Boomer Esiason has made his pick. WFAN Boomer & Gio producer Al Dukes will induct him into the Radio Hall of Fame later this fall.
What We Know: Esiason enters the Radio Hall of Fame on October 8 in Chicago. In turn, he selected longtime Boomer & Gio producer Al Dukes to induct him. Dukes has worked beside Esiason for nearly twenty years at WFAN. Meanwhile, other voices have rotated through the show during that run, including Eddie Scozzare’s exit and Craig Carton’s legal trouble. Esiason reflected on the selection Tuesday as he asked Dukes if he’d accept the honor.
What They Said: (all quotes via WFAN)
Boomer Esiason on why he’s choosing WFAN producer Al Dukes to induct him into the Radio Hall of Fame: “Al was with me since I took this job day one. Eddie left, Jerry came after Al, Craig went to jail, and me and Al have been stuck together for you know 19 years.”
Boomer Esiason on Al Dukes as a producer and what he’s learned from him at WFAN: “Since we have been together since the beginning of this program, you’ve never wavered. You’ve always stood tall, and you’ve always been a really good sounding board. You know radio, and I’ve learned a lot from you.”
What Remains Unclear: The Radio Hall of Fame hasn’t confirmed a full speaker lineup for the ceremony.
What It Means: The choice puts a trusted producer over Esiason’s entire tenure at WFAN at the center of the tribute. Ultimately, it highlights Dukes’ influence across nearly two decades of morning radio with Esiason. Moreover, for an industry built on hosts and executives, the nod underscores steady, behind-the-scenes partnership.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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.