Could Gregg Giannotti be one and done as his first WFAN contract is set to expire?
According to a report from Andrew Marchand of The New York Post, Giannotti has checked in with SiriusXM and ESPN Radio while continuing talks with Entercom about a new contract at WFAN.
It is interesting that reports of Gio checking in with ESPN Radio come at a time when Stephen A. Smith is leaving his midday show and Trey Wingo may not be long for their morning show. Both of those national changes could free up the chance for ESPN New York to increase their local content.
Giannotti has referred to his WFAN morning show gig as his “dream job,” so it’s unlikely he has any desire to leave. And with major changes already pending at FAN, it’s unlikely Entercom would let Gio walk. Still, according to Marchand, Entercom has balked at offering the Boomer and Gio co-host a guaranteed contract.
Giannotti took on the difficult task of replacing Craig Carton at the start of 2018. In a letter to the judge prior to Carton’s sentencing, WFAN program director Mark Chernoff acknowledged he would “welcome the opportunity to discuss” a potential return for the former morning radio star. Carton, however remains incarcerated and likely will be for the next couple of years, even if granted an early release.
Giannotti’s addition to WFAN’s morning show has been well-received. Boomer & Gio finished first in the market in morning drive with men 25-54 for the spring book and continued to hold the title of ‘number 1’ through the first month of the fall ratings period.
After Mike Francesa officially announced he was leaving his afternoon drive post at WFAN by the end of this year, the station’s schedule is already in limbo. 1 – 3pm co-host Bart Scott remains unsigned beyond this year, while longtime 10am – 1pm co-host Evan Roberts has been rumored as a possible candidate to help fill Francesa’s void.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here
