The Radio Hall of Fame voting is on. There are a number of long-time radio pros on the ballot. And one person who, when you Google him, says American Football player. No way — Boomer Esiason is a radio guy.
I ask you to read on, as I share my personal experiences as well as give you parts of his resume you may not know.
When I joined CBS Radio in 2010 as VP of AC Programming and day-to-day Program Director of 102.7 in New York, The Daily News did a very nice feature story on me.
When they asked if I had planned any changes at 102.7, my reply was this: “I haven’t really listened, as I spend my time with my favorite show, Boomer and Carton on the FAN.” It was true. I felt the most entertaining radio show in New York in 2010 for a guy was Boomer and Carton, and did really listen whenever I was in the market.
My first morning in the building, Boomer and Carton spent time talking up intros on Elton John songs, as the newspaper article was some sort of signal that was the future. It was hysterically funny. After their show, they insisted on meeting me.
Boomer, who I’d only ever seen on TV or from a bad stadium seat, could not have been nicer — even telling me that if I ever needed anything from CBS, he would talk to (then CEO) Les Moonves for me. I assured him Mr. Moonves would have no idea who I was, but thanked him anyway. Who but a real radio guy would do that?
I worked in that building, on a different floor, for another 15 years. Whenever Karen Carson needed a sports angle on her WNEW morning show, Boomer was there. One year, leading up to the Super Bowl — when a sports station would be busiest — Boomer participated in a cast bet on Karen’s show. The end result would be Intern Anthony as loser getting his head shaved. Boomer was right there for the pictures and every day leading up to the game. Who but a real radio guy would do that?
Boomer’s generosity and help for other shows in the building was always on display. When Karen did her first toy drive on WNEW, she asked to go on with Boomer and Gio in the morning. Not only did Boomer promote the toy drive to his listeners, he personally donated $1,000 worth of toys to the goal. Who but a real radio guy would do that?
Boomer Esiason did night color commentary on national football games for Westwood One for many years — you know, the games where you miss the second half because you need to be at work early the next morning. Boomer not only did those night games but was on his show the next morning at 6 AM. Who but a real radio guy would do that?
It was the same when he did CBS Television Sports. During the NFL playoff season, the man worked on TV on Saturday and Sunday. Did he blow off his radio show on Friday or Monday to do that? No way. I know morning shows that tell me they have a hard time working five days a week. Boomer was working all seven. Who but a real radio guy would do that?
Oh, and how about this — Boomer did color commentary on the radio for 18 Super Bowls on Westwood One. Boomer may have started as a football player, but he has the same passion for radio that you and I have, maybe more.
One more thing. In the latest March PPM, Boomer and Gio are #1 with men 25-54, their target audience, in morning drive in New York. Yes, #1 in the #1 market.
Boomer Esiason never paid his radio dues by doing an overnight show in Akron. He was thrown into the deepest water and told to swim. Not only did he stay afloat, he rose to the top of his profession. Boomer Esiason is a very talented radio guy who belongs in the Radio Hall of Fame.
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Jim Ryan is a Music Radio columnist for Barrett Media. In addition, he runs Jim Ryan Media LLC, a consulting company which assists major market radio brands and top talent including national radio personality Delilah. Prior to relaunching his consultancy in 2025, Jim spent 15 years with Audacy/CBS Radio, serving as SVP of Programming. Among his responsibilities included programming WNEW-FM and WCBS-FM. His career includes additional programming stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston. Jim was voted the #2 PD of 2024 in Barrett Media’s Top 20 series in the AC category. He can be reached by email at Jim@JimRyanMedia.com.
