WFAN’s recent reported programming changes, including the addition of Craig Carton to the afternoon drive slot, have drawn sharp commentary from longtime New York sports radio personalities Don LaGreca and Peter Rosenberg, who expressed concern for Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, whose show will no longer air according to reports.
On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN New York’s Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg, LaGreca described the network’s decision as a “horrible mistake” and praised Tierney and Licata for their abilities on the microphone.
“I think those are two exceptionally talented guys. Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata are made to be talk radio guys,” LaGreca said. “I’m told by our company, they’re not our competition, so I don’t have any problem bringing this up.”
LaGreca expanded on the broader challenges facing the radio industry, emphasizing the personal impact of programming shifts.
“This business is a really bad spot right now. And to see two guys that I know personally… it sounds like two empty chairs when the music stops. That sucks. Those are two guys that have families. Those are two guys that work their ass off, and it’s a huge mistake,” he said.
While acknowledging that his own show does not compete in the Nielsen ratings, LaGreca expressed sympathy for Tierney and Licata.
“We [Don, Hahn, & Rosenberg] don’t benefit from that mistake, because, again, we’re not rated, and so we’re not competing with them. I feel real bad for two people that I consider friends, and if they’re not working, New York’s less for it,” he added.
Rosenberg echoed LaGreca’s concerns, noting the limited opportunities in New York sports radio for displaced talent.
“It’s the thing you hate about this business, if someone else gets an opportunity, whether they’re deserving or undeserving, that’s our opinion. People get left out,” Rosenberg said. “In this market, Don, there aren’t a lot of opportunities to do it. So where do you go? It’s a very challenging thing. There aren’t that many different places that you can go play the game. So it sucks for those guys.”
Under the reported changes, Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber would shift to the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. block. The move would be Roberts’ second major schedule change in two years and would place the duo against ESPN New York’s midday show. Meanwhile, Carton is reported to have a new partner. FAN overnight host Chris McMonigle has emerged as the leading candidate to join him. The expectation is the removal of BT & Sal from their current timeslot on the legacy sports radio brand.
Audacy and WFAN have not officially confirmed the lineup changes nor provided public comment on the matter.
LaGreca’s own future with ESPN New York still is an unknown. When ESPN New York launched Don, Hahn, & Rosenberg in January this year, the station also announced contract extensions for Hahn and Rosenberg. With his new role with the New Jersey Devils, LaGreca confirmed his current agreement with ESPN New York expires at the end of 2025.
“What I learned from Michael [Kay] is it’s a difficult balance—it can be all-consuming. If I learned anything, it’s to take care of yourself, because with the travel and the amount of time on air, if you’re not careful, you’ll get sick and wear yourself out,” noted LaGreca to Barrett Media in October. “My contract is up at the end of the year. I have seven-year-old twins, so right now every decision I make is based on what’s best for my family.”
With just weeks remaining on his deal, LaGreca reflected on his continued dedication to the radio program and station, saying ESPN has been amazing to him every step of the way.
“I’m a 57-year-old father of seven-year-old twins. So, time is as important to me as money. In a lot of ways, it’s even more valuable than money,” explained LaGreca. “As I weigh my options of staying or going, it’s all about what’s best for my family.”
ESPN New York or Good Karma Brands have not announced a new extension as of yet for LaGreca.
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I like BT & Sal best of all the WFAN hosts.