NYC Radio: WEPN Gets New Deal With Kay, La Greca

WEPN's Dan La Greca and Michael Kay

WEPN ESPN New York 98.7FM has reached a contract extensions with radio hosts Michael Kay and Don La Greca to continue airing weekday afternoons on The Michael Kay Show (3-7 p.m.). They will continue to work alongside Peter Rosenberg.

“There isn’t another place I would want to do radio than at ESPN,” said Kay. “I love the people I work with and the people I work for. I also think we do the best, most entertaining radio show in the country and I want to continue to make our listeners laugh and learn every day.”

La Greca added, “As the first voice of this station, I could not be prouder to sign a contract that will take me through two decades with the ESPN family.”

“Michael and Don have been the cornerstone of the station since our inception. Their commitment and passion are evidenced in their strong ratings and listener loyalty,” commented Tim McCarthy, senior vice president of ESPN Radio Group.

Kay, who will be inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame this October, has been an original member of ESPN New York’s talent lineup since 2001 and has hosted the station’s afternoon drive show since then.  He is noted for his insightful commentary, his trademark “See-ya” home run calls and his work on YES network as play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees. Kay is also host of the network’s CenterStage series and various other programming specials on YES.

La Greca was the first voice listeners heard when ESPN New York launched in 2001 and has been a part of The Michael Kay Show since 2002. He is a versatile commentator and served as host for the New York Jets pre- and post-game shows for over a decade. La Greca is also host and play-by-play voice of New York Rangers’ broadcasts and the creator and host of Game Misconduct, his NHL-focused podcast.

Ryan Hurley, program director of ESPN 98.7FM, said, “Having produced The Michael Kay Show and having worked with both Michael and Don for close to 15 years, I learned quickly these are two of the hardest working and entertaining people in our industry. It has been a great pleasure and to have them with the ESPN family for years to come is something I look forward to.”

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

The NYPost reports Kay, 57, has been busy securing his work future this summer. Last month Kay and YES Network agreed to keep him as the highest-paid local play-by-play announcer in baseball with a three-year deal that can be extended to five by YES. Between the two contracts, Kay is making well more than $2 million per year, sources said.

The hosts on the “Kay Show” get to double dip because of the radio show’s simulcast on YES. YES pays a fee to ESPN for the show, then a portion is paid out in the hosts’ contracts.

The 50-year-old La Greca, who was an original voice when ESPN Radio began on 1050 AM, will continue to be the No. 2 Rangers radio play-by-player behind Kenny Albert.