Dave "Buzz" Baker is a voice many of us grew up with. From his time at WKYT to his time calling games for Kentucky across all sports. Buzz has been with WKYT for 40 years and if you grew up in the 90s you remember him and Rob Bromley calling tape delayed games after the local news went off.
Bromley retired back in 2017, but Buzz has been going strong doing the UKSN pregame show, currently in his 37th year of the season. That will come to an end after this season, though, and it sounds like it wasn't his choice.
“A few weeks ago, I found out from JMI that I won’t be a part of the program moving forward,” Baker told WKYT. “As the rights holder of the UK Sports Network, they can contractually do that. I do want you to know, though, this wasn’t my decision, and even though I’m a little older than when I started, there’s no issue with my health.”
Dave Baker will continue working with WKYT, but BBN isn't thrilled
While Baker will no longer be on your radio before Kentucky games, he will continue on his role with WKYT giving highlights and interviews. That was little solace to BBN though who were not happy to see Buzz go.
JMI: “Now fire Buzz Baker.” pic.twitter.com/730oxvfOmJ
— Chet Lemond (@ChetLemond) March 4, 2026
If you don't get that meme, do yourself a favor and watch The Truman Show, one of the best under-the-radar movies out there. If you do get it, that's harsh. You see, Ed Harris was playing a producer who was making a "reality" show of sorts, and I won't say much more, but you probably won't like him.
Buzz Baker has been a mainstay for Kentucky basketball, really sad to see him go, thanks for everything https://t.co/naBRtguql4
— Christopher Peak (@chrispeak5280) March 4, 2026
While Saturday is his last home game, Buzz will be around for as long as Kentucky is hanging on this season.
Really, @JMISports? Buzz Baker? He goes hand in hand with UK Athletics. This decision just shows how tone deaf your organization is.
— mm (@Elk_Slayer_24) March 4, 2026
Maybe y’all should’ve kept @buzzbaker on the air until he was ready to retire on his own terms. https://t.co/PVy4CLSMnc
— Whitney Westerfield (@KyWhitney) March 5, 2026
JMI really is the boogeyman in the eyes of BBN
This news definitely doesn't help the perception that JMI is the reason to blame for Kentucky basketball's poor recruiting, though there really is no firm evidence to back that up. Perception is reality, and right now, JMI is the villain in this story.