History of WFAN (AM) in Timeline
WFAN is a sports radio station based in New York City, broadcasting on AM 660 and FM 101.9. Owned by Audacy, Inc., it serves the New York metropolitan area with sports programming and boasts a powerful 50,000-watt signal reaching much of the eastern US and Canada at night. Its studios are in Hudson Square, Manhattan, with its transmitter on High Island in the Bronx. Known as "Sports Radio 66 AM and 101.9 FM" or "The Fan", WFAN is a prominent sports radio outlet.
July 1913: AT&T Purchases Telephone Wire Amplification Patents
In July 1913, AT&T purchased patent rights for telephone wire amplification from Lee de Forest for $50,000.
October 1914: AT&T Purchases Radio Signalling Patent Rights
In October 1914, AT&T purchased commercial patent rights for radio signalling for $90,000.
July 1, 1920: AT&T Signs Agreement with GE
On July 1, 1920, AT&T signed a comprehensive agreement with General Electric (GE) to settle patent disputes, which effectively assigned dominance in specified areas of the radio industry to individual companies.
December 1, 1921: U.S. Department of Commerce Establishes Broadcasting Station Category
On December 1, 1921, the U.S. Department of Commerce formally established a broadcasting station category, setting aside 360 meters (833 kHz) for entertainment broadcasts and 485 meters (619 kHz) for market and weather reports.
February 11, 1922: AT&T Announces Intention to Develop a National Radio Chain
On February 11, 1922, AT&T formally announced its intention to develop a "national chain of radio transmitting stations."
April 29, 1922: WBAY Receives Broadcasting License
On April 29, 1922, the experimental station at 24 Walker Street was issued a broadcasting station license for operation on 360 meters, with the call sign of WBAY.
July 25, 1922: WBAY Debut Broadcast
On July 25, 1922, WBAY had its debut broadcast, consisting of recorded music. However, the signal was weaker than expected.
August 16, 1922: Broadcasting Operations Transferred to WEAF Transmitter
On August 16, 1922, due to weaker than expected signal from WBAY, broadcasting operations were transferred to the WEAF transmitter located at West Street. The first WEAF broadcast included the singer Marguerite Dunlap.
August 28, 1922: WEAF Broadcasts First Sponsored Program
On August 28, 1922, WEAF broadcast its first sponsored program, which was a 10-minute talk promoting an apartment development in Jackson Heights.
January 4, 1923: WEAF Transmits First Network Program
On January 4, 1923, WEAF transmitted its first network program, linking to WNAC in Boston using dedicated telephone lines.
May 12, 1923: WBAY and WEAF Swap Call Signs
On May 12, 1923, WBAY and WEAF swapped call signs, with WBAY becoming WEAF, and WEAF becoming WBAY.
May 15, 1923: WBAY and WEAF Reassigned to 610 kHz
Effective May 15, 1923, WBAY and WEAF were reassigned to 610 kHz as additional "Class B" assignments were made available.
July 1, 1923: WEAF Programming Rebroadcast by WMAF
On July 1, 1923, Colonel Edward H. R. Green arranged for AT&T to provide WEAF's programming for rebroadcast by his station, WMAF in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
May 11, 1926: AT&T Announces Broadcasting Company of America
On May 11, 1926, AT&T announced that its radio broadcasting activities would be incorporated under the name Broadcasting Company of America (BCA).
July 1, 1926: AT&T and Radio Group Companies Sign Agreements
On July 1, 1926, AT&T and the radio group companies signed twelve agreements including the sale of BCA's assets, principally WEAF and its associated chain operations, to RCA for $1 million.
1955: MOR Music Format Readopted
Later in the decade, WNBC shed its "Conversation Station" format and readopted a middle-of-the-road (MOR) music format, covering songs from the 1940s to the 1960s with non-rock and soft rock hits recorded after 1955, by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Nat "King" Cole, The Everly Brothers, Tom Jones, The 5th Dimension, Peggy Lee, and Dionne Warwick.
1964: Hits from 1964 Featured
By 1975, WNBC was playing an Adult Top 40 format, trying to compete with WABC. The station's playlist featured hits from 1964 to then-current music, and artists such as the Eagles, Billy Joel, Steve Miller, Fleetwood Mac, Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and disco acts, among others.
1964: Adopted Talk Format
In 1964, WNBC adopted a talk format, becoming the first radio station in New York to do so. Hosts included Big Wilson, Ed McMahon, Robert Alda, Mort Sahl, Sterling Yates, