 December 2019.
  7. Web site: Mike Francesa bids farewell in final WFAN show. 25 July 2020.
  8. News: WFAN goes from 'Mike and the Mad Dog' to 'Mike'd Up'. Best. Neil. 2008-09-02. Newsday. 2008-09-05.
  9. News: Francesa Gets New Radio Show Name. Newsday. Cablevision. January 17, 2012. January 17, 2012.
  10. Web site: Mike Francesa, Fox finally end failed marriage. 9 September 2015.
  11. Web site: Mike Francesa Erupts on the Knicks: Complete Opening Segment. YouTube. September 2, 2015.
  12. Web site: 2012 TALKERS Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk. Talkers Magazine. 2012-07-20.
  13. Web site: Industry News. Talkers Magazine. 2012-07-20.
  14. Web site: Mike Francesa and WBLS Are Marconi Award Winners. FishbowlNY. Jerry Barmash. 2012-09-21.
  15. 2012 NAB Marconi Radio Award Winners. https://web.archive.org/web/20121002050230/http://www.rwonline.com/article/-nab-marconi-radio-award-winners/215603. usurped. October 2, 2012. Radio World. 2012-09-21.