Regardless of what business you’re in, it’s inevitable that things will change. What you hope for as a professional is that when you walk out the door for the final time, you can look back and feel proud of the work you’ve done, the friendships and relationships you’ve established, and the way you helped people improve and reach heights they never dreamed possible. If you can leave a permanent mark on a city, let alone an entire format and industry, that’s even sweeter.
And that’s exactly what Mark Chernoff has done.
I never had the privilege of sharing office space or a studio with Mark, but I’ve been fortunate over the years to develop a professional relationship with him. He’s always been a champion for his people, his radio station, and the industry we’re all proud to be a part of. I’ve written before how WFAN inspired me to get into this business. The way the radio station sounded, felt, and captured the spirit, passion and imagination of New York sports radio fans is the reason why I decided to enter the business and am now able to write this column. The powerful combination of Mike & the Mad Dog and the numerous larger than life personalities that have graced WFAN’s airwaves over the years may have received most of the credit. All of them deserving of their recognition. But equally as important to the brand’s ratings and revenue success has been the PD who many in the format recognize as the best to do it, Mark Chernoff.
When I heard the news that Mark would be leaving WFAN I knew this column would have to be written. The issue, I knew it’d be incredibly long. So, if you’re not a fan of reading long stories, let this serve as your cue to exit before you get sucked in and lose 20 minutes of your day.
A man with Mark Chernoff’s accomplishments and importance to the sports format deserves to be recognized properly by the site that specializes in covering the sports radio world. Columns like this aren’t usually available in other online locations, and I take pride in our ability to use our platform to celebrate people and preserve the history that so many have helped to create in our industry. It’s the same reason why I sought Mark’s blessing two years ago to introduce the Mark Chernoff Award at our annual BSM Summit.
Countless hosts, programmers, producers, executives, clients and listeners have benefitted from Mark’s wisdom as WFAN’s program director. I could go on and on about his accomplishments, his impact on the industry, and the brand he’s turning over to Spike Eskin, but I’d rather turn this piece over to those who know Mark best. They’ve had a front row seat to watch him operate and turn WFAN into one of the most important brands in all of media. So without further delay, here’s the industry’s heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the greatest program director in sports radio history – Mark Chernoff.
__________
Chris Oliviero, Audacy New York Market Manager: Mark offered me one of my first paying radio jobs back in 1998, and since that moment our relationship has evolved into one of the most rewarding, important and genuine friendships of my entire life. He might not have been the first sports radio PD, but Babe Ruth wasn’t the first baseball player either. First does not always mean best.
The Chernoff family’s love of baseball is well documented, so when you look at the back of Mark’s baseball card, you will see a dominant performance. An almost 30 year run at the same station in market #1 delivering consistent ratings and revenue success. A gifted talent whisperer to a “Who’s Who’s” of radio personalities from Stern to Imus to Francesa & Russo to Boomer & Carton. Mark’s fingerprints are everywhere on our industry from the AM to FM sports revolution, to iconic local sports brands on the dial in the biggest cities in America beyond just New York, and to being a founding father of a thriving national sports radio network. What hasn’t he done?
But what he is most proud of I am sure and probably his biggest legacy will be his coaching tree. His mentorship to an All-Star roster of sports radio PDs nationwide is his gift to us all. When Mark cares he truly cares and when he says he will help make you better, he actually means it. Our business is better because of Mark, and I know I am too.
Mike Francesa, legendary WFAN talk show host, one half of Mike & the Mad Dog, and solo host of ‘Mike’s On: Francesa on The Fan’: There are a select number of very talented people who established WFAN into one of the great success stories in the history of broadcasting, and helped it endure for over a generation alone at the top. Mark is one of them.
Chris Russo, SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Afternoon Host and former co-host of WFAN’s Mike & The Mad Dog: I was in St. Martin in the Caribbean in March of 1993 when Mark introduced himself as the new program director of WFAN. He knew what a good radio station was supposed to “sound” like, never looked for the spotlight, and understood how to play the middle man between the GM/Owner & talent. Name me a PD anywhere who can successfully deal with the egos of Howard Stern, Don Imus, & Mike & the Mad Dog?
