WFAN morning co-host Boomer Esiason is heading to Chicago as an inductee into the Radio Hall of Fame this October. The sports radio veteran learned Wednesday morning he is part of the 2026 class. He shared his thanks for being recognized as one of the industry’s all time greats.
What We Know: Eight honorees were selected by a voting panel of more than 950 industry professionals, and two by the Nominating Committee. The inductees included Esiason, Dennis Green (COO Sun & Fun Media – Key Networks), Shotgun Tom Kelly (60’s on 6 – SiriusXM Radio), Helen Little (WLTW – New York City), Bob Pittman (Chairman/CEO iHeartMedia), Rickey Smiley (Urban One – Reach Media), Charlie Van Dyke (former national DJ), and Fred Winston (Former WLS-Chicago).
What They Said: Boomer Esiason on the honor “Thank you to the Hall of Fame voters for voting me in. When Chris Oliviero [Audacy Market Manager New York City] told me, I never thought this was going to be the case. I never thought my wildest 19 years ago when I started here, that was going to be part of this whole thing. It’s due in large part to a lot of people.”
Boomer Esiason on his success belonging to others as well “I’ve had great teammates, and it’s a great place. I love the job. I love the fact CBS Sports Network has been along for the ride. As well as MSG was along for the ride for a while there at the beginning. So, been very fortunate to be able to sit in this chair and love every minute of it. Hopefully people have enjoyed most of it.”
Boomer Esiason on the early guidance of former WFAN Program Director Mark Chernoff “Mark Chernoff, he would come into my office every morning when he was here, and we would sit and talk baseball literally for 20 minutes. I looked forward to those talks, because he was very knowledgeable. Of course, son running the Cleveland Indians. He was a big part of the initial success of Boomer and Carton. Quite frankly, if it wasn’t for him and Chris Olivero thinking that me and Craig could have made it together. There’s no way in the world that I’d be sitting here today.”
What Remains Unclear: The official vote count was not revealed by the Radio Hall of Fame.
What It Means: This honor validates what sports radio insiders have argued for years. Esiason arrived at WFAN without traditional radio training, yet ultimately built a career that outlasted nearly everyone who doubted him. Esiason’s induction is well deserved and his longevity in a market defined by success is proof.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
