Michael Holley is talk of Boston sports airwaves

Michael Holley’s star power continues to get brighter in Boston.

On Tuesday, the Akron native and former Beacon Journal sports writer was named the co-host of sports talk radio station WEEI’s afternoon drive-time show, after a successful 6-year run as a co-host on WEEI’s mid-day show.

The move is seen as an attempt by WEEI (850-AM) to turn around its lagging afternoon ratings. Long the rating leader in sports-crazed Boston, WEEI’s ratings have slipped of late behind an upstart FM sports talk station, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

“I thought it was a brilliant move. I think Michael is one of the most talented people I've ever worked with,” said Dale Arnold, Holley’s mid-day partner and a 20-year veteran of the station.

Boston Globe sports media columnist Chadd Finn wrote: “Holley, a former Globe columnist, a best-selling author, and the host of Comcast SportsNet New England’s “Celtics Now,’’ is the big winner in the move. His contract with WEEI ran out in March; now he not only has a higher-profile role, but a new multiyear deal as well. (Terms were not disclosed by WEEI, but a raise is a certainty in a move from midday to afternoon drive.)”

Holley starts his new job on Feb. 28.

Click on the headline to read the Globe article.