WIP picks up Josh Innes’ contract

Chip Kelly may be out, but Josh Innes is staying in Philadelphia.

Sportsradio 94.1 WIP has agreed to pick up an option on the afternoon host's contract that will keep him behind the microphone in Philadelphia for the next year.

"The Josh Innes Show lives on," Innes tweeted out Tuesday night. "Thanks, everyone."

Since taking over the afternoon slot on WIP back in February, Innes has been a ratings hit, despite replacing original co-host Tony Bruno with former Eagle Hollis Thomas and Spike Eskin, who also serves as the station's program director.

Innes has beaten his chief competitor, 97.5 The Fanatic's Mike Missanelli, every month except December in the key men 25-54 demographic, and placed number one overall in both the Spring and Fall Ratings Book, quarterly measurements of a show's popularity that usually determines a host's bonus.

Many had speculated that Innes' tenure at WIP might be threatened with the departure of former operations manager Andy Bloom, who became victim of cutbacks at CBS Radio. But David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager for CBS Philly, says he's committed to Innes.

"Josh is part of the fabric of the station," Yadgaroff said. "He's one of the most compelling hosts we have on the radio, and no matter who we've paired him with in the afternoon, his ratings have been fantastic."

Innes was brought on board by WIP in January 2014 to take over the 6-10 p.m. slot vacated by Rob Ellis. Innes, who has previously hosted the afternoon drive spot at CBS station KILT in Houston, moved to WIP's afternoon spot back in February.