Mike Silva Makes the Big Leagues

When someone works incredibly hard at the passion and does everything they possibly can to make it a career, there is no doubt that at some point in his or her life, that person will be rewarded.

This was exactly the case with New York sports radio host Mike Silva. Silva spent many years working at different independent sports radio outlets until last week when he announced that he would be joining Long Island's Champions Radio (96.9 FM and 107.1 FM in Suffolk County), an ESPN affiliate, as the host of "The Weekend Watch. Silva's show will be on Saturday's and Sunday's from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Silva was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to tell us about his new gig, what he wants his show to be as well as what he thinks about the sports radio industry as a whole.

PH: How did this whole gig with Champions Radio come about?
MS: I received an e-mail from Rich Anderson, their owner, in early June. They found me while during some Google research for local radio talent on Long Island. We discussed the Champions Radio concept, what my show would look like and the parameters of a deal were formed. I basically have the autonomy to bring my “Watchdog” show to their medium.

PH: What kind of show will you be looking to deliver on the network? How do you plan on accomplishing that?
MS: My show is a New York sports themed show with a modern twist. I will be involved with social media interaction (Twitter, Facebook), and have members of the media as well as current and former athletes as guests on the show. Most shows have that but adding independent media and blogs is where I diverge from other mainstream outlets. I like to call it the New York sports version of a variety show. You don’t know what you will get, but it will be interesting. Unlike other talk show hosts, I pride myself on being accessible and interacting with the listeners. You don’t have to call in to be heard as I will be surfing the web the entire show.

PH: The fact that this new network is a part of the ESPN brand, what does that mean for you? How will being a part of ESPN's radio network help you grow?
MS: For all the criticism ESPN takes (rightfully so at times), they are still the worldwide leader in sports. Having the relationship with the Knicks, Jets and Rangers adds credibility, and it will open up doors with all types of guests that probably would not partake in my brand when it was independent.

PH: It appears that the sports radio industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Why do you think that is?
MS: That depends on how you look at it. Sports media is growing by leaps and bounds, but I am not sure radio is keeping up with alternative methods of media consumption. I pride myself on being informed, interesting and approachable. I embrace new ideas and alternative media outlets. Just because someone does not have a big name does not mean they can't add value to the program. I want listeners to walk away respecting my opinion even if they don’t necessarily agree with it. I want them to learn something, and feel like their time was well spent. Remember, it’s a privilege for someone to invest time and listen to your product. You can’t ever get time back so it must be respected.

PH: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers at Beyond the Back Page?
MS: Check out championsradio.com where you can listen to my show and all the other members of the Champions Radio family. If you are in Suffolk County, Long Island you can listen on 96.9 or 107.1 depending on your location. You can also catch up with me at my personal website mikesilvamedia.com.