New York City, December 3, 2025
Craig Carton is rejoining WFAN to host the afternoon drive-time slot beginning January 2026. This marks his third stint at the station, part of a lineup revamp aimed at increasing listener engagement and ratings in New York’s competitive sports radio market. Current afternoon hosts Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber will shift to the midday slot, highlighting WFAN’s strategy to adapt to audience preferences. Carton’s return is expected to bring renewed interest to the station.
New York City – Craig Carton is set to return to WFAN’s afternoon drive-time slot starting in January 2026, marking his third tenure at the station. This move is part of a significant lineup revamp aimed at revitalizing the station’s programming. The return of Carton highlights not only his personal journey but also the influence of established personalities in the media landscape of New York, where listener engagement is paramount for success.
As part of the restructuring, current afternoon hosts Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber will transition to the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. midday slot. This decision, alongside the anticipated discontinuation of the existing midday show featuring Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, reflects WFAN’s strategic focus on boosting ratings and reclaiming its competitive position within the crowded New York sports radio market.
Craig Carton, a New Rochelle native, first joined WFAN in 2007 as Boomer Esiason’s morning co-host. Following a stint away from the station due to legal issues, including an arrest and subsequent incarceration, he made a strong comeback in 2020. Despite a recent venture into national television that ended in 2025, his return to WFAN is seen as a strategic decision to attract both current and new listeners while enhancing advertising opportunities.
### Lineup Changes and Co-Hosting Plans
The restructuring at WFAN marks a deliberate effort to adapt to the dynamic preferences of New York’s sports radio audience. By moving Carton back to the afternoon slot, the station aims to leverage his dynamic broadcasting style to reinvigorate listener engagement. Notably, overnight host Chris McMonigle is considered a leading candidate to co-host alongside Carton during the afternoon hours, further emphasizing the importance of established on-air talent in attracting and retaining a loyal audience.
### Implications for WFAN’s Programming
WFAN’s strategy to rejuvenate its lineup is not just about reshuffling existing talent; it reflects a broader trend towards optimizing programming that resonates with listeners. By reinstating a familiar presence like Carton, the station hopes to create a robust platform for discussion, commentary, and analysis that speaks to the passionate New York sports community. This revitalization effort showcases how local radio stations can adapt and innovate in response to changing audience preferences, fostering a vibrant media ecosystem that benefits local businesses and advertisers alike.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest development regarding Craig Carton and WFAN?
Craig Carton is set to return to WFAN’s afternoon drive-time slot starting in January 2026, marking his third tenure at the station.
What changes are being made to WFAN’s lineup?
As part of the lineup revamp, current afternoon hosts Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber will transition to the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. midday slot. The existing midday show, hosted by Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, is expected to be discontinued.
Who is considered to co-host with Craig Carton in the afternoons?
Overnight host Chris McMonigle is considered the leading candidate to co-host with Carton in the afternoons.
What is the background of Craig Carton’s career?
Carton first joined WFAN in 2007 as Boomer Esiason’s morning co-host. After a hiatus due to legal issues, he returned to WFAN in 2020 to co-host the afternoon show with Evan Roberts. In 2023, he left WFAN for a national television role with FS1, but the show was canceled in the summer of 2025.
What are the implications of this move for WFAN?
Bringing Carton back to the afternoon slot is part of WFAN’s strategy to rejuvenate its lineup, aiming to leverage his established audience and dynamic broadcasting style to enhance listener engagement and attract advertisers.
### Key Features of the Lineup Revamp
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Afternoon Drive-Time Slot | Craig Carton returns to host the 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. slot starting January 2026. |
| Midday Slot | Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber transition to the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot. |
| Midday Show Cancellation | The existing midday show with Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata is expected to be discontinued. |
| Co-Host for Carton | Overnight host Chris McMonigle is considered the leading candidate to co-host with Carton in the afternoons. |
| Strategic Objective | The revamp aims to boost ratings and reassert WFAN’s presence in the competitive New York media landscape. |
Now Happening on X
- @I Love Florida.. (December 2, 2025): Craig Carton is finalizing a deal to take over the afternoon drive-time slot on WFAN, according to sources. View on X
- @Jacob Kohner (December 2, 2025): Sources indicate Craig Carton is finalizing a deal to host WFAN’s afternoon drive-time slot. View on X
- @Wayne Clarke (December 2, 2025): Craig Carton is finalizing a deal to take over the afternoon drive-time slot on WFAN, per sources. View on X
- @AndrewMarchand (December 2, 2025): Full story on Craig Carton finalizing a deal to take over the afternoon drive-time slot on WFAN, according to sources. View on X
- @Tom Benson (December 3, 2025): Media Confidential reports Craig Carton returning to WFAN for a third time in NYC radio. View on X
- @RadioInsight.com (December 2, 2025): Report details Craig Carton’s return to afternoons at WFAN as part of a lineup revamp. View on X
- @NY Daily News Sports (December 2, 2025): WFAN is bringing back Craig Carton to host the afternoon drive show, marking his third stint, according to The Athletic. View on X
- @Big Blue United (December 2, 2025): Major shake-up at WFAN: Tiki and Evan moving to midday, Craig Carton returning for afternoons with Chris McMonigle as co-host candidate, and Sal & Tierney expected to be cut. View on X
- @Tom Benson (December 2, 2025): Media Confidential covers Craig Carton’s return to WFAN for the third time in NYC radio. View on X
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