NYC Radio: Mike Lupica OUT At WEPN

NY Daily News columnist Mike Lupica is no longer part of the the WEPN 98.7 FM lione-up. ESPN confirmed Lupica's departure Monday morning after an inquiry from Newsday.

Lupica had been beaten badly in the ratings by WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM's Mike Francesa, who roughly tripled his average audience share in recent ratings periods.

"We appreciate his contributions to the station but have decided to move in a different direction," ESPN said in a statement. "He will remain a signature voice on ESPN's 'Sports Reporters', where he has been a major contributor to the show's success for more than 20 years."

WEPN 98.7 FM (6 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Newsday reports ESPN has not announced a replacement for Lupica, but the leading candidates likely are Alan Hahn and former Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro, a team that primarily has been heard on the station at night, and Ryan Ruocco and Dave Rothenberg, who have been heard from noon to 1 p.m. on the station.

The new local midday show is expected to be on from noon to 3 p.m.