Philly Radio: WIP Adds Two To Join Josh Innes

CBS Radio has confirmed former Eagles defensive lineman Hollis Thomas and station program director Spike Eskin will join Josh Innes as co-hosts on Sportsradio WIP 94.1 FM's afternoon drive shift, according to Philadelphia Business Journal.

Thomas and Eskin emerged as frontrunners last week after the station auditioned several candidates.
The source said the station decided to mimic the ensemble format it has used for its morning show, led by Angelo Cataldi, Al Morganti, Rhea Hughes and a cast of several part-time contributors.

The station liked the idea of adding a former Eagle to the mix, pointing to the success Ike Reese has had with partner Michael Barkann in the midday shift. Eskin will now man the shift that his father, Howard Eskin, occupied for more than two decades on the station.

Josh Innes

He will continue to serve as WIP’s program director.

The show will switch from five to four hours (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.), with Barkann and Reese now airing from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m. And despite now having three hosts, the afternoon program will now be known as The Josh Innes Show — a nod to the fact that CBS officials clearly see Innes as a future star who could succeed its biggest money maker, Cataldi, when he retires at the end of his current contract as has been rumored.

Jon Runyan

Thomas and Eskin will succeed Tony Bruno, who retired unexpectedly from full-time radio last month after a little more than five months of ratings success that saw he and Innes overtake rival Mike Missanelli of 97.5 The Fanatic. Post-WIP, Bruno is focused on his podcast.

Meanwhile, philly.com reports WIP has landed Eagles legend Jon Runyan to bolster its on-air football coverage just as the season looms.

Sources say that former Congressman and ex-Eagles legend Jon Runyan will join WIP as an on-air personality. His first spot will be on Friday morning as part of the WIP Morning Show with Angelo Cataldi.

Runyan was among the finalists considered for the drive-time co-hosting spot alongside Josh Innes, and was well-liked by listeners and WIP management during his co-hosting stints.