Blue Jackets Merge TV and Radio Broadcasts

Blue Jackets’ radio broadcasts will sound different going forward.

On Wednesday, the team announced it will use the television broadcast audio feed for radio broadcasts, with Columbus not renewing the contract of 17-year radio play-by-play broadcaster Bob McElligott. 

“Bob’s voice was at the heart of many of our club’s unforgettable moments and helped shape memories that will live on for years to come,” Blue Jackets VP of business intelligence & broadcasting Marc Gregory said in a statement. “We sincerely thank him and wish him nothing but success moving forward.”

McElligott released a statement on his social media accounts, sharing his gratitude for his time in Columbus and saying he is unsure what is next for him. 

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the McConnell family and the Blue Jackets organization for the privilege of calling games for the past 17 years,” he wrote.

TV play-by-play voice Steve Mears and color analyst Jody Shelley will remain in their roles, along with Dylan Tyrer, who has been the team’s radio host for the last seven years. The trio will now be the voices of the Blue Jackets on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, with their calls of each game being simulcast on both TV and radio. 

The Blue Jackets’ decision to simulcast broadcasts across television and radio platforms drew lots of criticism on social media. Hockey is a fast-paced sport, with radio announcers having to constantly communicate what players are on the ice, who has the puck, and what’s going on. That is not the case on television with viewers able to see the action, leaving fans concerned about how the TV broadcast will translate to the radio. 

Meanwhile, it remains unclear where Columbus’s games will air on television. The team had been with Main Street Sports Group before the RSN ceased operations, with Blue Jackets games being broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio during the 2025–26 season. The NHL previously announced it will produce and distribute the team’s games for the coming season, but has not said what platform the broadcasts will be on.

The NHL and Blue Jackets did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

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