News Summary
Milwaukee’s sports-talk station, 97.3 The Game, has let go of host Steve Czaban as part of broader layoffs impacting several personalities. The move reflects significant changes within the station, which has transitioned its morning show to new hosts Bill Schmid and Armen Saryan. Moreover, program director Tim Scott also exited amid this restructuring. Czaban, a longtime sports radio figure with an extensive career, leaves behind a notable legacy at the station, highlighting ongoing challenges in the competitive radio landscape.
Milwaukee, WI – 97.3 The Game, a sports-talk station in Milwaukee, has officially parted ways with host Steve “Czabe” Czaban. The decision comes amid a series of layoffs that affected multiple personalities within the station.
The Milwaukee Business Journal confirmed the news, reporting that Dan Lenz, the Milwaukee market president for iHeartMedia, indicated that Czaban and his co-host, Brian Butch, were among those let go as part of a broader staffing reduction initiative. Additionally, program director Tim Scott, who had been with the company since 1998, also exited the station. Scott was a key figure in securing the broadcast rights for Green Bay Packers games starting in 2022, further emphasizing the extent of the changes within the station.
Following Czaban and Butch’s departure, the morning show slot previously hosted by Czaban transitioned to new hosts, Bill Schmid and Armen Saryan. Czaban’s program had been a mainstay since he joined the station in May 2019 when 97.3 The Game shifted its format from contemporary hits to sports talk.
Czaban’s broadcasting career spans several decades and includes significant contributions to various platforms. Before his time with 97.3 The Game, he was a regular contributor to the Bob and Brian morning show on 102.9 FM, “The Hog,” for 20 years. Additionally, Czaban has hosted nationally syndicated shows for networks such as FOX Sports Radio, Sporting News Radio, and ESPN Radio. His expertise in sports radio was further reflected in his involvement with the Packers’ broadcasts since the beginning of the 2022 season.
The abrupt layoffs at iHeartMedia, which affected multiple markets including Denver and Houston, highlight a growing trend within the radio industry, where competition intensifies as various stations vie for audience attention. This change comes in response to the dynamic environment in Milwaukee, shaped by competitors such as ESPN Milwaukee and the rebranding of Audacy’s 105.7 FM as The Fan.
Czaban’s dismissal has left a significant mark on the station, particularly given his familiarity with the broadcasting landscape and the listener base he built during his tenure. Although he did not publicly comment on his departure when reached out for a statement, Czaban has indicated he now has more time for personal pursuits, leaving open the possibility for future ventures within the broadcasting realm.
As the dust settles from these layoffs and programming shifts, 97.3 The Game embarks on a new chapter, one that will undoubtedly face scrutiny as it adapts to changes in listener preferences and competition in the ever-evolving world of sports radio.
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Additional Resources
- TMJ4: 97.3 The Game Parts Ways With Steve Czabe
- JSONline: Steve Czaban Gets Extension at 97.3 The Game
- Barrett Media: Why Steve Czaban Believes the NFL Draft in Green Bay is a One-in-a-Lifetime Event
- On Milwaukee: Drew Olson and Bob & Brian
- Barrett Media: iHeartMedia Layoffs Continue Into Second Day
- Wikipedia: Sports Radio
- Google Search: Steve Czaban
- Google Scholar: Steve Czaban
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
- Google News: Steve Czaban
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
