Full Breakdown
Steve Tasker Named Buffalo Bills Radio Sideline Reporter for 2026 Season
5/18/2026, 5:01:57 AM
Tasker Takes Over Sideline Reporting Role
Steve Tasker, a seven-time Pro Bowl special-teams star for the Buffalo Bills, will serve as the sideline reporter for the team’s radio broadcasts beginning with the 2026 season, replacing Sal Capaccio, who held the position for 12 years.
Broadcast Changes and Personnel
The Bills will move their flagship station from WGR 550 to FM 97 Rock (WGRF-FM), re-establishing a partnership with Cumulus Media and taking full control of radio production. Chris Brown returns as play-by-play announcer, Eric Wood continues as color analyst, and Tasker joins a booth that already includes former center Wood and veteran play-by-play voice Brown. WSKO The Score 1260 will serve as the Syracuse affiliate.
Timeline
On May 15, 2026, Sal Capaccio announced his departure on Twitter. The same day, the Bills confirmed Tasker’s appointment and the FM flagship move. In 2025, the booth earned a top-league ranking; the 2026 season will open Highmark Stadium, a $1.4 billion venue.
Data & Statistics
Capaccio’s 12-year sideline tenure ends. Brown has called games since 2022, succeeding John Murphy. Wood is in his seventh season as analyst. Tasker played from 1985-1997 and broadcast from 1998-2018. Highmark Stadium cost $1.4 billion. Brown enters his fourth season as play-by-play voice; Wood is in his seventh as analyst.
Impact and Significance
The FM shift and team-run production give the Bills direct control over pre-game and post-game coverage. Tasker’s on-field experience adds a former player’s perspective to the broadcast. The changes coincide with the Bills’ inaugural season at the new $1.4 billion Highmark Stadium.
Official Statements & Responses
The Bills announced Tasker’s appointment and the FM flagship move. Capaccio thanked the Bills and affirmed his ongoing game-day presence on WGR. The team noted internal production will allow more pre- and post-game flexibility.
Criticism & Opposition
Capaccio’s tweet showed disappointment at losing the sideline role after a dozen seasons, though he pledged to stay involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m excited to keep doing what I love and where I love doing it — covering the Buffalo Bills every day on WGR,” — Sal Capaccio, former sideline reporter (Twitter, May 15 2026)
- “I was honored and excited to be asked to join the broadcast team as the sideline reporter,” — Steve Tasker, former Bills special-teams star (prepared statement, May 2026)
- “ The Bills also announced a new flagship partnership with Cumulus Media, moving their broadcasts from WGR 550 to 97 Rock WGRF-FM for the 2026 season.” — Awful Announcing article (May 2026)
What’s Next
The first FM-based game broadcast is slated for early September 2026, and the Bills will host their inaugural season at Highmark Stadium later that year. More affiliates will be announced during the season.
