Craig Carton is set to make a dramatic return to WFAN’s afternoon lineup — a move that’s already stirring debate across the sports radio world. According to a new report from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Carton will rejoin the daily programming schedule at Audacy Sports 660 WFAN/101.9 FM New York starting January, as part of a major overhaul of the station’s on-air lineup.
This comeback follows a winding journey for Carton, both personally and professionally. Since stepping away from his WFAN afternoon slot in June 2023, he’s been the host of the Saturday morning program Hello My Name Is Craig, a show focused on gambling addiction and recovery — a cause that reflects his own real-life struggles. Before that move, Carton had left WFAN to pursue a television opportunity on FS1’s morning show, which ended after a short stint.
Carton’s relationship with WFAN is anything but simple. He first joined the station back in 2007, co-hosting the morning show with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason. Their chemistry helped the duo dominate New York’s sports talk scene — until 2017, when Carton resigned after being arrested by the FBI on charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. He eventually served one year of a 36–42 month federal prison sentence. In 2020, Carton made an unexpected and highly publicized return to WFAN, reuniting with listeners in the afternoon slot alongside Evan Roberts.
Now, Marchand reports, Roberts and current co-host Tiki Barber will shift to the midday block, replacing Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. As for Carton, he’ll return to afternoons—but with a twist. He’s expected to be paired with a new co-host, and according to Marchand, overnight host Chris McMonigle is the leading contender for that role. Meanwhile, WFAN still needs to fill its nighttime slot, left vacant after Keith McPherson’s recent exit.
This lineup shuffle marks one of the biggest programming changes WFAN has seen in years, signaling that Audacy aims to recapture the station’s signature spark during key hours. Some fans see Carton’s return as redemption and a ratings boost in the making. Others question whether his reappearance risks overshadowing the new generation of voices building their own following.
Lance Venta, founder and publisher of RadioInsight.com — who has been chronicling radio industry developments since the mid-1990s — highlighted the shake-up as another fascinating chapter in the ever-evolving New York sports radio landscape.
Here’s what’s dividing listeners right now: Should WFAN bet big on a familiar face like Carton, or should it continue cultivating new voices for the next era of sports talk? Is this comeback a deserved second chance — or a step backward for the station? Share your thoughts below — this debate isn’t ending anytime soon.
