There are two things about Curtis Sliwa that I think are undeniably true: he’s a news/talk radio legend in New York, and he’s not going to win the city’s election for mayor.
The longtime radio personality and one of the city’s most recognizable voices declared he will never return to 77 WABC after owner John Catsimatidis and several station hosts suggested he step aside from the mayoral race.
For a figure who has spent more than 30 years dominating multiple dayparts across several stations, this is a seismic shift.
Sliwa has long been a news/talk radio legend in New York, a rare talent capable of filling late-night, midday, and morning slots while drawing large, loyal audiences. His style — a mix of outspoken opinions, controversial takes, and raw energy — resonated with listeners because it felt genuine.
At WABC, he thrived in an environment where local ownership allowed him to speak freely without the looming threat of shareholder pressure or advertiser boycotts. That freedom made 77 WABC feel like home for Sliwa, a station where his voice could remain unfiltered and unafraid.
The question now becomes what comes next for Curtis Sliwa if he truly stays away from WABC. His name alone carries weight in New York radio, but the politics of his mayoral candidacy could complicate his return.
If his decision to stay in the race indirectly helps Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist candidate, capture the election, there may be serious consequences for Sliwa’s audience base. Many of the listeners who have followed him for decades are politically conservative. They may see Sliwa’s refusal to step aside as a betrayal of their values, potentially turning their backs on him, even if they still respect his radio career.
This isn’t just hypothetical. News/talk radio in New York has always been unforgiving. The market is brutally competitive, and audiences have short memories when it comes to political controversy. A single misstep — or the perception of one — can cost ratings, advertiser support, and ultimately, a show’s longevity. Sliwa’s decades of success could be tested by the very race he insisted on pursuing, no matter how principled his reasons for running.
Yet it’s important to note that if Mamdani wins, Curtis Sliwa is hardly the sole reason. The mayoral field itself has been underwhelming. Candidates like Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo, for all their experience and name recognition, failed to excite or unite voters due to their various scandals.
In a race dominated by underperforming frontrunners, Sliwa’s candidacy became an unexpected variable, but not the only one. Political outcomes rarely hinge on a single individual. Still, the public tends to look for someone to blame when things go wrong, and in a city like New York, scapegoats are often made of high-profile figures like Sliwa.
That reality creates a difficult landscape for any return to radio. Curtis Sliwa has built a career on authenticity and courage, yet those same traits could now make him a liability in the eyes of listeners and advertisers alike. Returning to WABC — or any other station, like 710 WOR or AM 970 The Answer — may require rebuilding trust with an audience that could feel betrayed.
And even if he finds a home on another platform, the shadow of the mayoral race will loom large over every show he hosts.
In the end, Sliwa’s situation highlights the harsh truths of New York news/talk radio. It’s a cutthroat business where audience loyalty is earned daily and easily lost, and where public perception often matters more than years of proven success. Curtis Sliwa has spent more than three decades on the air in multiple dayparts across multiple stations. His experience is undeniable, and his talent is unquestioned.
But even legends are not immune to the consequences of their choices.
If Mamdani wins, it won’t be solely Curtis Sliwa’s fault. It will be as much about the lackluster candidates on the ballot as it is about Sliwa’s decision to remain in the race. Yet in a world that craves scapegoats, Sliwa could still bear the brunt of the fallout. And in the cutthroat world of New York news/talk radio, scapegoats don’t often enjoy a long, bright future.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
