The rumors are now reality. Entercom issued a press release on Wednesday afternoon confirming that Joe Benigno will indeed retire from his role as afternoon host at WFAN.
“It seems like these 26 years have gone by in 10 minutes,” Benigno said in the announcement. “Where has it all gone? It’s been a stellar ride.”
Benigno first came on the radar at WFAN in 1995, when he won the Fan Appreciation Day contest. From there he attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and brokered time on a small New Jersey station to hone his skills. He was eventually moved into a full-time role as WFAN’s overnight host. He was shifted to mid days in 2003, where he remained until 2019, when he and Evan Roberts were moved into afternoon drive.
“Joe Benigno is the quintessential New York sports fan, broadcasting his trademark straight-from-the-heart perspective on the city’s sports scene every day for nearly three decades,” Entercom New York’s Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Chris Olivero said. “Though Joe first came to prominence as ‘Joe from Saddle River,’ he departs as one of the most successful and enduring hosts in the long and iconic history of WFAN. It is comforting to know that he remains a part of the FAN family and will still be keeping a close eye on his beloved Jets, Mets, Knicks and Rangers.”
According to the press release, Benigno will not be entirely absent from WFAN. He will “be heard on the station in select roles beginning in 2021”.
