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29 Best Disney Vloggers You NEED to Watch

Are you looking for the best Disney vloggers out there right now? If so, check out my list of the best Disney vloggers that will chase away those Disney Blues in a flash! After all, who said that the Happiest Place on Earth couldn’t be your living room?

I completely understand that it’s not always going to be possible to visit the parks.

Not only is it pricey to visit The Happiest Place on Earth regularly, but you might not be sure about what attractions and resorts to check out.

As well as helping to fill that Disney void, Disney vloggers can also give you the latest details on the parks and what may be changing.

And realistically, who doesn’t want the latest attraction, show, and snack updates?

I know I do!

Though not all the channels on this list of the best Disney vloggers are huge channels, they’ll all bring Disney joy to your screen.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this rundown of the Disney YouTube channels that you don’t want to miss.

The Tim Tracker

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 898K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@TheTimTracker/

The Tim Tracker is one of the most popular Disney vloggers on YouTube for a reason.

Not only does he have an adorable family, but he is genuinely great at keeping his followers up to date with Disney’s latest offerings.

Tim and his wife Jenn do technically cover the other Orlando parks like Busch Gardens and Universal.

But the channel’s focus is undeniably on Walt Disney World.

These guys are especially keen on trying the park’s snack offerings, and they even have whole videos of trying new snacks whenever they pop up in the parks!

However, it’s not just snacks that these Disney World Vlogger team love.

They also do a great job of tracking seasonal events, covering everything from Epcot’s food and wine festival to Disney’s amazing Christmas period.

If you want a taste of Disney on the reg, then you really can’t go wrong with The Tim Tracker’s amazing Disney World vlogging channel on YouTube.

If you’re not sure where to start with his content, I suggest going way back and watching the “9 Parks in 1 Day” challenge. It’s a whirlwind and boasts over 2 million views!

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 1.49M

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@TPMvids

If you’re looking to pack your itinerary with the best rides and attractions, then you need to check out the Disney vloggers “TPM Vids”.

With an absolute boatload of subscribers, this Disney World vlogging channel is perfect for giving you the lowdown on entertainment, information, and more.

They’re best known for their rundowns and “best of” lists.

But you’ll also find everything from ride reviews to breaking news appearing on their channel.

I’d scroll through their latest uploads, but one of my all-time favorite videos of theirs is related to WDW secrets!

It covers fascinating facts and hidden features about the parks, and it’s totally worth watching to psych yourself up for a trip.

PCDev (previously Prince Charming Dev)

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 149K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@PCDev

PC Dev is one of my favorite Disney vloggers on YouTube as he clearly just loves the parks.

His channel has really grown over the years, and he tends to bring his fiancée Bianca along for the ride.

As Dev was a former cast member at Disney World, he does bring a unique perspective on the parks that you won’t find with just any Disney World vlogger.

Be sure to look out for his videos with character interactions and snack testing as they’re some of my favorites!

His videos are very high-energy, and it does feel like watching a good friend when you tune into Dev’s videos.

I’ll also say that I appreciate his sometimes-critical approach to reviewing the parks.

While some vloggers paint Disney World as sunshine and rainbows (which is largely true ), Dev will often vent about things like GeniePlus.

And to be honest, it’s refreshing to be able to get a real-time overview of how the parks operate (the good and the bad!).

Before visiting, I suggest watching a few of his videos to get an idea about crowd levels and updated policies.

Midway to Main Street

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@midwaytomainstreet

Midway to Main Street is an interesting Disney World vlogger channel to follow for sure.

Midway to Main Street is a popular YouTube channel, and it covers everything from the history of the parks to interesting facts and trivia!

The owner of Midway to Mainstreet (he goes by Rob) puts an incredible amount of research into his videos, and it really shows.

So, if you’re looking to find out about the origins of Pin Trading or where Disney dispose of their waste, then you should totally look him up!

And hey, it’s always fun to see your trips in a new way (while finding those hidden gems, of course!).

WDW News Today

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 191K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@wdwnt

Much like a news channel would, WDW News Today brings you information about Disney World attractions, hotels, restaurants, and much more.

This Disney World vlogger channel is one of the best on YouTube due to its sheer number of posts.

It genuinely seems like they get the inside scoop before anyone else does!

So, if you’re looking to stay totally up to date with the goings on in the Disney parks, then be sure to subscribe to WDW News Today.

Trust me, their news is always hot off the online presses!

Plus, they’ve been around since 2008. So, you know they’re well-versed in what viewers actually want to see.

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 904K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@dfbguide

If you want to learn more about dining at Disney World, then you’ll want to subscribe to DFBGuide.

As you might have guessed (they’re called the Disney Food Blog after all!), these Disney vloggers focus on food.

They post great guides to Disney World’s restaurants and snack stops as well as information about dining reservations.

So, it’s an excellent channel to follow if you’re looking for ways to use up your free Disney dining plan!

I’d suggest heading here for restaurant reviews and food news, but it’s also a great place to check out for amazing photos.

Allears.net

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 296K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@allearsnet

Allears.net is one of the most popular Disney YouTube channels (even after losing the stellar Molly McCormack!).

These guys are all about covering the parks in an easy-to-understand and comprehensive way.

They aim to help parkgoers with tips and tricks relating to things like Genie+ and restaurant reservations.

But this is also an excellent place to visit for new food reviews and coverage of special events.

Realistically, we can’t all be invited to Passholder or restricted events.

Cory Meets World

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 45.3K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@corymeetsworld

Cory Meets World is absolutely one of the best Disney vloggers on YouTube.

His content is family-friendly, and he frequently runs crazy challenges like trying to cover a whole park in two hours (a massive feat, seriously!).

What I love about Cory Meets World as a Disney vlogger is that he just lives his best life in the parks.

As Cory and his wife Stephanie are Florida natives, they have an appreciation and love for Disney that just bursts through the screen.

They’re totally enchanting – so be sure to check them out!

I’d say they’re definitely a comfort channel that you can put on while you’re working from home.

Plus, they’re a great place to visit for up-to-date restaurant reviews and attraction news (as they live so close!).

Mickey Views

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 159K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@mickeyviews

Another one of the best Disney vloggers has got to be Mickey Views.

This channel largely focuses on news regarding the parks and often lets viewers in on new park information, ride POVs, and much more.

I’m not entirely sure how these guys get all their information so quickly.

But they seem to be in the know about new constructions and attractions before it’s common knowledge.

I also appreciate their weekly Q&A that’s run to cover everything that’s new to the parks in a particular week.

So, if you’re trying to keep tabs on the building of new attractions or restaurants – this is the place to be!

Oh, and the videos on this channel are much shorter than you’ll find from most other creators, which can be great for a quick brain break.

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 174K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@resorttv1

Sometimes you just want to feel like you’re in the parks.

And ResortTV1 is one of the best Disney vloggers to follow if you want that taste of home every week.

Now, this brother and sister team are REALLY committed to their YouTube channel.

They go live every Friday at either 4 pm, 5 pm, or 6 pm ET.

Plus, they release new videos on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 am! So, there’s certainly plenty that you can watch!

All their videos are streamed in 4K too, so you don’t have to worry about quality here.

Covering everything from park tours to firework displays, you really do feel like you’re visiting Disney World without ever leaving the couch.

Oh, and if you don’t want to miss any of their posts, you’ll want to keep a close eye on their community tab.

Travel with Josh and Taylor (previously WDWCouple)

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 70.5K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithjoshandtaylor

If you want an exclusive look into DVC (Disney Vacation Club) member events, then these are the best Disney vloggers to check out.

As well as showcasing member events, Josh and Taylor also post frequent content about DVC resorts and Disney Cruises.

They also cover cruises, new attractions, snacks, and everything in between!

I also appreciate the fact that they cover lesser-known offsite resort options if the Disney hotels aren’t in your budget.

If top-secret or unusual Disney World content is your bag, then these Disney vloggers are the best ones to follow!

Michael Kay (Journey Together)

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 61.4K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@JourneyTogetherToday/

If you’re on the hunt for reliable and interesting Disney vloggers, then you can’t beat Michael Kay.

Not only are his videos filmed in glorious 4K (for the most part!), but he’s a huge fan of POV ride footage and park tours.

He also offers tours around resorts and frequently checks out Disney cruises if you’re interested in planning a trip.

Michael is most active on YouTube, but he also regularly updates his Instagram and TikTok pages if you prefer those mediums!

Just so you’re aware, I’ve found his restaurant and resort reviews super useful in planning my next trip.

