The Columbus Blue Jackets have become the latest NHL franchise to eliminate its dedicated radio broadcast, joining four other teams in adopting a television simulcast model.
The decision, announced earlier this week, means that Steve Mears and Jody Shelley will continue handling television duties, while Bob McElligott's 17-year run as the team's dedicated radio play-by-play voice has come to an end.
This move is not unique to the Blue Jackets, as five NHL franchises have now adopted the television simulcast model, including the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, and St. Louis Blues.
From a business standpoint, the decision is easy to understand, as one broadcast team and one production can result in lower costs.
However, whether this move is right for listeners is another conversation, as many have taken to social media to express their disgust over the decision.
As one Twitter user noted, "NHL takes over production of broadcast, immediately does the dumbest thing you can do in broadcasting. WTF???"
The distinction between television and radio broadcasts is significant, as radio requires the broadcaster to become the viewer's eyes, describing the action in greater detail.
This unique aspect of radio broadcasting is something that fans have come to appreciate, as it provides a different experience than watching a television broadcast.
But as the NHL continues to reduce its investment in dedicated radio broadcasts, it also weakens one of the biggest reasons stations aggressively pursue those rights: providing a product that can't be gotten anywhere else.
As one sports radio operator noted, "If I'm running a sports radio station, why should I continue paying significant rights fees, dedicating valuable programming inventory, and investing promotional resources into a product the team itself no longer believes it deserves its own presentation?"
This is a business question, not an emotional reaction.
The decision to adopt a television simulcast model is a cost-cutting measure, but it also has consequences for the relationship between teams and their radio partners.
For decades, carrying a professional sports franchise wasn't just about filling three hours of programming, but about building entire marketing campaigns around the team.
The hometown call on radio was special, unique, and only found in one place.
But with the exact same audio available on television, streaming platforms, and terrestrial radio, the station is no longer offering an exclusive listening experience.
Sports radio operators have traditionally pursued play-by-play rights because the games strengthened their brands, created appointment listening, and gave advertisers unique access to passionate audiences.
As teams continue reducing their investment in dedicated radio broadcasts, they also weaken one of the biggest reasons stations aggressively pursue those rights.
The question remains: if more NHL franchises continue down this path, will sports radio operators eventually decide the return on investment no longer justifies the cost?
Source: Yahoo Sports