Craig Carton Nears Agreement to Lead WFAN Afternoon Drive-Time Slot
Craig Carton is on the verge of finalizing a deal to take over the afternoon drive-time slot on WFAN starting next year, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. This shift will mark Carton’s third tenure at WFAN and his second time heading the afternoon program.
Currently, the afternoon drive show featuring Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber occupies this key time slot. Following the change, their program will move to the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. midday segment. Meanwhile, the existing midday show hosted by Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata is expected to be removed from the schedule.
WFAN overnight host Chris McMonigle is reportedly favored to join Carton as his new co-host. Despite attempts to confirm, WFAN declined to comment on the lineup changes. Carton’s reputation for strong ratings and his outspoken on-air personality have made him a valuable asset in an intensely competitive radio market.
Carton will continue producing his mid-morning podcast with Fox’s Red Seat Ventures alongside his new WFAN responsibilities. The move benefits from Carton’s long-standing relationship with Audacy New York president Chris Oliviero. Oliviero has played a pivotal role in all three of Carton’s hiring events at WFAN.
Key adjustments to WFAN’s lineup effective in January will include:
- Morning drive: Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti
- Mid-morning show: Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
- Afternoon drive: Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle
The morning program “Boomer & Gio” continues to be the station’s flagship show since Mike Francesa’s retirement. Carton, approaching 57 in January, has had a career marked by both success and controversy, including a highly publicized fraud conviction in 2017.
After serving time, Carton was rehired by WFAN, re-establishing his presence in New York radio. His brief national TV stint with FS1 ended in disappointing ratings and eventual dismissal amid broader network changes this past summer.
Given these developments, Carton’s return to the afternoon drive slot signals WFAN’s confidence in his ability to draw listeners and maintain its competitive edge in the evolving sports radio landscape.
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