Boston Radio: Mark Dondero Exits WEEI for The Sports Hub

Sports talk radio host Mark Dondero, who has been on WEEI for the last seven years, is switching to 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The Boston Herald reports Dondero will be joining 98.5 as a part-time, on-air host — mainly on weekends.

“Similar to our other part time hosts, he will occasionally fill in during the week to help cover vacations, holidays, etc.,” a 98.5 spokesperson said in a statement.

Dondero on Tuesday announced his move to 98.5. On Monday, Dondero announced that he was leaving the weekend “Mark and Kichen Show” on WEEI.

Mark Dondero

“The list of things that I enjoy doing more than a radio show with Ben Kichen is not long,” Dondero said in a social media post.

“Obviously I’ve learned a ton from him (Kichen): About the radio business, talking in general,” Dondero later added. “And I’ll say this: Ben Kichen is a star and an underrated talent in this business, whether you’ve heard of him or not. And it has been an absolute joy and pleasure to work with him on the air for almost seven years.”

Before the “Mark and Kichen Show” on WEEI, Dondero served as the weekend sports anchor and weekday reporter for WPRI-TV in Providence. He was the station’s Patriots beat reporter for five seasons, while also covering the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins.

Dondero’s departure from WEEI comes as the owner of WEEI recently filed for bankruptcy. Audacy, Inc., has filed for prepackaged Chapter 11 proceedings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Meanwhile, 98.5 still has an opening on its midday show Zolak and Bertrand after Rob “Hardy” Poole moved to the morning show.

“The on-air full-time position at the Sports Hub remains posted and we are actively searching for the right fit for the mid-day show,” a 98.5 spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Some names that have been floated for the midday show’s third chair are Matt McCarthy, Cerrone Battle, Kendra Middleton, and Tim McKone.