WFAN-AM radio host Mike Francesa said yesterday that he is "leaning toward leaving ... when his contract expires in March 2014." On Long Island, Neil Best notes Francesa spoke yesterday "after a show on which he hinted on the air he was mulling his future." Francesa initially said it was "50-50, at best" that he would return. He then added, "I'm even saying I'm leaning toward leaving." Francesa "has been at the station since shortly after its launch in 1987 and in the afternoon slot since 1989, the first 19 years" with longtime partner Chris Russo. Francesa has been "a ratings pillar for the station and has a contract believed to pay around $5 million per year." But he said that it "might soon be time for a change, although he has no plans to retire." Best notes candidates to succeed him "figure to include" Joe Benigno, Evan Roberts, Chris Carlin, Kimberly Jones and Gregg Giannotti (NEWSDAY, 1/4).
BUNGLE IN THE JUNGLE: In Houston, David Barron reports KILT-AM dropped syndicated radio show "The Jim Rome Show" last week "after more than 14 years to air a local show hosted by Mike Meltser and Brad Davies." KILT Program Dir Gavin Spittle pulled the show "in the wake of several months of stagnant ratings that have resulted in KILT ranking second in that day part" to KBME-AM. Rome said during his show yesterday, "I'm sad and I'm pissed because the station has decided not to renew the show." Rome "encouraged Houston listeners to 'make some noise' and lobby KILT to take back the show or another Houston station to pick it up" (CHRON.com, 1/3).
MOVING ON UP: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar reported WXOS-FM is "moving up-and-coming host Chris Duncan into what often has been the stations highest-rated program, the afternoon drive-time show that also is co-hosted by Randy Karraker and D'Marco Farr." The show "airs from 2-6 p.m. weekdays" (STLTODAY.com, 1/3).
