Local radio host Mark Neal leaving afternoon sports talk show

Mark Neal has left WING-AM 1410 after hosting Dayton Sports Scene for 15 years.

Neal said he and wife have decided to take different career directions, which will take him away from the radio station he’s worked at for 18 years.

“When you get married, it’s a team effort,” Neal said. “And you have to do what’s best for the team.”

Neal had the longest-running sports talk show in Dayton. Dayton Sports Scene started 15 years ago with Neal as host, running half an hour twice a week. The eight years, the show was on 4-6 p.m. every weekday during drive time.

“When I first started, sports talk radio, 24/7 was new,” Neal said. “When I started working at the station in 2000  we were a CNN affiliate and we ran block programming in the afternoon. It’s really evolved.

Getting to do drive time, in my own home town, and being someone people got to know - this will always have a special place in my heart.”

Neal said he hopes WING-AM continues Dayton Sports Scene. Justin Kinner has hosted the show since Neal announced his departure.

“I’m hoping (the show) continues forever,” Neal said. “This is a great sports town.”

About the Author