Craig Carton offered a sweeping endorsement of WFAN’s current trajectory Monday while also weighing in on the highly publicized back-and-forth between Gregg Giannotti and former WFAN host Brandon Tierney. He framed both the station’s overall health and the dispute itself within the broader realities of sports radio.
Speaking on The Carton Show with Craig Carton & Chris McMonigle, Carton described WFAN as operating from a position of strength. Emphasizing both its internal chemistry and its standing within the industry. He said that while the station has evolved over time, those changes have not come at the expense of quality or cohesion.
“Radio is alive and well. WFAN is right there at the top of the heap of all radio stations,” Carton said. “It might not be your daddy’s radio station. That doesn’t mean it’s worse. In the 14 years I’ve been at WFAN, this radio station has never been healthier. From a standpoint of the relationship between the on-air shows and hosts here. There has never been a moment in this station’s history, where every show got along in the manner that we all get along.”
Carton said those disagreements are inevitable and can enhance the product when rooted in good-natured competition rather than personal animosity. He described the dynamic between hosts as playful and mutually aware, elements he believes resonate with listeners.
“A little having fun at each other’s expense, I think it’s good for business and good for the on-air product,” Carton said. “We listen to them, they listen to us, and we poke fun back and forth.”
Carton’s comments come a day after Giannotti and Tierney have traded pointed remarks across platforms, with the dispute tracing back in part to a prank call involving Giannotti that Tierney recently revisited publicly.
While the exchange has grown increasingly personal, Carton indicated he had not been aware of the original prank when it occurred. Though he offered a candid reaction upon learning of it.
“I had no idea that Gio pranked that show,” Carton said. “I thought it was a pretty good prank. Matter of fact, I thought it was the funniest thing Gio has ever done.”
Despite the attention, Carton said he has remained on the sidelines, approaching the controversy as an observer rather than a participant. He added levity by comparing his role to that of a spectator enjoying the unfolding drama.
“I’m not involved at all, which is the best part of it,” Carton said. “Other people are fighting, and it’s got nothing to do with me. This is awesome. I was like Terrell Owens, made popcorn, put my feet up. I was like, who’s next?”
Ultimately, Carton’s remarks reflected a dual perspective, combining confidence in WFAN’s current position with an understanding that personality-driven conflict remains an inherent part of the format.
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