Philly Radio: Program Vet Scott Masteller Named PD At WPEN-FM

Beasley Media Group announces Scott Masteller has been named as the new Program Director at 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia.

The veteran programmer has more than 45 years’ experience in the radio industry serving as a PD, an On-Air Talent and as a radio executive.

Most recently, Masteller spent 7 years as the Program Director of WBAL News Radio in Baltimore,

Scott Mastellar

Maryland. A specialist in Spoken Word content in both the news and sports formats, he is recognized in the industry for his ability to “coach” talent and help them get to the next level. In addition, Masteller constructed and managed networks for Orioles, Ravens, and Navy Football.

The radio veteran also spent 13 years at ESPN as PD for ESPN in Dallas, Fort-Worth and as the Senior Director of Content at the ESPN Radio Network in Bristol, Connecticut, where he developed several on-air hosts as well as served as a programmer in Portland, Salt Lake City and Lexington, Kentucky.

“Scott is one of the premiere programmers in Sports Talk radio,” said Beasley Media Group Philadelphia Vice President and Market Manager, Joe Bell. “I have been a fan for years and feel he’s the right person to continue developing the Fanatic Brand.”

“I am excited to partner with Beasley and the talented staff of 97.5 The Fanatic,” said Masteller. “Philadelphia is such a great sports town with some of the most passionate fans in the country!”

The Piladelphia Buiness Journal reports Masteller has been consulting with The Fanatic since August, a year after he stepped away from his seven-year stint as program director at Hearst-owned WBAL News Radio in Baltimore. At WBAL, he constructed and managed broadcast partnerships for the Orioles, the Ravens and Navy Football while also overseeing the news operation.

He also spent almost 14 years at ESPN as program director for ESPN Radio in Dallas Fort-Worth and as the senior director of content at the ESPN Radio Network in Bristol, Connecticut, where he developed several on-air hosts. Prior to that, he had stints as a program director at stations in Portland, Salt Lake City and Lexington, Kentucky.

During his time at ESPN Radio, he met Joe Bell, then a radio executive in Miami and now market manager for Naples, Florida-based Beasley. The two kept in touch over the years and Bell asked for Masteller’s help with The Fanatic last year.

Masteller said he thought he would ease into retirement, consulting for Bell and The Fanatic while still working with WBAL on its sports productions and talent development.

The Buffalo native has been married for 38 years and was looking forward to spending more time in his home of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But he has made what he called a multiyear commitment to Beasley and The Fanatic, calling it “the perfect scenario.” His parents lived for a time in Doylestown, so he is familiar with the Philadelphia area and worked a bit with The Fanatic due to its affiliation with ESPN Radio.

Masteller will have his work cut out for him, as The Fanatic significantly trails rival SportsRadio 94 WIP-FM in the ratings.  Bell said he and Masteller are “evaluating everything,” but he believes the afternoon drive team is “getting traction.” Masteller said he has had six months to evaluate The Fanatic’s talent.