Philly Radio: Sports Talker Nick Kayal Leaves WPEN The Fanatic

Nick Kayal

A second WPEN 97.5 FM the Fanatic host has departed.

Nick Kayal announced to his listeners during the opening of his Friday night show that it would be his last with the station. He's leaving for SiriusXM for a yet-be-announced role.

Kayal becomes the second host to exit the station just last week. Former “Jon and Sean Show” co-host Sean Brace, along with his producer Steve Vassalotti, were let go from their 97.5 The Fanatic duties on Thursday, though sources say Vassalotti is remaining with parent company Greater Media.

“I am leaving on good terms,” Kayal said, noting that the departure is on his own terms and that he has always had the desire to host a national talk show. The station allowed him to air a final show and say goodbye to his listeners.

A hectic week for 97.5 The Fanatic ends with the station’s second host hanging up his headphones for the last time.

Exiting, head held high. Thank you @975TheFanatic for the last 6-years. Philly fans deserve more. Hoping you get it. pic.twitter.com/7ONiHs2YJl
— Nick Kayal (@NK975) April 4, 2015

With these departures, rumors have gone into overdrive that former SportsRadio WIP host Anthony Gargano, who made a surprise appearance on Mike Missanelli’s show on April Fool’s Day, will soon return to the airwaves for his formal rival, according to philly.com.

Gargano left SportsRadio 94.1 WIP after receiving what was rumored to be a low-ball contract. Gargano also noted to Molly Eichel that he wasn’t happy with the direction his former station is going in, a possible dig against former nighttime host Josh Inness, who along with Tony Bruno replaced Gargano in WIP’s afternoon slot.