It's official: radio host Craig Carton is making a comeback! But this time, it's personal.
According to a report by Andrew Marchand from The Athletic, Carton will be returning to the airwaves of WFAN in New York City, marking a significant lineup change for the station. This move comes after a tumultuous few years for Carton, who has had a rollercoaster journey in the radio industry.
Carton, who initially joined WFAN in 2007 to host a morning show with Boomer Esiason, resigned in 2017 due to legal troubles. He served time for federal charges and made a comeback in 2020, hosting the afternoon slot with Evan Roberts. But here's where it gets controversial—Carton's return in 2023 was short-lived, as he left for a morning show on FS1, only to exit a few months later.
Now, Carton is set to reclaim his spot in the afternoon drive time, but with a new co-host. Marchand suggests that Chris McMonigle, the current overnight host, is the top contender. This shake-up also affects other WFAN talents; Roberts and Tiki Barber are moving to middays, replacing Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. And with Keith McPherson's recent departure, WFAN has a prime-time slot to fill.
Carton's career has been a wild ride, with stints at various stations across the country, including WKXW Trenton, WGR Buffalo, and WIP Philadelphia. His journey from co-hosting afternoons to battling personal struggles and legal battles, and now returning to WFAN, is a story of resilience.
And this is the part most people miss—Carton's weekly show, 'Hello My Name Is Craig,' has been a platform for him to openly discuss his gambling addiction. It's a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by public figures, and a powerful example of using media to raise awareness about addiction.
So, will Carton's return spark a ratings bonanza or divide listeners? Will his new co-host be a perfect match or a controversial choice? The radio world is buzzing with anticipation. What do you think? Is this a brilliant move or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts below!