For example, not only does he review spots like Steakhouse 71 in the Contemporary, but you’ll also get 4K footage of rooms!

Oh, and Passholder Preview content, of course.

I wouldn’t say he’s quite as honest as channels like PCDev, but I find his Cast Member preview content seriously useful.

Mammoth Club

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 154K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@mammoth_club/

While Molly was once a member of AllEars, she left to start her own channel called Mammoth Club with Allen (her husband!).

Molly is a self-proclaimed lifelong Disney enthusiast and former Disney World Guest Relations Cast Member. As a result, Molly knows everything there is to know about Disney World parks.

In her videos, Molly offers tips and tricks to make the most of the parks and goes through some great theme park history along the way.

Plus, she’s always there to review and showcase the latest park additions even before they’re available to the public.

I also appreciate that this channel makes the effort to share other theme parks and attractions. From Universal Studios to pop-up exhibits and cruises, this channel shows way more than Florida’s central parks.

Part of why Mammoth Club has very quickly become one of the best Disney YouTube channels is down to Molly herself.

She’s an absolute gem and a joy to watch.

And in its first year alone, the channel has amassed 154,000 subscribers and an impressive list of Patreon members.

The channel doesn’t quite live up to the scope and budget that AllEars has. But I find that the channel is more personal as Molly is just so deeply connected to her fans.

So Helena and Martyn

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 12.3K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@sohelenaandmartyn

So Helena and Martyn may be a smaller channel, but this married couple is all about producing quality content.

From stellar Disneyland Paris vlogs (which they release often !) to full-on Disney World vacations, these guys do it all.

I’ll be honest and say that these guys are more of a personal recommendation for me as I first happened upon them in 2020.

Yep – during the pandemic.

I found that they were such a comfort channel as both Helena and Martyn managed to make you feel that you were joining them at the parks.

They’re that personable.

So, I literally watched every single vlog they’d released from Disneyland and Disney World over the years to give myself a boost.

And I didn’t get bored!

Not only do they create charming Bucket Lists of things to check off, but they record high-quality clips of shows, fireworks, and everything in between.

Their vlogs are well-structured, and you can look forward to new releases from trips every week.

Otherwise, you can tune in to their Day in the Life vlogs or LEGOLAND content to tide you over until their next Disney adventure.

Adam Hattan

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 115K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@adamhattan

Most of the best Disney vloggers are based in (and from!) the USA.

But Adam Hattan breaks the mold as a family-friendly and UK-based vlogger who still manages to visit the American parks!

He releases vlogs every week at 5 pm UK time (BST) and he covers everything from Disneyland Paris to Disney World and Cruises.

I love his quirky style and vibrant personality as his true love for all things Disney truly comes through in each vlog.

And honestly, I love that I can easily sit down for at least 20 minutes to enjoy one of his high-energy vlogs.

Just FYI, his vlogs range from 20 minutes to well over an hour in length. So, you can easily settle in for an entire day of content!

Oh, and did I mention that he’s a published author of an impressive 5 books?!

Jones Family Travels

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 45.9K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@JonesFamilyTravels

If you’re on the hunt for family-friendly Disney YouTube channels, you can’t beat Jones Family Travels.

They offer tons of useful tips for navigating the parks with kids and teenagers.

There’s a big focus on resort reviews, snack reviews, and exclusive merch insights.

But you’ll also find excellent advice on how to save money visiting Disney World and whether certain add-ons are worth your cash.

You probably won’t get as much useful information if you’re traveling to Disney World with toddlers.

However, I’d say there’s still plenty to love about this travel-happy channel.

And hey – they post daily , so you’ll have plenty of time to find the content that you dig most.

Dis Lyfe of Ours

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 20.2K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@dislyfeofours

When it comes to family channels that do frequent live streams, Dis Lyfe Of Ours nails it.

They’re a smaller channel, but they offer great coverage of everything from EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival to restaurant eats.

I love how personal and upbeat their content is, and they often cover topics like Black Excellence at Disney World (which you may not find elsewhere).

Along with coverage of the Disney parks and cruises, they also visit Busch Gardens and post about special events!

Talk about a Disney YouTube channel that does it all.

DSNY Newscast

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 168K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@DSNYNewscast

I’m a huge fan of DSNY Newscast as they offer news coverage of all the Disney parks around the world.

Believe it or not, that’s actually hard to find.

There’s a large focus on Walt Disney World and the company’s newest projects (think developments like Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus).

But they often release information about ride changes, fun facts about the parks, and new merch releases.

So, it’s an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for the latest and greatest updates on all things Disney.

And if you’re wanting to learn about park expansions and ride layouts, they cover that too!

Paging Mr. Morrow

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 213K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@PagingMrMorrow

I have a soft spot for Paging Mr. Morrow, as it’s just so obvious that he’s a genuine Disney fan who adores the parks.

His enthusiasm literally radiates through the screen, and he covers special events, hotel reviews, and restaurant reviews.

But that’s not all.

He’s recently visited Disneyland Paris and documents things like traveling on flights and eating around the parks.

If you’re not just in it for parks content, you’ll also see clips of him exploring spots like NYC, Paris, and London!

Can’t afford to stay in those pricey premium resorts? Why not check out Mr. Morrow’s video on Copper Creek Cabins?

It’s Disney’s most expensive property and it’s always interesting to see how the other half lives!

See You In Main Street

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 16.8K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@SeeYouInMainStreet

Okay, so this one’s kind of cheating as it’s a channel that focuses on Disneyland Paris.

But you honestly won’t regret checking these guys out.

See You In Main Street is a channel that’s full of fascinating tips for first-timers, and it’s run by a charming couple from the Netherlands.

They often review new merchandise for anniversaries, try new restaurants, and offer budgeting tips for visitors.

And if you want to see Paris’s popular Avengers Campus, then they’ve got you covered!

The channel is on the smaller side, but the charm and wisdom from these two should not be missed.

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 177K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@KylePallo

Another incredible Disney YouTube channel belongs to Kyle Pallo.

He posts ridiculously regularly (we’re talking multiple times a week), and he offers detailed insights into the parks and restaurants.

I love his reviews of the resorts and what’s new around the parks.

But his look into the Disney Cruise Line is also worth checking out (like the Disney Wish, for example).

If you want to move past the Disney Bubble, he also covers Universal Studios and other major attractions around Florida.

Magical Meg

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 14.6K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@MagicalMeg

Another one of the best Disney vloggers out there is Magical Meg, and she’s quickly rising through the ranks.

This charming redhead is a huge Disney fan and spends her time talking about her experience as a Cast Member.

Yep, she was part of the Disney College Program. So, she has tons of insider insight now that she’s no longer part of the program!

She covers things like new attractions and snacks along with park developments.

Meg also rounds up the best travel agents to check out and how to navigate the parks successfully.

DIS Unplugged

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 164K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@DISUnplugged

If you’re a fan of larger channels that offer podcasts, reviews, and news, then you’ll adore DIS Unplugged.

The podcast operates as a weekly roundtable discussion about Disney.

It focuses on the parks and news, but you’ll also find information about the cruises and special events!

But that’s not all these guys do.

They also review restaurants around the park (including brand new ones!) and stay in resorts so you don’t have to!

They’re not strictly Disney vloggers as they cover Universal and other Orlando attractions.

However, I’d say that they’re primarily Disney vloggers that release tons of content each month for you to sift through

Here With The Magic

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade):

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@HereWithTheMagic

I’m all about smaller channels, and Here With The Magic are wonderful up-and-comers that are worth keeping tabs on.

They create virtual reality videos and soundscapes that are designed to transport you right to the parks.

Plus, they run you through ways to recreate the magic of Disney at home!

So, if you’re missing the parks, you can still get a taste.

Something else they do is virtual tours around the parks on transportation like the Sassagoula River Cruise.

You’ll really feel like you’re heading to the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort if you put it on your TV!

And the small amounts of commentary are also excellent if you want to feel as though you’re exploring with someone else.

Adam the Woo (TheDailyWoo)

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 680K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@TheDailyWoo

Adam the Woo is one of the best Disney vloggers that’s relatively old-school.

Although there was a period when his channel was banned from Disney (I know! ), he’s now been fully reinstated!

A few of his posts are particularly interesting as they follow his recent weight loss journey.

So, if you’ve ever wanted a guide to calorie counting at Disney World, then he’s got you covered.

Otherwise, you can expect everything from reviews of the 50 th Anniversary to comments on new attractions.

He’s slightly less upbeat than other vloggers and comes across as more down-to-earth (but that doesn’t mean unfriendly!).

