Steve Mears on Blue Jackets' Simulcast: "I've Experienced Both Sides"

Steve Mears, now calling play-by-play for the Columbus Blue Jackets, understands the situation Bob McElligott faced when his contract wasn't renewed. Mears himself went through a similar professional upheaval in 2009.

At 29, Mears lost his radio job with the New York Islanders. Now, 17 years later, he's on the other side of such decisions.

“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' move to a TV/radio simulcast this offseason stems from a business decision, influenced partly by the loss of their TV deal with FanDuel. The financial landscape has shifted, impacting how broadcasts are managed.

Mears rebuilt his career after that difficult period, becoming a prominent voice in hockey. His experience now spans both national TV and radio. He joined the Blue Jackets in July 2024, turning a past setback into a significant opportunity.

“With a lot of setbacks in life, they end up being blessings in disguise,” Mears commented. His current focus is on providing the Blue Jackets' broadcast across both television and radio, a prospect he finds exciting, though he acknowledges the need for adjustments.

Adjustments and Enthusiasm

Mears and Jody Shelley are tasked with delivering the game to both TV and radio audiences, recognizing that settling into their new roles will require time.

Both broadcasters 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 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 are expected, Mears expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, particularly with the NHL's involvement in the production. Crucially, he highlighted that the broadcast will be a Blue Jackets production.

“I’ve seen some of the samples of the graphics … looks very sharp. Sounds really sharp,” Mears noted. “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 anticipates the evolution of the simulcast, expressing deep appreciation for the chance to be 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.”