While many predicted the Chicago Tribune’s WGN Sports’ newest side project wouldn’t last, it still seems like a quick trigger that has been pulled. Nonetheless, The Game 87.7 FM, WGN’s all-sports radio station, has officially been terminated. Broadcasting will cease completely at the end of the calendar year.

The Game 87.7 Doomed from the Start

Chemistry and common sense were an issue from the start. It seemed like Jimmy deCastro, who, to be fair, has a great track record, launched the station before actually sorting out programming.

While he got some medium sized names in Chicago media to hop aboard (David Kaplan, David Haugh, Harry Teinowitz), the station never took off. Personally, I think a lack of notable names, and mixing talent that just didn’t mix caused many issues for the station. It gave Chicago listeners little reason to jump ship from 670 The Score and ESPN 1000 to go to The Game 87.7 FM.

The station’s lack of success wasn’t just bad, it was historically bad. Per Robert Feder:

In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, The Game 87.7 tied for 38th place overall with a 0.5 percent audience share and cumulative weekly audience of 218, 600.

It’s unsure of where many will go from here. There are some good people that are getting the shaft due to this, but business is business.

Brandmeier and Meier Also Out

Garry Meier and Jonathon Brandmeier have also had their contracts terminated by Tribune Media, effective immediately. The love affair between Chicago and Johnny B seems to have ceased permanently.

Many believe that one of the biggest flaws of The Game 87.7 FM was to have Brandmeier, who was not known for being a sports talk host, lead the way with The Game’s morning show.

Brandmeier was clearly brought in for his name and his following, but lightning never struck.

Kap and Haugh Not Finished?

David Kaplan and David Haugh apparently plan to continue with the television simulcast of their soon to be former radio show. Their television show should continue airing on Comcast SportsNet Chicago into 2015.

While many believed that a third sports talk station would benefit Chicago, and perhaps have the competition improve the other two Chicago sports talk radio mainstays, it wasn’t meant to be. Game over indeed, Mr. Feder. Game over indeed.