Whether you’re looking for park tips or just want to feel like you’re traveling to the parks with a friend, Adam’s got you.

LBV TV         

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 24K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/@LBVTV

LBV TV is a relatively small channel, but they’re gaining major tracking thanks to their impressive live streams.

They’re not completely focused on live streams, and you’ll also find reviews of rides, restaurants, and merch here.

Despite being a small channel, the camerawork and quality are top-notch. Plus, these guys really spend time editing their videos to make them look as impressive as possible.

I’d say they’re a great pick if you want to feel as though you’re visiting the parks for the day!

Magic Journeys

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 253K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@Magic_Journeys

Magic Journeys is totally one of the best Disney vloggers out there and they reliably post every single week.

Not only do they post a weekly update for foodies (called The Wonderful World of Food!), but there’s tons more to love.

I’ve always appreciated their restaurant reviews as they’re in-depth and cover things like price and what’s on offer.

Plus, they’ve spent tons of time making things like the “Ultimate Foodie Guide to Galaxy’s Edge!”.

Talk about commitment.

If you’re not a foodie, they also cover interesting events and popular attractions like Savi’s Workshop.

So, there’s something for everyone!

Princess and the Bear

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 5.45K

Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/c/princessandthebear

I’m not personally vegan, but I’ve had so many people ask me for plant-based recommendations around the parks.

Although Disney has come a long way with different dietary options over the years, it’s still tricky to know what’s up.

Is something vegan? Is it not? Is it veggie? Does it contain allergens?

Princess and the Bear aim to take the guesswork out of dining at Disney as this couple includes one vegan and one meat-eater!

As these guys are complete foodies, they cover everything from mocktail crawls to food reviews.

And they’ll tell it to you straight too. If it’s not worth eating, they’ll let you know!

They’ve virtually eaten their way through the parks, so if there’s somewhere you want to try – hit them up first!

Ambient Worlds

Subscriber count in 2023 (according to SocialBlade): 932K

Link to channel : www.youtube.com/@AmbientWorlds

I get that this one is technically NOT a vlogging channel.

But it’s one of the Disney YouTube channels that’s a complete staple in my daily life – and I’m not joking.

As a professional writer and blogger, I spend a lot of time working at my computer.

And that can get seriously dull without a bit of background music.

So, I was literally over the moon when I first came across Ambient Worlds.

I started with ambiance music when I first found the Disneyland Entrance Music knocking around on YouTube.

Little did I know that there were entire channels dedicated to mixing up instrumental Disney tracks to create a gorgeous atmosphere.

I’ll usually set up something like Cinderella’s Castle Ambience or Encanto Music while I’m working.

But everything on this channel is worth a listen if you struggle to work or operate in total silence!

There you have it: the ultimate list of Disney vloggers that you need to know about!

I hope that this list of Disney YouTube channels has given you some videos to add to your watch list! Whatever you’re looking for when it comes to the parks, you should be able to find some great content on YouTube to get you hyped and ready for your next trip.

Do you have any Disney vloggers that you love? Leave me a comment and I’ll be sure to check them out!

Grace is the creator, editor, and sole writer for Pixie Dust and Passports - a blog that's ALL about Disney! She's made it her life's mission to visit the Disney parks as much as possible and loves trying new snacks, grabbing the latest spirit jerseys, and rocking Loungefly bags. Oh, and she also holds a BA in History from UCL, which makes her a research and deep-dive enthusiast into all things Imagineering.

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Who is Michael Kay, the Yankees’ iconic New York sportscaster?

• June 9, 2023
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Table of Contents

Armed with a voice that possesses a remarkable distinction and an unrivaled wealth of expertise, Michael Kay has effortlessly etched his mark into the tapestry of New York’s sporting domain. Spanning from his humble beginnings as a radio host to his present-day position as the illustrious play-by-play announcer for the renowned New York Yankees, Michael Kay has ceaselessly mesmerized viewers and listeners alike with his fervor, magnetic charm, and unquestionable prowess.

Michael Kay’s journey of excellence

The path that led Michael Kay to ascend as an indelible figure in the realm of New York sportscasting was not forged hastily. Born under the Bronx sky on February 2, 1961, his ardent affection for athletics manifested itself early on. His formative years unfolded within the halls of Fordham Preparatory School, where he actively engaged in both baseball and basketball. Michael Kay ventured forth to Fordham University, where the pursuit of a broadcasting and communications degree fortuitously laid the cornerstone for the journey that awaited him.

Embarking upon the landscape of broadcasting in 1982, Michael Kay took his initial strides within the illustrious realm of the New York Post . Initially donning the mantle of a versatile writer entrusted with diverse assignments, he swiftly gravitated toward the realm of collegiate sports reporting. He was asked to cover the National Basketball Association and the New Jersey Nets. 

The year 1987 marked a pivotal juncture in his career, as Michael Kay was assigned to the responsibility of writing on the New York Yankees . The winds of change carried him to the Daily News in 1989, where he remained steadfastly dedicated to the art of covering the storied Yankees. Simultaneously, Michael Kay’s presence radiated across the Madison Square Garden Network as a Yankee reporter, commencing from that same transformative year of 1989.

The fervor and unwavering reporting by Michael Kay swiftly captivated the audience of local radio stations, illuminating the path towards his inaugural triumph in 1992 as he graced the booth of the esteemed ESPN Radio Network. Embracing this newfound platform, Michael Kay unfurled his brilliance as the captivating host of both “ The Michael Kay Show ” and the enigmatic “CenterStage.” Through these dynamic showcases of his unparalleled ability to entertain and enrapture his audience, Kay cemented his reputation as a masterful maestro of engagement.

During the era spanning from 1992 to 1999, Michael Kay served as MSG’s insider in the inner sanctum of the New York Knicks locker room. Prior to this role, he had made notable contributions to the network as a sports commentator on MSG SportsDesk, a news-oriented sports program. In 1992, he departed from the Daily News to embark on a journey as a host for a spirited sports talk show on WABC. Although Michael Kay briefly returned in 1993 to pen “Kay’s Korner” for the Daily News, his path ultimately led him to join forces with John Sterling, captivating audiences with their radio broadcasts of New York Yankees games. In the late 1990s, he also accepted the role of a reporter for Fox Sports Net.

A voice for the Yankees

As his radio journey soared to new heights, it was Michael Kay’s indelible connection with the illustrious New York Yankees that would etch his name in the annals of sports history. Embarking on this fateful path in 1992, he graced the airwaves of WABC as the insightful color commentator for Yankees games, captivating fans with his profound understanding of the game and an infectious zeal that endeared him to all. Then, in a defining moment in 2002, Michael Kay ascended to the coveted role of play-by-play announcer for the Yankees, solidifying his status as the unparalleled voice of the team, seamlessly transitioning his realm of influence to the YES Network when it assumed control of WABC.

For a remarkable decade, Michael Kay found himself in the esteemed company of John Sterling , joining forces as the radio announcer of the legendary Yankees on WABC from 1992 to 2001. As a team, they not only conquered the airwaves but also ventured into the realm of talk radio. Captivating audiences with their nightly show titled Sports Talk with John Sterling and Michael Kay. An electrifying rendezvous on WABC. In addition to their on-air chemistry, the dynamic team seized the spotlight during baseball seasons, gracing the airwaves with Yankee Talk, a spirited pre-game radio show that fueled anticipation for the weekend’s showdowns. Amidst this exhilarating era, Michael Kay even carved his own path as a host, helming his eponymous show on WABC from 1992 to 1993.

Fanning the flames of his passion further, Michael Kay extended his reach as a spot reporter on ABC Radio. Engaging in off-season shows alongside Sterling and occasionally stepping in as a sports reporter on WABC-TV. However,  in 2001, ESPN Radio took the reins of WEVD radio and bestowed upon him the honor of hosting a daily radio show on the newly christened “1050 ESPN Radio.” This was a  monumental shift that awaited Michael Kay that year.

Since the twilight of the 1990s, Michael Kay and Sterling have stood side by side, assuming the role of co-emcees for a multitude of grand occasions. Their collective charisma has graced the stage of the Yankees’ revered annual Old-Timers’ Day ceremony, where legends of the game convene to bask in nostalgia. In addition, they have lent their commanding presence to the solemnity of players’ number retirements, paying tribute to the immortalized heroes of the pinstripes. Furthermore, the dynamic duo has breathed life into the festivities commemorating the team’s glorious World Series triumphs, adding an extra touch of jubilation to milestone anniversaries. The euphoria extends beyond the diamond, as Michael Kay and Sterling have also stepped onto the hallowed grounds of City Hall, amplifying the revelry during the boisterous celebrations that follow the Yankees’ World Series conquests.

