Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19 in one form or another and living through a pandemic can certainly cause you to recalibrate your priorities. According to Jeremy Werner, the pandemic has caused him to leave his daily radio show on ESPN 93.5 in Champaign, Illinois.
For 10 years, Werner has worked with Stevie Jay Broadcasting and ESPN Radio 93.5, but this Friday, the 9 – 11am show will be his last. According to Werner, the decision to leave is his, and it’s based on trying to free up more time for family life. In addition to his daily radio show, Werner has a full-time writing gig with 247Sports, which is where he announced his departure from SJ Broadcasting.
Although the radio station has been impacted by the pandemic, Werner said SJ Broadcasting presented him the opportunity to stay with ESPN 93.5. But the 10-year radio host chose to continue his job with 247Sports and focus on family.
“Just please know that you shouldn’t feel sorry for me at all,” Werner wrote. “I am employed, my family is healthy and we are happy. I chose this path and I am happy and at peace with this decision. There are people going through far worse than me right now. I am fortunate to have the life that I have and am fortunate to have worked here for ten years.”
It’s undoubtedly a difficult decision for the 33-year old Werner, but with two children under the age of four, a full-time writing job and a daily radio show, something has to give. Cutting back his daily workload will allow him more flexibility and availability in his job as a husband and father.
“Most in this business get knocked off the air suddenly. I’m thankful that I get to sign off the radio my way and on my own terms,” Werner said.
