Sports media mailbag: Steve Somers is the one WFAN legend who isn’t going anywhere

You ask, we answer. The Post is fielding questions from readers about New York’s biggest pro sports teams and getting our beat writers to answer them in a series of regularly published mailbags. In today’s installment: sports media.

Did Steve Somers turn down a buyout? — @Justlucky32181

Steve Somers was not presented with a buyout by WFAN’s parent company, Entercom, nor is he going anywhere, according to sources. Somers, 73, will be schmoozing for the foreseeable future because unlike, say, Joe Benigno, for instance, who is constantly talking about moving down to Florida, Somers wants to keep on keeping on.

Starting this week, WFAN put John Jastremski (7-11 p.m.) in an earlier time slot, while moving Somers (11 p.m.-3 a.m.) for this month. When games return potentially, the two could switch back.

One day, Somers could see a reduced work week, but that isn’t happening right now. Somers has been on WFAN for 33 years and he has thought about retirement, but he is not going anywhere right now.

What have you heard about the roles of announcers if leagues move forward with single-site plans? — @McNuttMonica

At the moment, this would apply to the NBA and the NHL, as MLB appears set on having games at home stadiums. For the NBA, if regional sports networks do games, then it is expected their announcers will be in a studio.

For ESPN and Turner, this also could be the case, but I have heard some recent talk that it is possible there could be a limited amount of national play-by-players/analysts in Orlando.

I do think that for ESPN and Turner, they could have sideline reporters on site. I think the NHL could have a similar setup as the NBA with its two-venue setup.

For MLB, the home team broadcasters could potentially be on site, while the away announcers would not travel and be in studio.

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Quick question regarding what you are hearing about “PTI.” Right now, it seems like they are placing random 15 minute or so versions of the show within a “SportsCenter.” Seems like an easier show to produce remotely as one of them are usually remote anyhow. And there is enough content to debate now as well. — David Fischer

What ESPN has done is expand “SportsCenter” to two hours from 5-7 p.m. to better use its resources as it rearranges its staff because of the limitations caused by the pandemic.

“PTI” is basically a stand-alone show from 5:30-6 within “SportsCenter.” It also gives ESPN the option to go back to Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon for segments, which, in theory, keeps viewers.

So there is still around 30 minutes of Kornheiser-Wilbon, but just a bit more spread out. The other shows (“Around The Horn,” “Highly Questionable” and “Jalen & Jacoby”) have been reduced to 20 minutes in the pre-5 p.m. programming.

Do you feel like there is going to be a delay in the broadcasts? I feel like the mics are going to pick up most of everything said on the field. I’ve heard some colorful language over the years. — Paul Reeves

Yes. The NBA, with the action so close and no fans, will likely have to have a delay because you will pick up everything. What I do think could become a thing is some great audio of trash talk, etc. being played back. That could be a lot of fun.

Will ESPN put “The Michael Kay Show” nationally in the afternoon to replace “The Will Cain Show?” Kay has a national following and his show does talk about national sports issues. — @Amber_DFWGirl

This is an interesting idea, but I would doubt it would happen. The Kay Show is mostly local and, while you could try to do a New York-focused show, it likely wouldn’t work too well nationally.

If the Kay Show changed its approach and went more national, that would likely not work out either as it would hurt it in New York. So, it is a good thought, but I doubt it.

Where will Dan Fouts end up on TV this coming year? Will it be NFL or college coverage? If college, Pac-12 Network? — Chas Glazer

I think the Pac-12 would make the most sense as it is where his roots are in college (He played at Oregon). That said, the network is struggling and I’m not sure if they are looking to add. Plus, it is unclear if the Pac-12 will play. If they do, it would be a natural fit. I’d be surprised if Fouts was doing NFL games.