The MLB recognition

After a long career in radio, Michael Kay made the dramatic leap to television with the launch of the YES Network in 2002, when WCBS won the rights to broadcast Yankees games on the radio. In the meantime, Sterling kept working his radio magic. Since that pivotal moment, Michael Kay assumed the role of the Yankees’ primary television play-by-play commentator, cementing his status as the voice that would forever be associated with the team’s most cherished moments. From Derek Jeter’s famous “flip play” in the 2001 ALDS to the thunderous applause after Mariano Rivera ‘s historic save, Michael Kay’s knack to immortalize the raw passion and theatricality of these events is unmatched. His signature slogan, “See ya!” has become an indelible part of Yankee lore, echoing over the field after a home run is scored.

Throughout his time on YES, Michael Kay has gone on an exciting adventure with a wide variety of collaborators, sometimes working with as many as four different people in a single season. A group of retired pros have joined him in the broadcast booth, each bringing their own perspective to the show. However, Michael Kay’s passion for the YES Network and Prime Video platforms as a play-by-play announcer is evident in the fact that he calls the shots for around 125 games per year. Note that the Yankees’ Prime games, formerly televised on a network led by WPIX-TV, now have a new home because of Kay’s shrewd leadership.

Amazingly, in 2008, Michael Kay was invited by Major League Baseball to be a part of the All-Star festivities by providing his voice to the thrilling Home Run Derby at none other than Yankee Stadium. On September 21, 2008, however, Michael Kay’s participation reached its height when he joined forces with Jon Miller and Joe Morgan to form a powerful trio to grace the airways for ESPN’s broadcast of the historic final home game at Yankee Stadium versus the Baltimore Orioles. ESPN, aware of the momentous nature of the event, wanted to capture the flavor of local broadcasting for the Yankees by engaging Michael Kay’s services. Since the YES Network was not allowed to broadcast the game, his participation was crucial in conveying the special atmosphere of the Yankees’ final game at their legendary ballpark to passionate fans throughout the country.

The Michael Kay Show

In an unexpected turn of events, Michael Kay’s career took off in a new direction in 2002 when he became the charming presenter of a popular drive-time discussion show on WEPN (then known as WEVD). When the radio waves called, Michael Kay answered, eager to interact with listeners through compelling conversations that would stick with them on their way to and from work. At the same time, his charismatic presence expanded to the small screen when he became the host of CenterStage on the YES Network. This fascinating program skillfully fused the sports and entertainment industries by conducting in-depth interviews with notable personalities to elicit their fascinating life tales. Michael Kay’s natural inclination to strike up conversations with his guests turned each show into an exciting adventure that left viewers wanting more.

Live broadcasts from the neighborhood of each evening’s combat were a regular occurrence for Michael Kay during previous seasons, when the Yankees were in action. Although contractual obligations precluded him from hosting the performance inside Yankee Stadium, his dynamic presence was felt all over the venue. As the curtain closes on those times, a new era begins because the terrain has changed. His previous broadcasting location was exclusive, but times have changed and so must his broadcasting place. Now that the barriers holding him back have been removed, Michael Kay is free to display his exceptional talents right in the heart of Yankee Stadium.

For a span encompassing 2009 to 2011, the 6:00 hour bore the illustrious co-title of New York Baseball Tonight, an emblem of the baseball season’s fervor. In a unique twist, if Michael Kay found himself behind the microphone, lending his voice to a captivating Yankee game during the evening, he would typically relinquish his appearance during that hour. Instead, the reins of this segment were expertly grasped by the capable hands of Don La Greca, who helmed the show and accompanied Michael Kay in the subsequent portions of The Michael Kay Show. This dynamic partnership ensured a seamless flow of baseball-centric discussions and served as a testament to their shared passion for engaging their loyal audience in all things related to the sport they held dear.

During the culmination of his program, Michael Kay typically bids farewell by stating that, according to Billy Joel, life comprises a sequence of greetings and farewells, and he regrets to announce that it is once again time for another farewell. Before going on to promote the next show. Michael Kay made history on February 3, 2014, when he began a simulcast for the first time on the prestigious YES Network platform. To make fun of the previous host of the channel, Mike Francesa, Michael Kay tossed a bottle of Diet Coke into the trash can. This staged performance, however, was met with considerable condemnation from both audiences and experts in the field.

Beyond baseball

The Yankees will always be Michael Kay’s first and foremost passion, but he has also left an indelible mark on a number of other sports in addition to baseball. He has a tendency for adaptability, as evidenced by his work as a sportscaster at major events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics. Michael Kay’s irrepressible energy and unflinching passion pervade his coverage no matter whether the sporting venue sheds light on the nuances of basketball, football, and many other athletic endeavors. He has become a respected figure in the business thanks to his boundless enthusiasm and true love of sports.

Between 1999 and 2001, Michael Kay and Sterling brought their energetic commentary to the virtual world of Nintendo 64’s All-Star Baseball video games. Their skill at calling the action captivated both players and spectators with its genuineness. In addition to his significant work with the Yankees, Michael Kay has also been heard calling postseason games on ESPN Radio. The 2008 National League Division Series game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, the 2013 American League Division Series game between the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics, and the 2016 American League Division Series game three between the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays all come to mind.

In a major shift, ESPN added a high-profile new show to their schedule in the first month of 2022. Michael Kay and the legendary Alex Rodriguez were brought in to host a different version of ESPN2’s Sunday Night Baseball coverage. This novel concept promised a new and engaging viewing experience for devoted baseball fans, much like the well-praised “Manningcast” for Monday Night Football. The Sunday night baseball extravaganza hoped to be elevated by the teaming of Michael Kay and A-Rod, who together wanted to bring a fresh perspective and intelligent analysis to the realm of sports broadcasting.

Family of Michael Kay

Hailing from the vibrant borough of the Bronx, Michael Kay’s roots run deep in the heart of New York City. Embracing his diverse heritage, he was raised in a household where his father followed the Jewish faith and his mother proudly embodied her Italian lineage. As a devout Yankees fan, his passion for the team was evident from an early age, symbolized by his donning of the revered number 1 jersey in Little League, paying homage to his idol, Bobby Murcer.

On February 12, 2011, Michael Kay married television journalist, Jodi Applegate. The ceremonial proceedings were gracefully overseen by none other than Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York. A gathering of distinguished guests graced the occasion, including renowned Yankees figures such as Al Leiter, Tino Martinez, and Paul O’Neill, along with esteemed actors Robert De Niro, Bobby Cannavale, Billy Crystal, and the talented Uncle Danny Aiello. They have two beautiful children: a daughter named Caledonia in 2013 and a son named Charles in 2014. Currently, they have chosen to establish their home in the charming town of Greenwich, Connecticut.

Michael Kay unveiled a forthcoming journey as he embarked on vocal cord surgery, necessitating a temporary absence from the esteemed broadcasting booth On a fateful day, July 3, 2019. This hiatus would span from early July until the twilight days of August. Nevertheless, displaying an indomitable spirit, Michael Kay triumphantly returned to the booth on August 17, resuming his captivating presence. Furthermore, his beloved radio show greeted his return on August 26, rekindling the joyous connection he shares with his dedicated audience.

A multifaceted talent

Michael Kay has effortlessly dabbled in a wide variety of entertainment genres while captivating viewers with his broadcasting abilities. Extending his talents outside the realm of sports, he has appeared in popular TV shows like “The Sopranos” and “The Celebrity Apprentice,” demonstrating his extraordinary adaptability. In addition to enthralling audiences in front of the screen, Michael Kay’s works may also be found on bookshelves. One of his best-known books is “CenterStage: Conversations with New York’s Greatest Legends,” in which he expertly shares stories and anecdotes from his time spent with New York’s sporting realms.

His impressive career reached a high point in 2003 when Michael Kay was honored by being enshrined on the Bronx Walk of Fame. Several prestigious New York Emmy Awards were nominated for him in 2007 due to his steadfast dedication and excellent achievements to the YES Network, particularly his engaging Yankees broadcasts and the globally recognized interview program Centerstage. Among the many awards he got, the New York Emmy that he won as a result of his outstanding contributions to the NYY broadcast crew shone brightest. Winner of multiple awards, Michael Kay’s work “Manny vs. NY – Yankees/Red Sox – 5/24/06” shone brightly on the YES Network.