Also, Mark always backed you up and never sold you down the river. He always protected the rights of the radio station, even to a “fault”. For instance, he’d never let another radio show broadcast in the booth from Shea Stadium. I was always impressed that he’d be in there when the morning show started at 6am, and he did a hell of a job putting together a successful show after the demise of Imus….not easy.
On a personal note, he did everything in his power to keep me at WFAN, and always kept in touch even after I departed (like remembering my birthday).
Craig Carton, WFAN Afternoon Show Co-Host of ‘Carton & Roberts’: There are very few entities and even fewer people who are undeniably synonymous with sports talk radio in this country. Mark Chernoff is one of those people. For more than 30 years he was in charge of the singular radio station responsible for the first new radio format in decades. You wouldn’t know it today with the hundreds of successful sports talk stations in every market but sports talk as a 24 hour a day format was scoffed at and not taken seriously. Under Mark’s leadership, WFAN changed that while changing radio forever. He may not have invented the format but he no doubt oversaw it and massaged it and now leaves it as arguably the most successful and powerful format on the radio today. Boomer and Carton never would have happened let alone become as successful as it became without Mark. I never would have been offered the job in the first place if Mark was not the man in charge. His prior experience with Howard Stern, Don Imus and Opie and Anthony gave him a unique view of how important an entertaining morning show was for the overall success of a station and how different that show could and should be from the rest of the sports talk programming.
Take a look around the country and tell me how many straight sports, x’s and o’s morning shows are dominating the ratings in any market. The answer is none. Chernoff is ultimately responsible for that. Mark is also a fighter for what he believes in and someone who loves radio. I have worked for PD’s who didn’t love radio and who didn’t get the art form that compelling radio is. Mark always did. He also appreciated talent. I remember dozens of arguments w had about content and the sound of on air promotion’s and ID’s, neither of us wavering but always respecting that the argument was about making things better and not about who was right. He won some, I won some, and the show and radio station benefitted from the back and forth.
I had never met a PD prior to meeting Mark who was in the building before the morning show went on the air and was still there when the afternoon drive show signed off. He lived and loved radio and would listen on his cheap Walkman while jogging on the streets of New Jersey everyday at 4:00 in the morning. Mark heard everything, missed nothing and truly cared about the voices that came through his headphones. He was not a micro-manager the way so many people are but he also never failed to give you his opinion on your performance. In doing so he kept you on your toes and made you a better broadcaster. On a personal note, I love Mark. I’m blessed to have had him as my Program Director and as my friend, and blessed that he was at WFAN when I needed someone to believe in me as a person enough to give me a second chance at returning to the airwaves last year. I will always be indebted to him for that and for the first chance all the way back in 2007 to replace Imus with me and Boomer, an unpopular move at the time, which was ridiculed and challenged as nuts, but which turned out to be one of the most successful radio decisions he ever made. Mark leaves behind a legacy of success that is unmatched by any other talk radio program director in the country. He is deserving of all of the accolades that I am sure are pouring in and he will certainly be missed.
Evan Roberts, WFAN Afternoon Show Co-Host of ‘Carton & Roberts’: If you are a sports fan in the New York City area there is no doubt you listened to WFAN as a kid and young adult. The radio station defined everything that was the New York sports fan and couldn’t be more perfectly put together. I know that it influenced me as a young sports fan as well as countless others. Personally, I don’t think I ever get to where I am now on WFAN without one man giving a 9 year old a shot in 1993 when I wrote a letter applying for a job. That opportunity in 1993 and and again in 2004 when I started filling in on the overnight shift came from one of the great program directors in radio history; Mark Chernoff. I will always cherish the conversations Joe Benigno, Mark and I would have in the back office. Congrats to Mark on an incredible run and changing the landscape of sports talk radio in America.
Gregg Giannotti, WFAN Morning Show Co-Host of ‘Boomer & Gio’: “I think you need to be a talk show host”.
Without those words from Mark Chernoff I wouldn’t have the career I have now. Mark, Eric Spitz, Joe Benigno, Evan Roberts and I would get together before every midday show and talk sports and laugh. It was in those conversations that Mark saw something in me, which led to hosting my first show. I will be forever grateful.
