Philly Radio: WIP Extends Josh Innes

Josh Innes

Sportsradio WIP 94.1 FM has agreed to pick up an option on Josh Innes to keep him on-air during PM Drive in Philly.

“The Josh Innes Show lives on,” Innes tweeted out Tuesday night. “Thanks, everyone.”

Since taking over the afternoon slot on WIP back in February, Innes has been a ratings hit, despite replacing original co-host Tony Bruno with former Eagle Hollis Thomas and Spike Eskin, who also serves as the station’s program director.

Innes has beaten his chief competitor, WPEN 97.5 FM The Fanatic’s Mike Missanelli, every month except December in the key men 25-54 demographic, and placed number one overall in both the Spring and Fall Ratings Book, quarterly measurements of a show’s popularity that usually determines a host’s bonus.

WIP picked up the 2016 option on my contract. The @JoshInnesShow lives on. Thanks everyone.

— Josh Innes (@JoshInnesRadio) December 30, 2015

According to philly.com, there has been some speculation that  Innes’ tenure at WIP might be threatened with the departure of former operations manager Andy Bloom, who became victim of cutbacks at CBS Radio. But David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager for CBS Philly, says he’s committed to Innes.

“Josh is part of the fabric of the station,” Yadgaroff said. “He’s one of the most compelling hosts we have on the radio, and no matter who we’ve paired him with in the afternoon, his ratings have been fantastic.”

WIP 94.1 FM (9.6 Kw) Red=Local Coverage

Innes was brought on board by WIP in January 2014 to take over the 6-10 p.m. slot vacated by Rob Ellis. Innes, who has previously hosted the afternoon drive spot at CBS station KILT in Houston, moved to WIP’s afternoon spot back in February.