Among Michael Kay’s many achievements, the 1998 season stands out as a high point because of the stunning victory the MSG team achieved that year. Their Outstanding Live Sports Coverage—Series Emmy win was a testament to their hard work and dedication. His efforts were so significant that in 1996 and 1997, she won back-to-back Emmys for Outstanding Live Sports Coverage—Single Program. Dwight Gooden’s incredible no-hitter and the riveting matchup billed as The Battle for New York: Yankees vs. Mets were two of the highlights. As a result of these outstanding accomplishments, Michael Kay gained widespread acclaim and was heralded as a model of professionalism in the sports media industry. In 1995, the highly regarded New York Pro Baseball Scouts presented him with the Dick Young Award for Excellence in Sports Media in recognition of his extraordinary commitment and expertise in the field of sports journalism. In the year 2000, Michael Kay’s reputation was further cemented when he won the award for “Best Sports Reporter” at the prestigious New York Metro Achievement in Radio Awards.

A beloved figure

The resounding triumphs of Michael Kay’s sportscasting journey owe their roots not only to his undeniable talent but also to his remarkable gift of forging deep connections with his audience. It is his affable nature and authentic passion that has woven a tapestry of admiration within the vibrant New York sports community. Whether commanding the airwaves of his radio show or painting vivid pictures through his game commentary, Michael Kay’s relatability and down-to-earth demeanor have an uncanny ability to transport listeners into a cherished realm of camaraderie. Within moments, he effortlessly transforms the broadcasting experience into an intimate conversation, wherein fans are embraced as cherished companions, engaged in a dialogue with a trusted confidant.

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200 episodes

The voice of the Yankees pairs with New Jersey native Don La Greca and multifaceted DJ Peter Rosenberg.

The Michael Kay Show ESPN

• 4.5 • 1.5K Ratings
• MAR 28, 2024

Hour 3: No Negativity

Don can't handle another year of Yankee negativity, as they mount a comeback in Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 2: Knicks 3 Seed?

Can the Knicks hold on to the three seed? Plus, a less than stellar start for the Yankees in Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 1: Yankee Expectations

Jeff Passan doesn't have high hopes for the Yankees. What about you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

• MAR 27, 2024

Hour 3: Yankees-Astros Rivalry

Peter thinks Yankees-Astros has grown to be a bigger rivalry than Yankees-Red Sox. Plus, NFL O/U win totals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 2: Canelo Alvarez joins the show

Canelo Alvarez joins the show ahead of his matchup with Jaime Munguia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 1: Don's Jordans

The Rangers won a thrilling game and clinched a playoff spot, and Don got his first pair of Jordan's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Customer Reviews

1.5K Ratings

More than sports show

I’m not even from New York.

Miss the old days

Used to love this show. Don is still great. But Kay has turned into such an arrogant, stuck up, thinks I’m bigger, smarter, better looking then you jock. Peter’s sports knowledge is totally trash. Just a kiss up who can’t leave his political opinions to himself……..And god I hate how many awkward pauses there are.

I like the Show

Michael Kay has been showing what a bad guy he is so much lately. Love Don and Peter though.

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BSM Writers

Don la greca is putting his faith in the audience to find ‘the michael kay show’ on espn new york.

“I can’t stop from just laying it all out there and pouring my heart out in everything that I do.”

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When a visitor travels to New York City, the presence of sports is undeniable. There are connections to the games virtually everywhere in the five boroughs, including within Central Park, Times Square and Grand Central Terminal, locations that are synonymous with the effervescent and pulse of the bustling locale. Whenever he is on the air in his home city, Don La Greca pulls no punches. He seeks to convey his passion and appreciation for the metropolis by always being genuine with his audience and seldom timid with what he has to say.

One day when La Greca was in St. Louis to call a matchup between the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues, he observed the rubicund complexion of the city. Concurrent with the St. Louis Cardinals’ appearance in the World Series, the water in the Kiener Plaza fountain was dyed red. Baseball overshadowed hockey, a regular occurrence in the Gateway to the West, something that La Greca knows would never happen in “The Big Apple” due to the vested rooting interests of different fan bases in one city.

“There’s nine professional sports teams – and that’s not counting the soccer teams and the WNBA and all of that – and it always seems like something’s going on [and] there’s so many different directions to go into,” La Greca said. “That just makes New York so special.”

One of the most difficult parts of preparing for an episode of The Michael Kay Show on ESPN New York is trying to determine the best opening topic that will appeal to the audience. On top of that, the program is simulcast to viewers on YES Network and remains a fixture in afternoon drive across multiple platforms. The show has been on the air for over 21 years on ESPN New York, with La Greca’s voice being the first heard on the station when it broadcast on the airwaves on 1050 AM. That has led to a run that he didn’t foresee taking place two decades ago.

Over the last several years, there have been various changes associated with ESPN Radio as a whole. Good Karma Brands purchased the 1050 AM frequency as part of a larger deal with ESPN for some of its local radio properties, and the outlet has been operating 98.7 ESPN under a local marketing agreement (LMA) between ESPN and Emmis Communications. The management structure of the outlet has changed due to these transactions, which was headlined by the departure of longtime station general manager Tim McCarthy.

“We’re not all together like we were before [the pandemic] where I can just walk down the hall and see my boss and see everybody together,” La Greca said, “so there’s that little kind of separation anxiety there, but the connection that I feel – I’ll see them at the suite at [Madison Square] Garden when I stop by – they’re good people; they’re so interested and invested in us doing well.”

Working in afternoon drive grants La Greca , along with co-hosts Michael Kay and Peter Rosenberg, the ability to react to breaking news and preview games that are set to take place that night. La Greca has worked in radio in parts of four decades and does not take his presence in a drive-time slot for granted, cherishing every day he is afforded the opportunity to go on the air.

“It’s where it’s all buzzing,” La Greca said. “I like afternoons better than mornings because I feel like mornings are more recapping the night before and having a little bit more fun; not as serious. I feel like afternoons is when things are happening.”

When the program first took the air in 2002, La Greca affirmed that he was told by ESPN New York management that he was going to be co-hosting with Kay. Conversely, he shared that Kay, the television play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees, was informed that La Greca was back at the ESPN New York studios to take over just in case his line dropped. After the first few days, La Greca became more confused and indignant towards the on-air arrangement before achieving clarity regarding the situation.

“We laughed later about the miscommunication or whatever, and then eventually I started doing updates on his show on a consistent basis,” La Greca said, “and he opened the door for me too because he didn’t have to talk to me; he didn’t have to bring me in. But it was the infancy of the radio station, so the calls weren’t hopping all the time, and he would ask me about this and that.”

As La Greca and Kay became more comfortable with one another, he eventually assumed responsibilities as a permanent co-host on the program. Even so, his name has never been included in the title of the show, something that does not affect his relationship with Kay. It does bother him when guests don’t realize the show includes more than just the eponymous co-host.

“Anybody that listens to the show knows what I do and how important my element is to the show, but it does bother me sometimes,” La Greca said. “We all have some sort of an ego where I wish there was a way that my name could be on the show, but at the end of the day it’s never been anything to make me want to leave or make any demands.”

Despite Kay and La Greca not being pleased with adding a third person to the show in 2015, management at ESPN New York informed them that it was going to happen either way. Early on, both co-hosts came to realize that Peter Rosenberg being included was a shrewd decision because of his versatile abilities and the elements he adds to the conversation. Rosenberg continues to co-host Ebro in the Morning on HOT 97 before appearing on The Michael Kay Show in afternoons, equating to seven-and-a-half hours on the air per day across the music and sports formats.

“We were able to build a nice rapport with each other, and I think Michael sensed that we were getting along and it just kind of came together so that when baseball season was over he was able to mesh,” La Greca said. “Michael works very well with people – you can tell with all the different analysts he has on television that he can work with anybody – so once he saw that we had built the chemistry, it was just easy for him to plug himself in.”

There are plenty of different sports to discuss during the course of the calendar year. Over the last decade though, professional football teams in the New York metropolitan area have largely struggled to compete for Super Bowl championships – let alone qualify for the playoffs.

“We kind of all just come to a common ground of what we think will kind of set the tone for the show and go from there,” La Greca said, “but if you look at it in the grand scheme of things, it just feels like any time you talk football, it’s the right direction to move because the phones light up [since] people just love the sport so much.”

La Greca is often associated with on-air rants; in fact, The Michael Kay Show once kept a counter marking the days without one of his verbal tirades. Whether it’s been comments made by Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal or Ed Kranepool being the “forever player” for the Mets, La Greca exhibits fervor and dedication towards the local teams. The rants serve as a visceral catharsis towards what he is feeling inside, and he is able to create a transformation for these sentiments into zealous vernacular for the topics at hand.

