Can You Fill Mike Thomas’ Cleats?
• UPDATED: In a surprising turn of events, Beasley Media Group announced that Mike Thomas, who has successfully led the programming efforts of the mighty WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub)/Boston for the past decade has decided to leave and accept a new position in Chicago in an effort to be closer to his family and fulfill a career goal of becoming a Market Manager — specifically, for Good Karma Brands Sports-Talk WMVP-AM (ESPN 1000)/Chicago, starting in January.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike Thomas to the team,” said Craig Karmazin, Founder & CEO of Good Karma Brands, who will continue to serve as Market Manager in the interim. Karmazin continued, “He is the epitome of best-in-class and his expertise, passion for Chicago sports and sports-radio experience will elevate what already is a powerhouse brand.” Thomas exclaimed, “As a lifelong Chicago sports fan, this is a dream come true. It’s so exciting as ESPN 1000 Chicago has a great team, loyal advertising partners and passionate fans. This also gives me the opportunity to be close to my family and work with a company, who like me, has Midwest roots and a passion for sports!”
“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” Thomas said. “This radio station is a once-in-a-career station, with a once-in-a-career staff. I would like to thank Caroline and Brian Beasley and the entire corporate team for everything. Locally, Mary Menna, Cadillac Jack and Buzz Knight have been fantastic to work with! I also want to thank every single Sports Hub employee for 10 years of winning! I know our relationships won’t end here.”
The good news is, Thomas will remain as a consultant to The Sports Hub and actively participate in the search process to find his worthy successor — or, as so colorfully described in the press release, “the Bill Belichick of Sports Radio!” This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a seasoned programmer looking to make a mark in the big leagues with one of the country’s leading brands! WBZ-FM serves as the official broadcast home of the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and New England Revolution.
Mary Menna, VP/Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Boston, said, “It has been a privilege and a pleasure working closely with Mike over the past couple of years. He is a true talent who has built an amazing, iconic brand. I wish our time together was longer, but wish him every happiness as he starts his Midwest adventure.” Cadillac Jack, Director of Programming, remarked, “I want to thank Mike for the instrumental part he has played in leading our award-winning brand throughout its first decade, and wish him continued success in his next chapter. They are big shoes to fill, and we look forward to meeting a lot of great talent in the process as the coming days and weeks unfold.”
If you have what it takes to lead a winning team and build upon the foundation that has been laid at America’s premiere award winning Sports-Talk station, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume package to dreamjob@bbgi.com.