I really don’t know how he did it, dealing with all of us maniacs. Managing those type of personalities is a skill very few possess. I didn’t fully appreciate Mark until I left my producer job at WFAN for a talk show host job in Pittsburgh. I thought every PD got to work at 5am and left at 6pm.
Every day of my radio career I knew Mark Chernoff was working and doing all he could to make our radio station great. It will be very odd the first day he isn’t there. I may have to call him at 5am so we can talk some baseball before the show. He’s a great husband, father, grandfather and radio titan. All the best Mark, I’m sorry for all those impressions I’ve done of you (Not Really).
Eric Spitz, SiriusXM VP of Sports Programming: Although all of these accolades are extremely well deserved, Mark won’t like any of this as he dreads being the center of attention. Too bad, Mark.
I think Mark’s greatest strength has been his ability to forge and maintain strong relationships with talent. Whether it’s been established stars like Howard, Imus, Scott Muni, Mike Francesa and Chris Russo or shows that he created like Boomer and Carton, and more recently, Boomer and Gio and Carton and Roberts, Mark has been able to get along with and get the most out of high profile talent. He has done this by putting his ego aside. It’s never about him but what’s best for the radio station.
Among many other attributes, Mark is a tireless worker who has the same passion and energy for the job today as he has had any point in his career. I will guarantee you that he will be writing station promos and Yankee liners on June 30th and will hit send right before returning the corporate laptop.
What has always impressed me the most about Mark, however, has nothing to do with radio. It’s been his commitment to family. Despite an incredibly demanding job, he never missed a child or grandchild’s game, recital or concert. The event could take place in New Jersey, DC, Cleveland or Chicago and Mark would be there. And he insisted that others, like me, follow the same path. For that, I am extremely grateful.
Hopefully, this is only a goodbye to WFAN and not a so long to the industry. Mark still has so much to contribute to both the sports and music formats. He’s a dual threat. A sports guy who never misses a post.
Spike Eskin, Mark Chernoff’s successor as WFAN Program Director: Mark has been the most thoughtful, encouraging influence that I’ve had on me as a Program Director since I started at 94WIP. He’s not just a person you can bounce things off of (he does that too), but always goes above and beyond when you need another voice.
His influence on WFAN and sports radio in general cannot be understated, and is obvious, but his influence on other programmers is the thing that I will always remember and appreciate. He’s really the greatest.
Jim Rome, CBS Sports Radio Host of ‘The Jim Rome Show’: I’ve appreciated Mark’s presence and participation in all we’re doing. He’s been solid from the word, “go”, and has made a whole lot possible for us. For all he’s accomplishing on a day-to-day basis, he’s grinding just as hard as the rest of us and he’s been doing that for 30 years or more. To perform and achieve at his level, you have to be the real deal, and Mark is. Heck of a run! He’s one to watch for what’s next.
Dan Mason, Former CEO of CBS Radio: In good times and trying times, Mark was always prepared. He was the backbone of WFAN whose respect for the product and talent was always stellar. I loved working with him and congratulate him on a terrific run at WFAN.
Steve Cohen, SiriusXM Senior Vice President of Programming, former WFAN host, reporter and executive producer: One of Mark’s greatest attributes as a manager of people was he didn’t try to change you. He gave you the feedback and room necessary to grow. That was easier said than done with the wild bunch he inherited. Mark allowed a certain level of independence and if we delivered, then he let us roll with it. We never worked in fear under his watch and became very confident in our ability to deliver quality content. That’s what great managers do. It’s what Mark Chernoff excelled at.
Mitch Rosen, 670 The Score/1250 The Fan, Program Director: What defines the person by the name of Mark Chernoff?
Genuine – Teacher – Coach – Real – Friendly – Helpful – Original – Pioneer – Innovator – Menche, and a terrific father, grandfather, husband, and most importantly, a great friend to so many.
When people think of sports radio they should think of Mark Chernoff.
Chris Kinard, 106.7 The Fan/Team 980, Program Director: Mark Chernoff’s career speaks for itself. The ratings, the successful shows he’s launched, the tenure, the consistency, and those 4 call letters: WFAN. What doesn’t speak for itself and requires others to speak out is what Mark has done behind the scenes for countless hosts, PD’s, producers, and other professionals in our business. I’m honored to be able to share some of what Mark has done for me, and meant to me.
