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ESPN ponders Mike and Mike split

A national media-related trial balloon went up this week, and if the idea ever becomes a reality, morning sports-talk radio in the region might sound significantly different.

And that’s not a good thing.

Usually well connected Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated reported the suits at ESPN were considering, and he stressed considering, breaking up Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, effectively ending “Mike and Mike” – the morning show that has run for more than a decade and a half nationally on ESPN Radio.

The change being considered would move Greenberg from the show that airs from 6 to 10 a.m. daily. He would instead move to a hosting role on “SportsCenter” during the same time slot. Golic would remain on radio with a different co-host.

If it were to happen, “Mike and Mike” would be a victim of its own success because the convoluted logic behind the move grows from the fact that “Mike and Mike,” which is simulcast on ESPN2, occasionally draws better TV ratings than “SportsCenter” on weekday mornings.

For example, according to Deitsch’s reporting, on Sept. 22 “Mike and Mike” outdrew “SportsCenter” in both the 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. hours.

On radio, the show thrives thanks to reliable sponsor support and as a safe place for ESPN to get its message across through hundreds of stations across the country.

While some national critics knock “Mike and Mike” because they perceive it as not aggressive or edgy enough, the show deserves its success because it connects well with listeners.

It’s good sports-talk radio, and it’s more than that. It has become a show that provides a strong personal connection for many listeners. Greenberg and Golic bring good opinions while rarely making an argument just for the sake of argument.

“Mike and Mike” itself possesses a personality. It’s not mean-spirited, and if it does have a shtick, it’s hanging out with the guys next door as opposed to trying to be the class smart aleck, prove it’s the smartest show on the network or talk down to unsuspecting listeners.

Programs like “The Dan LeBatard Show” have those former things ingrained in their DNA. In fairness, that show can be good as well, but it’s a different kind of good.

Hopefully the whole “Mike and Mike” thing only exists as an ill-fated rumor. Certainly the show will not run forever as demographics and a desire for career challenges by the hosts might someday prompt change.

And, who knows, maybe Greenberg and Golic have a role in the latest rumors.

Still, on its face, any consideration of such a move seems shortsighted and something that would weaken both ESPN’s radio and TV offerings as opposed to making them stronger.

Debating decline

The biggest loser from last week’s presidential debate between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump was Monday Night Football.

The Falcons-Saints matchup was watched by 8.047 million viewers – the lowest in MNF history. In fairness, it was a less-than-compelling matchup, despite hype around the 10-year anniversary of the Saints’ first home game after Hurricane Katrina.

Try as it might, ESPN could not enhance viewership.

All of that might not be a good sign for the Oct. 9 game between the Giants and Packers on Sunday Night Football. That’s the night of the second presidential debate.

Still, expect the debate viewership, which was about 85 million for the first meeting, to be diluted a bit from the first time the candidates met. Also, Giants-Packers packs a bit more punch and potential interest. Still, it’ll be interesting to see if SNF can fend off a debate decline.

Tuner tidbits

n Another nail in the eventual coffin of cable television came when the National Cable Trade Association decided to end its annual trade show. That move, first reported by John Ourand of Sports Business Journal is not a good sign for the industry, which relies heavily on the value of live sports programming, or for consumers who rely on cable.

n In the wake of Arnold Palmer’s death last week, the Golf Channel (which Palmer helped make a reality) responded with 23 hours of commercial-free programming to cover the story.

Sampsell can be reached at stevesampsell@gmail.com.

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