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

If there is anyone who can relate to what Bob McElligott went through when the Columbus Blue Jackets elected to not renew his contract, it’s current play-by-play voice Steve Mears. He went through a similar situation in 2009.

Mears, then with the New York Islanders, lost his radio job. But now 17 years later, he’s on the other side of things.

“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.”

The Blue Jackets made a business decision this offseason to switch to a TV/radio simulcast. With a handful of teams already using this method, this was one of the effects of losing the TV deal with FanDuel. The money that was there under the deal is no longer there now.

Mears was able to work his way back from that devastating moment to become one of the most recognizable voices in hockey. His experiences since include both TV and radio on a national scale. He turned a dark moment into something great. He joined the Blue Jackets in July 2024.

“With a lot of setbacks in life, they end up being blessings in disguise,” Mears said. Now his focus is on being the voice of the Blue Jackets on both TV and radio. He is very excited about what’s to come. But with that said, there will be some adjustments to make along the way.

Adjustments & Excitement

Mears along with Jody Shelley will be trying their best to deliver the game to both audiences. They know there is some work ahead as they get adjusted to their new surroundings.

Both Mears and Shelley can 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 said. “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.”

Although there will be a lot of adjustments and tweaks as the season goes on, Mears is very excited about what is to come thanks to the NHL being involved with the production. But perhaps most 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 cannot wait to see where everything goes with the simulcast. But through it all, he is super appreciative for the chance to be the voice of the Blue Jackets 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.”