I was a first-time PD, about 30 years old, 2+ years into the job, and working without a contract when CBS decided to flip a bunch of its talk and music stations to sports in 2009. We had a great launch, and beat our direct competitor the first month out of the gate. Then the race got tight in the Fall, and then football season was over and things continued to be competitive. It was decided that Mark should come down to evaluate what we were up to, and help where needed. Hearing the corporate format captain is coming to town to “help” inspires DOOM in the mind of every PD. I had no relationship with Mark at that point, and honestly I was very nervous about what his visit meant for me. My apprehension quickly dissipated as Mark and I talked. He is a great listener. He knew the signal challenges of the station (he’d programmed WJFK for about a month before Mel Karmazin said “I need you in New York!), understood the talent dynamics, and calmly focused the conversation on action items that we would tackle over the next few days. Mark was very clear on one thing in particular… our jingles sucked! And he was right. I will never forget standing next to Mark in our crappy old studio in Fairfax, VA as he sang over the phone to jingle singers “No, it’s more like ‘one-oh-six-seven The FAN!” over and over and over and over again. Until they were perfect, because that’s how you have the kind of career Mark Chernoff has had. You pay attention to the details and you work at them until they’re perfect.
I’ve had the privilege of working with and knowing Mark since then, and always know I will get great advice about radio or anything else when I need it. And you know someone is the real deal when you hear the same experience from everyone else around the format. Mark truly is the real deal, as a programmer, leader, and human being. Thank you, Mark.
Al Dukes, WFAN Morning Show Producer of ‘Boomer & Gio’: I first heard the name Mark Chernoff while listening to The Howard Stern Show during the 1990’s (I think it was the 1990s). I first met him while working at the corporate offices of CBS Radio when the company was looking for replacements for Howard Stern. Mark and I had the ‘pleasure’ of working with David Lee Roth. True story, I once had to get in between DLR and Mark because I actually thought they were going to come to blows in the hallways of K-Rock. The man is certainly passionate about radio (Mark that is, not David).
For the last 14 years, I’ve worked with Mark at WFAN while producing the morning show. I’ve always appreciated his management style of letting shows do their own thing as long as the ratings are good. When the ratings start to slip, he’s always there with suggestions on how to tweak things to get back on track. And he was always ready to battle sales when they came up with a terrible sponsorship idea. It will be really weird not having him around. Thank you Mark.
John Jastremski, ‘New York, New York’ Host, The Ringer and Spotify, former WFAN host: For almost the last decade I worked for Mark Chernoff, but it’s very rare that you get a sense to hear and know about your boss before you ever start at your employer. Mark’s success in programming radio was obvious with the product that was on the air at WFAN for years with Imus and Mike and the Mad Dog. I was curious to get a sense of what made the man tick when I started at the radio station in 2011. Even as a bright eyed 23 year old, Mark believed in my talent and allowed me to be me. Sure, there were critiques and plenty of conversations, but one of his great strengths is that he allowed talent to be themselves and perform. With Mark at the helm, I never had to worry about the program director micromanaging topics, telling me what to discuss. He trusted me to do the very best sports radio show that I could do. For that, I will forever be grateful.
In the years doing the overnight shift, there was nothing quite like the Cherny pop in as he would stroll in at 515 in the morning. You never quite knew what that meant. Sure, it would be the occasional, “you hit the update a minute and a half late!”, but in many cases it would be conversations of sports, classic rock and me wondering how a human could go for a run at 315 in the morning. That’s Mark Chernoff for you. Mark has had a legendary career in radio and personally I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me.
Marc Malusis, WFAN Midday Show Co-Host of ‘Maggie & Moose’: I started out as an intern at WFAN in 1998. That led to a part-time position in 2000 as a behind the scenes producer/board-op. This means I have worked for Mark Chernoff in some capacity for 20+ years, experiencing his leadership in those early roles that I held and later as an update anchor and host. I owe a lot to Mark. He gave me my first opportunities as an anchor and host. I think what separates him as a Program Director(PD) and has made him successful at WFAN and other stations is that he has a clear understanding of what the station should be based on what the audience is looking for from the station. He knew what he wanted from his hosts, and what worked and didn’t work at the station. Mark has a keen sense of the heartbeat of WFAN which at its core, is passionate sports talk mixed in with other topics and caller interaction. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him giving me those on-air opportunities.
