Philly Radio: WPEN Firing Caught Mike Missanelli Off-Guard

Sports talker Mike Missanelli intended to conclude his second tenure at 97.5 The Fanatic in February 2026 when his contract expired, but Beasley Media Group, the station’s parent company, had other plans. 

On Friday, Beasley abruptly parted ways with Missanelli, aligning the move with their quarterly earnings report released Tuesday, which revealed a 12.3% revenue drop and a decline in operating income from $5.4 million to $2.9 million, attributed to a weakening traditional audio advertising market.

The decision caught Missanelli off guard. 

Mike Missanelli

After his Friday show, management informed him it was his last, ending a stint that began less than a year ago following a 15-year run at the station. “It was a shock,” Missanelli told The Inquirer. 

“We were gearing up for a new midday show for football season, but these budget cuts reflect the state of radio.” 

He added, “I wish I could’ve left with more dignity.”

Details of the planned midday show remain unclear. Missanelli’s recent co-host, Bill Colarulo, has since moved to a new afternoon slot with NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Ricky Bottalico. Ray Dunne is temporarily hosting the midday show as The Fanatic searches for Missanelli’s replacement. 

One potential candidate is Jon Marks, formerly of 94.1 WIP, who recently left PHLY and previously worked at The Fanatic from 2005 to 2016 alongside Missanelli and Anthony Gargano. Program director Scott Masteller noted receiving over 100 applications for the role.Beasley’s financial struggles were evident in their “challenging” Q2 2025 results, with a narrowed net operating loss of $0.2 million compared to $0.3 million the prior year. 

CEO Caroline Beasley described the quarter as yielding “mixed results.” The company also cut ties with other veterans, including New Jersey program directors Debbie Mazella (Magic 98.3 FM) and Terri Carr (WDHA, 30 years), and Boston executive Jack McCartney. 

Boston sports hosts have also voiced frustration over unpaid bonuses tied to spring ratings.Beasley reported $30 million in expense reductions over the past year and hinted at further cuts as they shift toward a digital-first model. 

Chief financial officer Lauren Burrows Coleman stated, “We’ll continue optimizing our cost structure moving forward.” While Missanelli will be paid through his contract’s end, the immediate financial impact of these layoffs remains unclear.