ESPN Radio Could Make Another Big Change

ESPN Radio could undergo yet another change. ESPN has discussed moving morning host Zubin Mehenti off radio and to another role, sources tell OutKick.

Last August, ESPN revamped its radio lineup, which included the new morning show featuring Mehenti, Keyshawn Johnson, and Jay Williams. Sources say that while the show's ratings -- like most shows in the new lineup -- are lackluster, the talks to move Mehenti are primarily due to his health, which is said to be ESPN's focus.

The schedule for a 6 am to 10 am show has been difficult for Mehenti, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. As a result, Mehenti has missed several airings of the radio show. A return to a more routine SportsCenter schedule could ease the difficulty.

The show addressed the matter in April:

 

Sources say that Alan Hahn, who has been filling in for Mehenti, will receive strong consideration for the job, should ESPN eventually move Mehenti,.

Moving Hahn to mornings would open up a radio spot from 12-2 pm ET, where Hahn co-hosts with Bart Scott. But a final decision on Mehenti would come first, which again will depend on his health.

In the fall, ESPN Radio's ratings declined 53% year-over-year (September 10, 2020 – December 12, 2020). That should uptick some this fall with more listeners again commuting for work. In addition, with Le Batard gone, Mike Greenberg, who replaced him from 10 am to noon ET, has added radio affiliates. The current lineup was not the planned lineup 14 months ago when ESPN tried to keep Will Cain and move Emmanuel Acho to a radio show. Cain and Acho left for Fox News and FS1, respectively. 

OutKick reached out to ESPN for comment, but it declined.

Follow Bobby Burack on Twitter.