Being a New Yorker, I never wanted to leave this city. I’ve always wanted a chance to be a full time host on the station that I grew up listening to. I was afforded that shot by Mark in 2020 and I will forever be grateful to him. He has been open and honest with me over the course of my career and even though at times, I might not like what he’s had to say, I appreciated his honesty. New York Radio, not just WFAN, will forever feel the indelible mark that he has made on this medium. He is an excellent Program Director, and loyal to his team and the stations he has managed. I just personally want to say ‘Thank You’ and I will miss him.
Maggie Gray, WFAN Midday Show Co-Host of ‘Maggie & Moose’: Mark Chernoff helped open the door to sports talk radio for me. Working at WFAN has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I will always appreciate Mark for giving me a chance to be a host.
Bruce Gilbert, Cumulus/Westwood One, Senior VP of Sports: Jeff Smulyan had the stones to create America’s first all sports radio station in WFAN. Mark Chernoff made WFAN as much a part of New York City as the Empire State Building. Mark’s intelligence, competitiveness, foresight, understanding, and patience combined with his loyalty and consistency made WFAN a huge part of the overall DNA of New York City sports.
Mark managed the many spirited, passionate, and disparate voices employed as hosts on “The Fan” while constantly protecting the mission of being a voice for “The Fan”. Anyone that has studied the history of FAN under Mark can take away numerous worthwhile tips from his leadership, inventiveness, and creativity. Mostly, though, we can take away the fact that when your radio station truly and accurately reflects the mood and disposition of your constituents, the results are beyond dynamic.
Mark IS the Godfather of sports talk radio in America. He deserves every award and honor the media industry has bestowed upon him up until now and forever more. It’s also vitally important to know that beyond his professional achievements, Mark is a genuinely caring and wonderful human that loves his family and talks constantly and lovingly about his kids and grandkids. A man that still “has a catch” with his son Mike at least once a month, even if it means flying to Cleveland, having a catch in the airport parking lot, and flying back to New York in one afternoon.
If you are among those lucky enough to have worked with, for, or alongside Mark Chernoff; you know you’re better off because of it.
Mike Thomas, Good Karma Brands Chicago (ESPN 1000), Market Manager: Mark and I have similar radio paths. Don’t take that the wrong way. Mark is the King! I’m just saying that we both were in rock radio and made the switch to sports radio and have been successful in both formats. When we launched The Sports Hub in 2009 at CBS Radio Boston, Mark was an invaluable resource to me. Not only did he support me programming sports radio for the first time, but he shared many ideas with me about working with sports radio hosts, instead of what I was used to, which was music radio “DJ’s”. He also always reinforced the fact that programming an FM sports station is not much different than a rock station…you’re talking to the same audience, he would tell me. Throughout my time in Boston, Mark was always available if I needed to bounce something off him, and always offered great advice. The thing you could always count on in every conversation, he would ask about my family. He’s an amazing programmer and more importantly one of the nicest, kindest, caring people you’ll ever meet. I wouldn’t be where I am without Mark Chernoff!
Brandon Tierney, CBS Sports Radio, Afternoon Show Co-Host of ‘Tiki & Tierney’: Cherny is truly a broadcasting legend, an undeniable industry titan. Yet, despite all of his success, he has remained incredibly humble and approachable. Throughout his distinguished career, he’s left an indelible mark on this business, one that will be incredibly hard to replicate. His instincts and feel for the medium are probably his greatest professional strengths, but his willingness to connect personally with talent, to humanize the business so to speak, was always greatly appreciated. Quite frankly, I wish I had an opportunity to work more closely with Mark earlier in my career. A tremendous person who’s day-to-day contributions and consistency will be missed greatly. Legend. Congrats, Mark!