“When I rant, I feel like I’m being me,” La Greca said. “I’m giving my opinion on something, and I’m showing you exactly how I feel at that particular moment and I think the listener appreciates it.”

As a radio host, La Greca knows that he is unable to partake in what he refers to as “the game,” which involves instigating disagreement with his co-hosts related to certain topics. In ruminating on his place on the show, he tries to remain genuine to himself and the way he views sports. Exuding self-confidence and a dedication to honesty on the air, La Greca yearns to never waver from his approach and refrains from holding back.

“When people think that my rants are made-up, it bothers me because I lose control of myself,” La Greca said. “I’m like, ‘Geez, you think I’m making this up?’ I wish I had that kind of control because I can’t stop from just laying it all out there and just pouring my heart out in everything that I do.”

While The Michael Kay Show has a legion of loyal listeners and fans, the program has finished consistently behind WFAN in afternoons in the Nielsen ratings. La Greca and his colleagues currently go head-to-head with Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber, but previously competed against Craig Carton and Evan Roberts, and Mike Francesa prior to that. During his time at WFAN, Carton made it no secret that he took pleasure in beating ESPN New York, referring to the outlet as a joke that never took local radio seriously.

In viewing WFAN from afar, La Greca posits that the programs are being generated by the hosts’ interest in teams rather than discussing all the teams. Moreover, there have been instances in his opinion that reveal a deviation from what ESPN New York looks to accomplish within its programming.

“It feels like they’re going after it with the hanging up on Carl Banks and the morning show going after Gary Myers,” La Greca explained. “It just seems like they’re a little bit more aggressive, and if that works for them, that’s great.”

Before he joined ESPN New York, La Greca worked at WFAN where he provided overnight updates and occasionally contributed within dayparts. Being able to foster the tenacity to discuss sports on the air at such a young age came from always possessing an opinion. Although it bothered a lot of people when he was younger, his friends thought it was cool when he would become enraptured in mini-rants about different topics. For parts of 11 years, La Greca was employed at a pharmacy, which is where he learned of Art Rust Jr. and his sports talk show on ABC.

“I couldn’t believe there was somebody out there with a photographic memory who remembered all these things,” La Greca said. “I was like, ‘I could do that,’ and then the FAN came and it was like a dream come true.”

La Greca majored in communications at Ramapo College, taking six semesters to graduate because of his interminable commitment to the campus radio station. While he was an intern at KROCK, he met Maria Milito, a disk jockey who was married to Pete Walker, the owner of Phone Programs.

The connection helped him land a job with the company in New York City where he would place cassettes into a Marantz deck and load the program into another machine. After some time, La Greca moved to Sports Phone on Long Island where he worked as a supervisor, barely breaking even because of the funds he had to set aside for gas and tolls as part of his lengthy commute.

One day, he was betting on winning a football pool in order to make extra money but ended up losing, prompting him to go home and express his frustration by throwing things in his house. When his father discovered his son in an incensed state, he offered to help get him into the Public Service Enterprise Group, the company where he worked. That opportunity would start at $60,000 a year. La Greca realized then how hard he had been working to succeed in sports media and knew that he had to see his dream through, even if there were no guarantees.

“It wasn’t about the money,” La Greca said. “It was about just wanting to do what I wanted to do for a living, and so he understood that. He never bothered me again, and it really worked out.”

Following this epiphany, La Greca was introduced to Steve Malzberg, a talk show host at WABC. As it turns out, Malzberg was put in charge of hiring at Shadow Sports and helped catalyze La Greca being hired by 1010 WINS. People at WFAN heard him on the air at 1010 WINS and had him move to the all-sports outlet, but La Greca quickly realized that since the station was a desirable place to work, there was little movement. In the end, La Greca helped institute a new sports talk radio outlet upon Malzberg’s recommendation to ESPN management, and he has remained at ESPN New York ever since.

"Has anything happened?" The @TMKSonYES crew reacts to today's news that the Jets have activated Aaron Rodgers' "21-day practice window." pic.twitter.com/0mBQcZXgke — YES Network (@YESNetwork) November 29, 2023

Come next August, ESPN New York will no longer broadcast on 98.7 FM . The station made a business decision, electing not to renew its lease. The Michael Kay Show , which first aired exclusively on 1050 AM, will return to its original radio home, in addition to being accessible through ESPN New York’s app, the YES Network, and other multimedia options. La Greca realizes that it will be strange, but hopes that people will continue to find the program as long as it provides content to suit people’s interests.

“It’s a different world, and I know AM’s a little different than it was back in the day but I also think streaming and podcasts and the app is way bigger than it was,” La Greca said, “so I have all the confidence in the world the audience will follow us wherever we go.”

While La Greca has cherished his time on the afternoon drive program – along with calling games across different sports on ESPN New York, hosting the Game Misconduct podcast and anchoring in-studio pregame and postgame shows – he desires to be a full-time play-by-play announcer, preferably for an NHL team in the New York metropolitan area. Leaving the city, he said, would not be an option unless the offer was very lucrative, prognosticating that he would spend every moment trying to return in that scenario. If the circumstances were right for him though, he would think about taking on the challenge since he feels he has reached his goal on sports talk radio.

“If I ever got offered a play-by-play gig and they said, ‘Listen, you couldn’t do The Michael Kay Show anymore,’ it’d be a tough decision but I think I would maybe move onto the play-by-play because that’s how much I love it and [would] be motivated by it,” La Greca said. “Hopefully I never have to make that decision.”

Derek Futterman is a contributing editor and sports media reporter for Barrett Sports Media. Additionally, he has worked in a broad array of roles in multimedia production – including on live game broadcasts and audiovisual platforms – and in digital content development and management. He previously interned for Paramount within Showtime Networks, wrote for the Long Island Herald and served as lead sports producer at NY2C. To get in touch, find him on Twitter @derekfutterman.

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Don’t assume there isn’t enough traffic; focus on optimizing user engagement once visitors arrive on the site.

Are your clients dealing with low website conversions? Whenever a marketing campaign is run, and the goal is to convert website visitors into leads, the temptation is to blame low traffic, amongst other issues, for low form fills or appointments being generated.  Just spend more money, you may think! Sometimes, you must look at at least four other potential issues to tackle poor conversion rates. Here are some actionable steps using the IT services industry to increase website conversions.

IT Solutions specializes in providing products, services, or solutions related to technology, particularly in areas such as software development, hardware sales, IT consulting, cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, and digital transformations. They faced challenges with their website conversions. Despite driving substantial traffic through Google Ads and other SEO tactics, they struggled to convert website visitors into form fills for appointment requests. A 2% to 5% conversion rate could be considered reasonable. Of course, conversion rates can vary based on various factors, such as the competitiveness of the local market, the quality of the website (and radio stations help most to fix that) and its user experience, the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and the reputation and offerings of the IT solutions business. Focusing on improving the quality of leads and providing exceptional customer service can be just as crucial as achieving high conversion rates. Don’t blame EVERYTHING on the marketing tactics! 

The Diagnosis

Upon thorough analysis, several critical issues were identified with IT Solutions’ website:

1. High Bounce Rate: Nobody was checking out the business. If 70% or more of website visitors only visit the landing page, that is an issue.  It could be slow loading times, irrelevant content, poor user experience, or unclear calls-to-action that prevent them from wanting to know more about IT Solutions. You can check the bounce rate on the Google Analytics page for the website in the left-hand sidebar, click on “Behavior” to expand the menu, then click on “Site Content,” and finally, click on “Landing Pages.” You’ll see a list of landing pages and their respective bounce rates.

2. Complex Navigation: It was hard to move around the website to find relevant information about IT services, and it was unclear who they were initiating contact with and for what purpose.

3. Unclear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): The website lacked clear and compelling CTAs guiding visitors toward requesting an appointment. Simply stating “click here for an appointment” is like asking for a meeting whenever or without establishing value. Here are 28 CTAs for free.

4. Lengthy Forms: The appointment forms were long, without qualifying information, and requested excessive information upfront, deterring potential leads from completing them.

Action Plan

1. Optimize Landing Pages:

   – Redo high-traffic landing pages with clear messaging and compelling CTAs.

   – Showcase IT Solutions’ services as benefits, making it easier for users to request appointments, thereby increasing user engagement and conversions.

2. Simplify Navigation:

   – Reorganize the menu and add more action-oriented links.

