Steve Mears Reflects on the Blue Jackets’ New TV‑Radio Simulcast and His Dual Perspective

Anyone who can empathize with Bob McElligott’s experience when the Columbus Blue Jackets chose not to renew his contract is Steve Mears, the team’s current play‑by‑play announcer, who faced a comparable situation in 2009.

At that time, Mears was with the New York Islanders and lost his radio position; today, 17 years later, he finds himself on the opposite side of that decision.

“It hit home. It really hit home,” Mears said. “That was my dream job and my big break. I was 29 years old. To lose that job was just devastating. I’m very aware of how these decisions get made and I’ve seen both sides of it.”

The Blue Jackets opted this offseason to adopt a TV‑radio simulcast, a move influenced by the loss of their FanDuel television deal and the associated revenue. Several teams already employ this approach.

Mears rebuilt his career after that setback, emerging as one of hockey’s most recognizable voices. His background now spans national television and radio roles. He transformed a challenging period into an opportunity and joined the Blue Jackets in July 2024.

Mears said, “With a lot of setbacks in life, they end up being blessings in disguise.” He is now focused on serving as the Blue Jackets’ voice on both television and radio, excited about the future while acknowledging that adjustments will be needed.

Adjustments & Excitement

Mears and Jody Shelley are committed to delivering the game effectively to both television and radio audiences, recognizing that there is work ahead as they acclimate to their new roles.

Both Mears and Shelley will be on the radio for all four preseason games.

“You cannot just snap your fingers and let there be a perfect broadcast or simulcast,” Mears said. “It’s going to take some reps and it’s going to take some time. We could have 20 meetings and it still is going to take a feeling out process.”

Although numerous adjustments and tweaks will arise as the season progresses, Mears is excited about what lies ahead, especially with the NHL’s involvement in production. Most importantly to him, the broadcast will be a wholly Blue Jackets‑produced effort.

“I’ve seen some of the samples of the graphics … looks very sharp. Sounds really sharp,” Mears said. “We’ve got new music. We got some other bells and whistles that we’re really excited to unlock. The Blue Jackets TV broadcast is going to be a Blue Jackets production. That’s the beauty of this whole thing.”

Mears eagerly anticipates how the simulcast will develop, and he remains deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve as the Blue Jackets’ voice on both television and radio.

“In October, it’ll be exactly 20 years since my first NHL game,” Mears recalled. “I just could not be more appreciative of the opportunity and the privilege it is to be the voice of the Blue Jackets. And it’s a privilege that I never take for granted.”

“It’s not about us. We’re so far down at the bottom of that totem pole. It’s about the players first and foremost, the organization, the city, the fans. It’s an exciting time. It really is.”

Source link