Damon Amendolara, CBS Sports Radio, Morning Host of ‘The DA Show’: I remember sitting wide-eyed in an office for an interview with Mark Chernoff in 2005. This was THE Mark Chernoff who guided Howard Stern, Don Imus, and Mike and the Mad Dog over the course of his career. In radio terms, it was like sitting with Bill Walsh or Pat Riley. I was 26 years old, hoping to earn some fill-in work on WFAN by not stammering my way through questions about show philosophy and the art of the monologue. Anyone who has worked for him knows, earning trust from Chernoff isn’t easy, but once you have it you feel extremely confident. It’s like Coach K giving you the green light to shoot.
That conversation led to a few weekend shifts while I was on vacation from my full-time hosting job in Kansas City. Those shows led to Mark hiring me for CBS Radio’s launch in Boston three years later. That ultimately led to my spot at CBS Sports Radio in New York. It’s just one example of his strong loyalty to those who have worked hard for him. But he’s also quick to dole out sharp criticism when he feels it’s needed. Every step along the way Mark was consistent with me. He was honest if I needed direction or critique. He was trusting and hands off when I was in a groove. He allowed me to develop my style, while also having strong opinions on what was working and what wasn’t. He was an impeccable resource.
If you’ve ever been in his office, you’ve heard him listening to multiple stations at the same time, while responding to emails and fielding phone calls. His fingerprints are on scores of stations, and hundreds of careers. He’s a Hall of Famer for a reason. Mark has plenty of energy and ability left for a new challenge. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s coaching radio talent and giving them the green light to shoot again.
Shaun Morash, CBS Sports Radio/WFAN, Host/Producer: Mark has meant the world to me and other young broadcasters that have had the pleasure of interning and working at WFAN and CBS Sports Radio. His willingness to allow me to be me has allowed me to live out my lifelong dream. I am excited for the next chapter at CBS Sports Radio and WFAN but will undoubtedly miss the guidance and underrated laughs Mark has given us all. I wish him nothing but the best as he gets to spend more time being the wonderful grandfather that he is.
Terry Foxx, WFNZ, Program Director: When I think of Mark Chernoff, a few words come to mind. Passionate, smart, visionary, coach, and teacher. Mark is the “bench mark”, the one we strive to be in the sports programming world. In sports language, he’s won more Super Bowls than anyone else, and we as programmers have stolen his playbook for our own success. Most importantly, he has been the most successful sports programmer of our time.
Personally Mark has been my mentor, coach, and a huge part of my success in the business. He’s taught me to believe in myself and as one of the only African-American sports programmers in the business, he’s instilled in me to go out and find other great programmers and talent of diverse backgrounds and help them achieve as I have. Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today, without Mark Chernoff. He will be missed greatly.
Andy Roth, 92.3 The Fan, Program Director: All of us in the radio business know that there are many who have helped us along the way. I know I would not be where I am today, or have the radio knowledge I have today, without Mark. He never said no to scheduling time or spending time in person just to talk. Mark always wanted to understand you, the problems you may be having and what he could to to help, even while doing everything else in his life.
As far as WFAN goes, it’s not just a radio station to me. It’s a family. Mark made sure that the staff led by Eric Spitz and Steve Cohen would help manage, teach and grow the WFAN culture. That also included intern managing skills of Eddie Scozzare and board teaching from people like Joan Chin and Dov Kramer. This group-managing style allowed me to be more confident in what I do and I’ve brought that with me to every job since 2000. I hope I can live up to the standards Mark Chernoff and the WFAN family created.
Adam Schein, SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Host, former WFAN Host: It’s still crazy to think that Mark Chernoff is retiring! His genius and leadership has been synonymous with WFAN forever. It’s not hyperbole to call him the most important sports radio programmer in the history of sports radio.
On a personal note, I loved working for him. He listens to everything firsthand. I love that. I remember when I did my first ever overnight show on WFAN on March 11, 2001. Mark called me immediately after the show in the control room to tell me how much he enjoyed it and that he’d be in touch for more shows. I’ll never forget that call and the words of wisdom and confidence. I’ll also never forget the calls to offer me my childhood dream job of hosting afternoon drive. It meant the world.