   – Provide additional options for users to access relevant information, such as “Get a free IT Solutions 15-point checkup NOW” and “Take this 5-question survey to diagnose your IT issues,” motivating them to book appointments.

3. Enhance CTAs:

   – Utilize concise and persuasive messaging throughout the website.

   – Encourage visitors to take action, whether requesting a free download about “5 things you can do to solve your IT issues on your own” or “get a free pizza for booking an appointment.”

4. Improve the Form Fill:

   – Add a further line about the number of employees who qualify for incoming leads.

   – Highlight the value of leads based on company size, prioritizing forms with higher potential impact.

Review landing pages, navigation, CTAs, and form experience to address website conversion issues. Don’t assume there isn’t enough traffic; focus on optimizing user engagement once visitors arrive on the site.

Jeff Caves is a sales columnist for BSM working in radio and digital sales for Cumulus Media in Dallas, Texas and Boise, Idaho. He is credited with helping launch, build, and develop Sports Radio The Ticket in Boise, into the market’s top sports radio station. During his 26 year stay at KTIK, Caves hosted drive time, programmed the station, and excelled as a top seller. You can reach him by email at [email protected] or find him on LinkedIn.

Watching Albert and Olczyk call a hockey game is like watching Picasso paint and da Vinci sculpt. They are masters of their respective crafts.

Let’s play a little word association, sports media style. If I say TNT , what is your response? Chances are it will be a three-letter abbreviation of your own, namely, NBA. Over the years, TNT has built a reputation as arguably the premiere network to telecast the National Basketball Association.

The NBA on TNT pregame and halftime shows have become the gold standard with stars like Ernie Johnson, Jr., Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal. Still, it’s not just this quartet of roundball royalty that has fortified TNT’s hoops coverage.

The rep was also built on tremendous play-by-play announcers like Bob Neal and Kevin Harlan, color analysts like Doug Collins and Reggie Miller, and courtside reporters like the late Craig Sager and current sideline star Allie LaForce.

Indeed, TNT and the NBA have become synonymous, but I have some news for you. This network is not just about professional basketball. This past week I went off the grid with TNT looking at their in-game and studio coverage of the NHL.

On March 24, the NHL on TNT pro vided coverage of the Pittsburgh Penguins at Colorado Avalanche matchup. Kenny Albert did play-by-play with Eddie Olczyk on color. Albert is not as noted as his legendary broadcasting father Marv Albert, but he has certainly staked his claim as one of the best in the business – able to cross over to multiple sports with equal aplomb.

Hockey is a strong suit for Albert. His rat-tat-tat, drama-building style draws viewers in and keeps us on the edge of our seats. Similarly, Olczyk is one of the top four or five NHL game analysts in the business. His style is understated, providing calm and clear analysis of key plays. They work really well together.

Albert eschews any kind of hackneyed and trite catch phrases for his goal calls. An emphatic, “He shoots and scores!” is plenty enough.

Hockey is a different beast when it comes to play-by-play. Unlike basketball, baseball, football, or even soccer and tennis, there is a minimum of breaks in the action. With hockey, a play-by-play announcer has to know the names of the players like he or she knows her kids’ names.

To me, it is the hardest sport for play-by-play and equally difficult for a color analyst. In basketball, after a team scores, the play-by-play announcer will keep silent and give the color analyst time to talk until the play crosses center court. In baseball and football, there is ample room for commentary.

Hockey does not offer such space, but Olczyk gets the most out of the minimal amount of time. Watching Albert and Olczyk call a hockey game is like watching Picasso paint and da Vinci sculpt. They are masters of their respective crafts.

Coming back from a break in the game, Albert and Olczyk provided on air commentary and then tossed to ice level reporter Brian Boucher who has grown into a tremendous asset to the TNT broadcasts. Boucher provided real talk about Colorado’s objectives of staying on top of their division and vying for the top seed in the Western Conference.

The Penguins, squarely in a rebuilding year having dumped talent at the NHL trade deadline, surprisingly jumped out to a 2–0 lead in this game, and the TNT between periods studio crew was all over it. The excellent Liam McHugh hosted alongside Colby Armstrong, Anson Carter, and Keith Yandle.

Armstrong was especially entertaining. With Pittsburgh outshooting the Avs 16-4, Armstrong noted that it’s the best he’s seen Pittsburgh play in a long time. His reasoning was that teams get geared up for playing Colorado even if it’s out of fear. Great stuff.

Both teams tallied two goals in the second period giving Pittsburgh a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame. When Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon set up Jonathan Drouin for a goal to make it 4-3, Albert and Olczyk showed their strengths.

Albert called the pass from MacKinnon and one-timer goal from Drouin, and immediately noted that MacKinnon now had a point in all 34 of Colorado’s home games this season. On the goal replay, Olczyk showed how the play developed pointing out how McKinnon allowed Pittsburgh’s Evgenii Malkin to come in close before making the past to Drouin.

The TNT production team then showed a graphic displaying that McKinnon is now second all-time in longest home points streaks trailing only Wayne Gretzky. This was a sublime sequence of symmetry between talent and technicians like a songwriter, musician, and singer creating beautiful music.

What was supposed to be a blowout win for Colorado had now become a hockey barn burner, and the TNT crew was up to the task. Every goal and key play was followed up with replays from multiple angles showing the genesis of the action.

TNT has certainly taken to the velocity of the hockey broadcast with movement that challenges directors, graphics professionals, and videographers.

When there were breaks in this non-stop action, Olczyk was at his best. No hockey analyst draws on his experience as a player and explains that experience better to viewers. The TNT broadcast also lets Boucher freewheel and join in the flow of discussion without having to be introduced.

TNT does not merely rely on the traditional wide shot of the entire rink. We see close-up shots of each goaltender after a great save and the sweat of players on the bench or in the penalty box.

When McKinnon tied the game at 4-4 with 4:38 left in the third period, we got a series of tremendous crowd shots showing the Colorado fans going absolutely berserk. The sage Albert and Olczyk wisely remained quiet for several seconds, letting the cheers do the talking.

When Drouin scored the game winner at 4:06 of overtime, Albert exercised controlled enthusiasm, raising his voice on the call of the goal, but not becoming the show and overshadowing the play itself. He is definitely in the mold of Dan Kelly, Gary Thorne, and Sean McDonough, announcers who enhance but do not supersede the game.

Putting a cherry on top of this hockey Sunday, TNT showed a graphic that the Avalanche now led the NHL in comeback wins this season with 25 and that they were riding a 9-game winning streak. In analyzing the goal, Olczyk opined that the altitude of playing in Colorado was prevalent as the Penguins seemed to tire as the game progressed – really interesting insight.

In the postgame show, Anson Carter made a great point that the chemistry between Drouin and MacKinnon stems from the fact that they have been playing together going back to junior hockey. McKinnon joined in from the arena for a postgame interview. The analysts asked solid questions and even did a funny MVP chant together as the interview ended.

The NHL on TNT takes no back seat to its elder NBA sister. The broadcast provides viewers with flash, dash, and serious hockey talk from every angle – in studio, from the broadcast booth, and on the ice.

John Molori is a weekly columnist for Barrett Sports Media. He has previously contributed to ESPNW, Patriots Football Weekly, Golf Content Network, Methuen Life Magazine, and wrote a syndicated Media Blitz column in the New England region, which was published by numerous outlets including The Boston Metro, Providence Journal, Lowell Sun, and the Eagle-Tribune. His career also includes fourteen years in television as a News and Sports Reporter, Host, Producer working for Continental Cablevision, MediaOne, and AT&T. He can be reached on Twitter @MoloriMedia.

Kim Mulkey Now Has Everyone Anticipating Washington Post Story

I can’t imagine what headline, under normal circumstances, the Washington Post would have to put on a Kim Mulkey story to make me want to read it.

The Washington Post , you might’ve heard, has a story coming out about controversial LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey. The reason you might’ve heard is because Kim Mulkey told you. The Tigers coach read a fiery prepared statement just before her team started the Women’s NCAA Tournament. In the statement, Mulkey threatened to sue The Post for defamation before the first word was even published.

Now, I’ve never run a public relations firm but that did not seem like a good idea. The Washington Post story on Mulkey is one of the bigger stories in sports right now and nobody even knows what’s in it. The reason the story, apparently unflattering to Mulkey, is even on anyone’s radar screen is Mulkey herself.

