Rogers Sports & Media made a number of changes to its sports radio stations across the country.
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The popular radio host learned Wednesday that Sportsnet 650 fired him.
The move is part of a broad series of changes made by Rogers Sports and Media, with Toronto-based Sportsnet 590 The Fan feeling most of the changes.
Rintoul confirmed the news Wednesday morning on Twitter.
“Our show is part of the changes Sportsnet has decided to make today. Instead of focusing on why or how, I prefer to focus on who, “he said.
“For me, that means a lot of people. My teammates have been sensational. They work hard, care for each other, and are always available to help, both professionally and personally. Not only in Vancouver, but also in Calgary, Toronto and many other places in the country and on the continent. That means something to me. Thank you all.
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“That also applies to you, the audience. Agree or disagree with me, the vast majority of you have interacted in a respectful way, and that is not lost on me. Even those who ran a level of vitriol in my own way, I have tried to respond to all of you with respect and humanity. In turn, even my detractors often respond in the same way. Thank you for that and for those who have already reached out. I will do my best to reply to each of you.
“I know there are exciting opportunities ahead and I am eager to seize them. I hope I can share them with you as soon as possible. Be excellent with each other. “
The Jim Rome show was playing at Rintoul’s regular 9 a.m. to noon hours Wednesday, the first suggestion that changes were in the offing.
One of Rintoul’s time slot replacements is a new national show hosted by Jeff Marek. It is expected to air live from 9 a.m. to noon PT, followed by local shows produced from the 650 studios in Vancouver from noon to 3 p.m. PT.
The drive-time shows are expected to continue, with Mike Halford and Jason Brough in the morning, and Sat Shah, Dan Riccio and Randip Janda.
More to come …
Reference-theprovince.com
Sad to see Scottie and Karen gone. I am going to puke first then change the channel if i have to listen to a National Sports Broadcast from Toronto. I would much rather listen to a US station from Seattle as it has way more in common that Ontario has with the sports fan in BC. Don’t do podcasts so guess back to FM radio and music or Sirrus XM and no local sports.
Agreed
Rintoul and Surman had good chemistry and they were an interesting listen. Not a good move on the network’s part. Typical when a Toronto based company blunders in a market they don’t have a clue about. We couldn’t give a rats ass about Toronto radio hosts. BC needs a deep pocketed entrepreneur to have a west coast centred sports radio station. We’ve got plenty of local talent