WFAN has found their man. After going thru months of conversations with the best programmers in the country, Chris Oliviero and Audacy New York have chosen Spike Eskin to follow Mark Chernoff, and take the reigns at The Fan in New York City.
Eskin moves to the big apple after serving as Brand Manager of SportsRadio 94WIP since 2014. He brings with him over 23 years of experience. Along the way he’s worked in both on-air and programming roles including working as a host for WIP, and spending two tours at 94WYSP – the rock station which previously aired on WIP’s current frequency. He has also worked with Philadelphia talk station KYW Newsradio, Q101 in Chicago, and hosts the popular Sixers-centric podcast The Rights To Ricky Sanchez.
The move to New York gives Eskin direct oversight of both WFAN and CBS Sports Radio, including their full portfolios of broadcast, digital and live experience assets. His tenure in New York will begin on July 1st, the day after Mark Chernoff wraps up an incredible career guiding the nation’s most recognized sports radio brand.
“Spike has the vision, creativity, and drive to craft the next chapter of the iconic and influential WFAN brand,” said Chris Oliviero, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy New York. “Along with CBS Sports Radio, his experience will be ideal to fuel our sports production powerhouse of 48 hours a day of original audio, 12 hours of quality television, all alongside a vibrant digital and social experience for both New York and the nation. As a long-time colleague of Spike, I am excited that he has joined our all-star team and have no doubt that he will succeed.”
“I’m humbled and excited for the opportunity to help lead WFAN into its next chapter,” said Eskin. “It’s an iconic station with incredible talent, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m grateful to Chris Oliviero and Audacy for the opportunity. Working at 94WIP over the last decade has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’m grateful to David Yadgaroff for his belief in me and the staff who stepped up to every challenge.”
In an internal memo, Audacy Executive Vice President of Programming Jeff Sottolano added that under Eskin’s leadership, WIP has widened the gap against Philadelphia sports radio competitor 97.5 The Fanatic, becoming a dominant performer with Adults 25-54. Sottlano also paid respect to Chernoff for his leadership, support, and important contributions to making WFAN arguably the format’s most recognized sports radio brand over the past three decades. The soon to be New York State Broadcasting Hall of Famer and long time programming czar is expected to provide consulting support for Eskin and WFAN after stepping away from day to day affairs.
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Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