Mark’s radio background was in music, and he used to stress to me all the time to “play the hits” while hosting. Baseball talk drove a show on WFAN, especially when I hosted for him from 2001-2006. He wanted you to come out of breaks with what people wanted to hear, and understand the cadence and flow of a show, how to use calls and pound the phones, etc.. He also had an innate ability of knowing when to communicate with his hosts and when it was best to let them roll. WFAN is the greatest local sports radio station in the country today, and that’s because of Mark. What an incredible run!
Amy Lawrence, CBS Sports Radio Overnight Host: As Mark Chernoff moves onto the next phase of his storied career, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the last nine plus years with him at CBS Sports Radio Network. I can say unequivocally he is the best boss I’ve ever had. He not only offered me an incredible opportunity to join a brand new radio venture in 2013, but he believed in me enough to invest in me as a host and personality.
Mark is an unwavering ally; as a female in sports radio, I don’t take that lightly. He never asked me to be anyone other than AMY. He never wanted me to be “one of the guys” or more like my male counterparts. His confidence in me has been invaluable. He taught me to trust my instincts and take risks, and he gave me the freedom to be creative and unique. I am proud to call him a friend and thankful for the professional and personal lessons I’ve learned from him.
Thank you, Mark! Just as you’ve supported me, I will support you as you move forward.
Zach Gelb, CBS Sports Radio Host: I’m not usually a Mount Rushmore guy, but it’s so obvious to say that Mark Chernoff is on WFAN’s Mount Rushmore. He is an absolute legend and has been the backbone of WFAN for decades. He is a tremendous leader, program director and most importantly, a friend. I’ve known Mark literally since I was born, and he’s been critiquing my radio tapes since I was in high school. Even with his busy schedule, he’s always been willing to help a young talk show host. I’m forever grateful that he hired me to host a daily national sports radio show at CBS Sports Radio. I will always cherish our time working together and wish him nothing but the best moving forward. Hopefully he can sleep in late now and not rush to wake up at 3:45 AM to immediately run, deal with headaches from talent and listen to the radio! Congrats Mark and thank you!
Jody McDonald, longtime WFAN host: The best thing about working for Mark Chernoff, ego was never a problem, yours or his! I was schooled by my dad at an early age, “there should never be a reason to be an A.K. (That’s A** Kisser). Stand on your own hard work and talent“. A tenant I’ve worked by my whole life. That worked great for me working under Mark. Even though he has been tasked with handling some BIG stars with BIG egos, he never needed to hear how great he was at his job. No ego stroking necessary, even though it was probably deserved. He judged everyone by how good they were behind the mic and not much else. As fair and as straight a shooter as I’ve ever had the pleasure working for!
Gavin Spittle, 105.3 The Fan, Program Director: In 1995, I received a typed email from Mark letting me know what I needed to work on. I was a kid out of college and I still have that letter. He didn’t need to do that. I now try my best to carry that torch and help others. Mark has always been a tremendous resource and friend. He’s always there for you. What an amazing career and more importantly Mark, you are an amazing person.
Jimmy Powers, 97.1 The Ticket, Program Director: Mark Chernoff has been a pioneer in the sports talk format and a true inspiration to so many Program Directors across the country over the years. He’s had an amazing career in the industry – building one of the most iconic brands in the country, WFAN, while doing so in the #1 market in the country! Congratulations Mark, well deserved! Cheers to you!
Adam Klug, 97.3 The Fan, Program Director: In a world where almost nothing can be unanimously agreed upon, I believe anyone you ask within the sports talk radio industry would agree that Mark Chernoff played a major role in shaping the landscape of our format that exists today. From running the first ever and most influential sports talk radio station in the country’s biggest market, to helping launch CBS Sports Radio, as well as positively affecting the careers of so many, Mark Chernoff is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in sports talk radio history.
Mark was always generous with his time and knowledge when we worked together, and recommended me for the position that I’m in today with 97.3 The Fan in San Diego. He has been an important mentor to me as I’ve grown into a role that I had never held before. Mark is never too busy to answer my phone calls or respond to emails and listen to what I’m going through and offer advice based on his own experiences. I wish him nothing but the best as he begins the next chapter of his career.
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.
