Boston Radio: Audacy's Bankruptcy Could Impact Red Sox Booth

Will Flemming with Joe Castiglione

Last week, a post for a Red Sox radio broadcaster position that appeared on multiple jobs websites began making the rounds on the social media platform X. Here is the first portion of the listing:

Red Sox Play by Play/Analyst Announcer

Audacy Boston’s WEEI is seeking a Major League Baseball and analyst announcer (English language) to broadcast during the 2024 Red Sox season. If you have experience and expertise in describing baseball action on the radio — to go along with an engaging personality — you could be a perfect match to call games alongside Hall of Famer Joe Castiglione in the Sox Booth this year!

The posting continues with required qualifications — including “strong on-air voice required with the ability to change tempo and passion as the game dictates” and “must have a flexible schedule to work daytime, evenings and weekends” — along with what the position entails.

To Boston Globe sportswriter Chad Finn the listing mirrored that of the vast majority of fans reacting to it on social media: Wait, this sounds an awful lot like Will Flemming’s job.

Flemming, who joined the broadcast in 2019, alongside Castiglione, has established himself as an easy, good-natured listen. By all logic, he seemed positioned to succeed the 76-year-oldCastiglione as the lead voice whenever that day comes.

Audacy personnel have been told not to discuss the situation. Flemming did not respond to messages seeking comment.

But after talking with sources involved with the Red Sox broadcasts on background, Finn believes the situation seems to be this:

Flemming is not out. But he was apparently offered just a one-year deal covering the 2024 season rather than a standard multiyear deal. He has been a candidate this offseason for at least one television play-by-play opening in another market.

Why would Audacy offer a broadcaster who has done good work a minimal contract? It may have to do with Audacy’s financial situation — the Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 2 that the company is preparing to file for bankruptcy in the next few weeks.

In October 2021, the Red Sox and Audacy announced a broadcast rights extension to keep the games on WEEI — the team’s flagship station since 1995 — through 2028. But Audacy’s financial situation could result in the Red Sox taking over the rights after the 2024 season.