It all started with an innocuous social media post by Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde right in the middle of the most anticipated two days in sports, the NCAA Tournament Round of 64. On his X account, Forde posted: “Hearing some buzz about a big Washington Post story in the works on LSU women’s hoops coach Kim Mulkey, potentially next week. Wagons being circled, etc.”

You know what generally will go unnoticed at 4:00 on the first Friday of the NCAA Tournament? A post on X about a women’s basketball coach. But don’t tell Mulkey, she saw Forde’s post and decided to fight fire with nuclear weaponry. The result: the average person like me now is really interested in what has Mulkey so incensed. By “average person like me” I mean that I can’t imagine what headline, under normal circumstances, the Washington Post would have to put on a Kim Mulkey story to make me want to read it. Maybe:

“LSU Women’s Coach Discovers Ark of the Covenant”

“Mulkey Reveals True JFK Assassin(s)”

“Famed Women’s Basketball Coach Reveals the Mystery Behind Slow Drivers in the Left Lane”

Literally any of those catch my attention more than whatever will likely be the Washington Post headline about Mulkey. But now Mulkey is “Mad as Hell and is not going to take this anymore” so I now have an interest I would never before have had in this story. It has been fascinating to watch the online speculation about the subject of the article and all we really know, as of now, is that it will be written by Kent Babb. This is a dream come true for Babb; he writes an article that is, presumably, not flattering about Kim Mulkey and, before it is even published, she gives the article the greatest commercial anyone could give it. Babb couldn’t have entered into a business agreement with Mulkey and had this turn out better for him.

For those who don’t follow Babb, he is a former NFL reporter who now is an award-winning writer for the Washington Post. In his 14 years with The Post, he has written sports features and authored a couple of books. One of those sports features stories was a deep dive into what he viewed as a large inequity in the level of pay for LSU head football coach Brian Kelly and his LSU players. It is this piece Mulkey described as a “hit piece” and, based on that piece, referred to Babb as a “sleazy reporter.” Babb, and many others, resented the fact his story was labeled as a hit piece. In fact, Babb essentially confirmed he was the author Mulkey was referencing when he shared the original article on X with the comment: “Hit piece?”

Whether a printed piece or a recorded interview, I can’t imagine a better promotion for it than the subject of the interview threatening a libel/slander lawsuit , especially before it is even released. That simply screams “This piece is salacious!!” Also, libel and slander suits get settled all the time, right? Of course they don’t, they seem to never even get filed. That little thing called discovery is a scary thing for most public figures.

The NCAA Tournament has been very entertaining, and I think the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will be terrific. For only the fifth time ever, the top two seeds have advanced to the third round which sets up for a remarkable weekend. For me, I guess it will now include a Washington Post article, not a sentence I’d normally say.

Ryan Brown is a columnist for Barrett Sports Media, and a co-host of the popular sports audio/video show ‘The Next Round’ formerly known as JOX Roundtable, which previously aired on WJOX in Birmingham. You can find him on Twitter @RyanBrownLive and follow his show @NextRoundLive.

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Married At First Sight: What Did Michael & Chloe Choose On Decision Day? (SPOILERS)

This article contains spoilers for Married At First Sight season 17.

• Chloe surprised herself by choosing to stay married, showing a desire to work through issues with Michael.
• Michael, despite caring for Chloe, felt he couldn't fully commit to their marriage, leading to his decision to divorce.
• Their open and honest discussion post-decision day showcased respect and potential for a future relationship outside marriage.

Married At First Sight season 17’s Chloe Brown and Michael Shiakallis have been one of the most talked about couples in MAFS history, but what happened to them on Decision Day? Michael joined the series and was originally matched with a different woman, but when she left him at the altar, the experts felt they could still give him the Married At First Sight season 17 experience he’d been hoping for. Michael felt that he was ready for the experience of a lifetime and put his faith in the experts , hoping the second time around would work out for him.

With his second match, Michael’s priorities in what he was looking for in a marriage had changed a bit, which made one of his potential matches more suited for him. Chloe, who the experts had put in the running to be one of Michael’s matches at first, was chosen for Michael’s second wedding. While Chloe was an empathetic, sweet person who runs a non-profit, her qualities matched up well with Michael’s quirks . Happy to be finding one another, the couple embarked on a truncated version of Married At First Sight season 17 , hoping they’d be able to stay together long-term.

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Michael's initial mafs wedding went wrong, his bride was terrified of the experiment.

In the earliest moments of Married At Frist Sight season 17, Michael was excited to get married in the whirlwind experiment that could introduce him to the love of his life. Though the success rate on Married At First Sight hasn’t been exceptionalthere have been couples who have found love. Michael was hopeful that he would be one of the success stories , but his bubble was quickly burst when his bride left him at the altar. She explained that it had nothing to do with him, but the experiment was too overwhelming. Michael took it well, but was clearly hurt.

Michael & Chloe's MAFS Journey

They’ve had a decent relationship.

Throughout Michael’s journey on Married At Frist Sight season 17, there have been some serious ups and downs, but marrying Chloe was a high for him. The pair were matched up over halfway through the traditional run of the experiment, and though they weren’t sure about anything going into their wedding, they knew they had an instant connection. M ichael and Chloe had similar priorities going into their marriage , both valuing honest and open communication. They explained they wanted to be brutally honest with each other, and promised not to decide about staying in their relationship until Decision Day came around.

While the majority of Michael and Chloe’s marriage was spent getting along, there appeared to be some issues crop up as Decision Day drew closer . Though both felt a clear attraction to one another, the couple began to disagree about what their life would look like after Decision Day. Chloe, though she understood that the couple had five pets between them, wanted to move in with Michael as quickly as possible. Michael understood that it was likely going to be difficult for them to find something in their price range, but the disagreement with Chloe had him rethinking their relationship.

On Decision Day, Chloe Chose To Stay Married

She was surprised by her own choice.

On Decision Day, Chloe surprised herself in the moment by sharing she wanted to stay married to Michael . She explained that in the days leading up to Decision Day and throughout the day itself, she’d been certain that she was going to choose to divorce Michael. She’d promised him and herself, however, that she wasn’t going to make any sort of formal decision until she was sitting beside him on Decision Day. Chloe explained that she was glad she didn’t make any final choices before hearing Michael speak to her and the experts, because it had colored her thought process.

Chloe explained that she wanted to stay married to Michael and figure out what their next steps were together. Tearfully, she explained that though they had problems in their marriage, she wanted to figure them out as a couple. While she wasn’t sure what Michael was going to say , she explained that if he wanted to continue their marriage, she was going to stand by him and be there for him. She would respect his decision either way, but she was happy to be choosing to continue in the relationship they’d built if they both wanted to move forward.

Michael Chose Divorce On Decision Day

He was sad, but felt he couldn’t stay married.

While Chloe had chosen to stay married, Michael struggled through his speech to his bride because he was emotional about his decision. Similarly to Chloe, Michael shared that he hadn't made his final decision until hearing her out on Decision Day. He shared that he'd enjoyed getting to know her and living in their relationship, but he wasn't sure that it was the right fit for them at this point in their lives. Michael explained that in his mind, though they were already in a committed relationship, he was treating their final decision as a commitment to strengthening their marriage .

Michael chose to divorce Chloe on Decision Day , explaining that he wasn't in a headspace where he could fully commit to their marriage. Though he cared for Chloe and even felt love for her, he explained that he just hadn't reached a point where he was able to make a genuine commitment to her that was strong enough, in his mind, to be considered marriage. While Michael had developed some serious feelings for Chloe , he felt that in the long run, it made more sense for him to leave their marriage and potentially pursue something with her in the future.

Michael & Chloe’s Discussion Was Open & Honest, But Painful

They were clear with one another.

Although Chloe chose to stay married to Michael , his decision for them to divorce ended their relationship . The couple were able to talk to each other about the issues they’d faced, sharing they both had a huge amount of respect for each other. Chloe shared that she didn’t harbor any ill-will toward Michael, and hoped that he would be in her life forever, even if it wasn’t in a romantic capacity. Though the Married At First Sight season 17 couple didn’t work out, they had some healthy communication surrounding their marriage’s end and could revisit a relationship in the future.

Married At First Sight airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EDT on Lifetime.

Married At First Sight

Based on the Danish version of the series, Married at First Sight is a reality show/social experiment that gives singles a chance to find a lifelong partnership with one particular caveat: they must agree to marry a stranger arranged the moment they meet. Experts provide counseling and guidance as they help couples navigate their new marriage with their unknown partner and highlight the journey of the newlyweds from wedding to honeymoon to beginning their new lives together. At the end of eight weeks, couples will decide to stay married or divorce.