Former WFAN host Sal Licata opened up about his departure from the sports radio powerhouse and shared his perspective on the return of Craig Carton during an appearance on the Stugotz and Company podcast.
Licata, who had been co-hosting shows on WFAN with Brandon Tierney following Carton’s earlier exit, said he always understood that Carton’s return was inevitable.
“We all knew what was going to happen. So my plan was never, I hope he doesn’t come back. I got to do the best job that I could do with the opportunity that I’ve been given. And I planned on doing that,” Licata said. “I feel like I did do that. So that’s when I factored Craig coming back, I did not factor in that no matter how well I performed, how much I put into this thing, how good we did as a show, or I did as an individual, it didn’t matter.”
Despite the setback, Licata expressed gratitude for his time at WFAN, calling it a key chapter in his career. “That part of my life and that part of my dream is over, and now I got to focus on a bigger dream, a different path,” he said. “I love the fan. I’ll always love the fan, but my future, definitively now, is no longer WFAN.”
WFAN officially announced Carton’s return last week with his destination being in afternoon drive. He’ll pair with Chris McMonigle for a new show that will begin after the turn of the calendar. Due to Carton’s return, the station is moving Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to the 10 AM-2 PM window Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata previously occupied.
“I don’t blame Craig at all for coming back. He’s got to do what he got to do. The boss made their decision. All good, but yes, technically he didn’t take my spot. Evan and Tiki took my spot. I probably would have brought him back too. Just not at my expense,” said Licata.
The former host, who had gained a dedicated following during his tenure, highlighted the challenging dynamics of the sports radio landscape in New York, where decisions often hinge on ratings, management strategy, and long-standing relationships.
Licata’s remarks suggest a professional, measured response to a high-profile personnel change while also hinting at the emotional complexity of leaving a platform where he invested significant energy.
Licata and Tierney announced plans for a live stage show — set for January 22nd. Licata wrapped up his tenure with the station last week, with Tierney hosting solo for his final show tomorrow.
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