Howard Eskin getting a co-host?

610 WIP's Howard Eskin was paired last week with Rob Ellis, his first time with a co-host since he partnered with Mike Missanelli from 1999 to 2002. Missanelli's ratings on 950 ESPN, where he hosts opposite Eskin's afternoon drive show, have surpassed Eskin in the coveted radio demographic of men 25-54. Is the new coupling part of WIP's reaction to the ratings slip? Eskin now features more guests on his show, runs contests and even seems to be acting more polite to callers. We asked station manager Marc Rayfield if Eskin would permanently be partnered with Ellis, who also works producing "Daily News Live" on Comcast SportsNet. We didn't hear back.

UPDATE: Rayfield just e-mailed to say that Eskin that since 2002 was paired briefly with Hugh Douglas and Anthony Gargano and regarding Ellis, he says "We like Rob a lot and are just trying to get him more at-bats."