Columbus Blue Jackets shift from dedicated radio to TV simulcast for broadcasts

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 4:08 AM

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Columbus Blue Jackets shift from dedicated radio to TV simulcast for broadcasts
Summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets will no longer have a dedicated radio play-by-play voice for the upcoming season, replacing it with a television simulcast. The team announced that Bob McElligott's tenure, which lasted 17 seasons, has ended, aligning with a trend among several NHL franchises. This decision has prompted negative reactions from radio fans, who value the unique coverage provided by dedicated radio broadcasts. With 15 percent of NHL teams adopting this model, the move raises questions about the future of radio partnerships in the sport as costs continue to be scrutinized.

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Latest Updates
  • Bob McElligott no longer serves as the radio voice for the Blue Jackets.
  • The Blue Jackets join four other NHL teams in using a TV simulcast.
  • Fans express disdain on social media regarding the decision.
  • The transition may impact the value of radio partnerships across the NHL.
  • Fifteen percent of NHL teams will now use television broadcasts for radio coverage.
Latest Updates
  • 4:08 AMYahoo SportsIf NHL Teams Don’t Value Radio, Then Why Should Radio Value the NHL?
What they're saying
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"Teams are absolutely entitled to control expenses. No one should fault them for searching for operational efficiencies. But partnerships work both ways. If one side continues reducing its investment, the other side eventually reevaluates its own. That's just smart business." The post If NHL Teams Don’t Value Radio, Then Why Should Radio Value the NHL? appeared first on Barrett Media.

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