Steve Mears on the Blue Jackets’ TV-Radio Simulcast: “I’ve Seen Both Sides of It”

Steve Mears understands the situation Bob McElligott faced when the Columbus Blue Jackets didn't renew his contract. Mears experienced something similar in 2009, losing his radio job with the New York Islanders. Now, 17 years later, he's on the other side.

“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.”

This offseason, the Blue Jackets decided on a TV/radio simulcast. This shift, influenced by the loss of their TV deal with FanDuel, is a trend seen with other teams. The financial backing from that former deal is no longer available.

Mears rebuilt his career after that difficult time, becoming a well-known voice in hockey. His experience now includes national TV and radio work. He turned a setback into success and joined the Blue Jackets in July 2024.

“With a lot of setbacks in life, they end up being blessings in disguise,” Mears noted. His current focus is on being the voice of the Blue Jackets across both TV and radio. He's enthusiastic about the future, though he acknowledges there will be adjustments.

Adjustments & Excitement

Mears and Jody Shelley aim to deliver the game effectively to both television and radio audiences. They recognize the need for adjustment in their new setup.

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

“You cannot just snap your fingers and let there be a perfect broadcast or simulcast,” Mears stated. “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.”

While adjustments and refinements will occur throughout the season, Mears is excited about the upcoming broadcasts, partly due to the NHL's involvement in production. Crucially for him, the entire production will be a Blue Jackets effort.

“I’ve seen some of the samples of the graphics … looks very sharp. Sounds really sharp,” Mears commented. “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 is eager to see how the simulcast develops. He expresses deep appreciation for the opportunity to be the voice of the Blue Jackets 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.”

English Translation:

Steve Mears, the current play-by-play announcer for the Columbus Blue Jackets, can relate to the experience of Bob McElligott, whose contract was not renewed. Mears went through a similar situation in 2009 when he lost his radio position with the New York Islanders.

“It hit home. It really hit home,” Mears stated. “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' decision this offseason to move to a TV/radio simulcast is an effect of losing their TV deal with FanDuel, meaning the previous financial support is no longer available. This practice is already used by several other teams.

Mears managed to recover from that difficult period and become one of hockey's most recognizable voices. His subsequent career has included national TV and radio work. He transformed a discouraging moment into a significant achievement. He joined the Blue Jackets in July 2024.

“With a lot of setbacks in life, they end up being blessings in disguise,” Mears commented. He is now focused on his role as the voice of the Blue Jackets on both TV and radio and is very excited about what lies ahead, while acknowledging that adjustments will be necessary.

Adjustments & Excitement

Mears, alongside Jody Shelley, will strive to deliver the game effectively to both television and radio audiences. They are aware that there is work to be done as they adapt to their new environment.

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

“You cannot just snap your fingers and let there be a perfect broadcast or simulcast,” Mears explained. “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.”

Despite the many adjustments and refinements expected as the season progresses, Mears is highly enthusiastic about the upcoming broadcasts, partly due to the NHL's involvement in the production. More importantly to him, it will be an entirely Blue Jackets production.

“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 is eager to see the evolution of the simulcast. He expressed immense gratitude for the chance to serve as the voice of the Blue Jackets on both TV 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.”