SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
I will be starting a new show from 10am-2pm with @seanrcampbell !
I want to thank @HunterZThompson for an amazing 11+ years on Melnick in the Afternoon. Being on the same show for a decade is something I'm extremely proud of.
Time for new #tsn690 pic.twitter.com/W9NAtm5IRW
— Mitch Gallo (@MitchyGallo) June 14, 2022
TSN 690 is shuffling its lineup after two high-profile and somewhat mysterious departures of midday hosts.
In February, the station was forced to let go of Chris Nilan after the former Canadiens player refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, in violation of a Bell Media policy. Then on May 27, Tony Marinaro resigned from his job as host of The Montreal Forum, later saying it was to focus his attention on a new sports podcast.
To fill both those holes, TSN has taken two hard-working veteran supporting characters — Sean Campbell and Mitch Gallo — and put them in the spotlight as a duo. The show, called Campbell vs. Gallo, debuts Monday, June 20. It will run from 10am to 2pm, with Mitch Melnick’s afternoon show shifted an hour earlier to run 2-6.
The new hosts promise the Habs Lunch feature will remain with the new show.
Why did Marinaro leave?
In a 43-minute episode of his Sick Podcast, Marinaro gave some context for his decision to leave, saying he didn’t tell anyone until after his final show was broadcast, ending with playing Frank Sinatra’s My Way. He then informed his bosses he was out.
Marinaro says he will be contributing to Jean-Charles Lajoie’s show on TVA Sports and it’s been reported he will also contribute to 91.9 Sports in the fall, where Lajoie also has a show.
Despite spending almost an hour going over his career, Marinaro’s video leaves a lot of questions unanswered, and he has said he’s limited in what he can say. He broke down in tears a few times, making it clear the decision to leave TSN wasn’t easy.
The rumoured explanation, which happens to fit the facts, is that Bell Media or local TSN 690 management was unhappy about his podcast, which started in December 2020, and gave him an ultimatum. Marinaro said he stuck with the podcast to fulfill a promise to creator Sammy Cavallaro. He mentioned that his TSN show was doing well in the ratings and it was his decision to leave.
Nilan, meanwhile, also has his own sports podcast. The Raw Knuckles Podcast debuted in April.
Marinaro seems like a decent guy, but I didn’t care for his show. Too many hot takes, too much schtick and a little too self important. If he was putting too much energy into the podcast, I can see why Bell wasn’t pleased.
It will be interesting to see how he and Nilan fare. Keeping up a podcast through the monetization phase isn’t easy. Many quietly fade away.
Hopefully Marinaro is finished featuring Mike Ribeiro as a special guest. He’s pure sleaze and I’m not sure why anyone would want to associate with him or provide him with a platform.
I like the change for Melnick. The show needs a refresh. Gallo knows sports but Mitch is best with someone with a broader perspective. I’ve always though the loss of Rod a few years ago was a blow to the vibe of the show. Looking forward to the new lineup.
TSN690 continues to show its lack of professionalism.
Montreals ONLY English sports radio and it just keeps getting worse. As a business owner I, I know how hard it is to replace the best employees you have. TSN690 makes ZERO effort to accommodate its important show hosts. Worse of all, they lack the ability to bring in someone NEW to replace these amazing hosts, they just give the time slots to people who are on other shows. As an anglophone who lives in Montreal I seriously hope that TSN690 wakes up and adheres to its listeners rather than to its woke agenda.
I don’t think TSN 690 is going to last much longer without Marinaro and Melnick who I assume won’t be around much longer. Gallo and Campbell are sidekick producers. Don’t think I’m going to be tuning in to listen to them.
So far not so good for Campbell and Gallo. Their humour seems forced and for two BF’s there is no on air chemistry. They probably crack each other up off air but for this listener their humour falls flat. Starr and McKenna may not be best buds but their humour and chemistry make their show the best of the bunch.
Hopefully Sean and Mitch will retool and find their way. They both come across as good guys. Beer worthy.
Yet the insufferable and limited morning team is STILL on the air. Good thing I switched over to SiriusXM for my sports 2 years ago.
Marinaro was in a class of his own. Totally authentic and really heartfelt passion for his sports. His Beliveau and Lafleur coverage was fantastic. I’ve tried all the new shows and I’ve given up. Hopefully you’ll continue to retool. Bring Tony back at any cost. I’m lost down here in Florida.
We love you tony jamie from terrebonne i am always gonna be thier….. Do it your way tony bravo
Just a matter of time before Bell pulls the plug on tsn690. They really lack talent.
You guys are just terrible get off the air please
Tony,
I just found out about your big change this morning, and was quite saddened. I greatly enjoyed your show and looked forward to it each morning. I wish you the best. My wife and I left Montreal in 1994, for Southern California (for work). It hasn’t been easy, but I just turned 70, still working full time, and don’t see returning at this point, despite all the insanity here. Though of course, I never say never. Your show, on its own merit, was great. But it also gave me that little piece of Montreal and Canada, of the things I miss. I don’t have to list them; any Montealer knows what they are.
You are a giver; a big giver. Whatever you’re doing, you do it to the max. Make time for yourself and your family. Try not to stress too much about your work, because with you, it’s a given you’re going to do a great job. Know that, and give yourself permission to kick back a little more and enjoy whatever pleases you. All the best, Dave R.