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After nearly 30 years, Soucheray leaving Saturday 'SportsTalk'

By David Brauer | 02/01/11

As part of Joe Soucheray's new 1500 ESPN contract, he will no longer co-host Saturday Morning "SportsTalk," and work one less hour on weekdays, station officials confirm.

The Pioneer Press columnist has paired with the Star Tribune's Patrick Reusse on the Saturday 10 a.m.-noon show (and its early Monday night incarnation) since the early '80s. Soucheray will be replaced by Judd Zulgad, a Strib Vikings beat writer, on Feb. 19. Zuglad had appeared regularly on 1500 ESPN's rival, KFAN-AM.

Those who want to hear Sooch and Reusse together can still do so on weekdays, though their joint appearances are being cut from 2-4 p.m. to 3-4 p.m. Reusse's show with Phil Mackey will expand to noon-3 p.m., with Soucheray's "Garage Logic" 4-6 p.m.

Basically, his new two-year deal will allow Soucheray to dump much of the "sports" load to concentrate on GL, always his first love. While "Garage Logic" briefly contains more sports after 1500 ESPN made its format switch, it has since returned to its right-wing curmudgeon roots. Nevertheless, ratings have risen since the format change.

Hubbard Broadcasting Vice President Dan Seeman won't comment on financial terms — Sooch is rumored to be one of the highest-paid hosts in the market, but his last, longer deal was signed before the deep media-wide advertising recession.

Seeman says the move wasn't ratings-driven. "Joe's contract was up; as we figured out ways to take full advantage of our success this year, a radio station that fulfills our brand, we wanted to expand Pat and Phil's show and let Joe focus on what he does best, which is Garage Logic. Now, he won't have to work Saturdays any more."

Another major motivator: "We need more [young] guys for the future," Seeman says. "We like Mackey in the long run. We've got to start growing some bench talent, start growing more voices for the opportunities that will present themselves in future years. Judd is part of that."

I'd bet sometime in the next year or two, 1500 ESPN dumps Colin Cowherd for a local show. The non-local "Mike & Mike in the Morning" is doing well in a.m. drive, but Cowherd isn't successful enough artistically or ratings-wise to hold off a locally based show 9 a.m-noon. That one will have to be negotiated with the network and with Hubbard Radio budgeteers. 

Seeman decided not to move Strib columnist Jim Souhan into the Saturday slot because his "Sunday SportsTalk"  is doing well in the ratings. Zulgad will also appear as a regular guest on 1500 ESPN shows.

Comments (7)

Submitted by M L on February 1, 2011 - 12:06pm.

Congrats to Judd. Sad to see him leave KFAN. I thought he was a good fit with Barreiro and the rest of the crew when he was on.

Tough news for KFAN as the radio home of the Vikings because they've now lost their second Vikings beat reporter in a little more than a year. They had Seifert before 1500's affiliation with ESPN began. Once the 1500 and ESPN were affiliated, Judd took Kevin's spot on KFAN because he wasn't allowed on a competitor to ESPN. Now ESPN takes Judd.

Any news on who KFAN will look to use to replace him? Scoggins, Fowler, or someone else?

Submitted by John Olson on February 1, 2011 - 1:51pm.

David, to what extent does the continued crossover of contributors from KFAN to 1500 ESPN *perhaps* foreshadow the Vikings eventually wanting to move as well? Secondly, what effect (if any) does the current contractual relationship between the NFL and ESPN have with respect to radio in those markets where an ESPN station operates?

Submitted by Ken Fortuna on February 1, 2011 - 1:58pm.

Well, I won't be listening anymore to Saturday on 1500. Without Joe, that show is dead to me. And cutting him back to three hours? Are you trying to send people away? I realize that Braublog is an unapologetic fan of the station, but it seems to be moving in the wrong direction.

Submitted by David Brauer on February 1, 2011 - 2:47pm.

John - I don't think it portends anything about the Vikings. They make decisions based on their own metrics, not who hosts where. ESPN doesn't own the NFL radio rights (it's not like TV, at least not yet) so don't think they have a say there.

Ken - I'm smiling because I'm anything but a Sooch fan (though I respect his ratings). Remember, the four-hour block was sort of a desperation strategy when AM1500 had to cut costs fast during the recession. My guess would be Sooch didn't want to do 4 hours, but remember he had a 3 or so hour GL for many, many years.

Submitted by Michael Skillrud on February 1, 2011 - 6:40pm.

"I'm anything but a Sooch[sic] fan." DB, I will certainly back you up on that statement. Ken - You haven't been paying close attention if you really believe "Braublog is an unapologetic fan of [1500ESPN]." Now, if you were referring to MPR - different story.

I look forward to Zulgad with Reusse and the others. He should bring some added solid sports insights and good experience (and experiences) and positive energy to the mic. Plus, prolific tweeter that he is, maybe he can give Reusse some Twitter pointers (e.g. How to tweet in 140 characters or fewer).

Submitted by r batnes on February 1, 2011 - 9:03pm.

I think it will breathe new life into a tired formula. Since Reusse's been paired with some younger talent during the week, he really seems energized. Soucheray is clearly disinterested in sports and can't seem to put away his tired, neanderthal shtick for even a couple of hours rendering Saturday Sports Talk unlistenable for some time now. If only WCCO would show some initiative and gently nudge Sid towards the door.

Submitted by sean mckenna on February 4, 2011 - 12:56pm.

You mean Joe Soucheray actually still works at KSTP? That guy is off the air more than he is on.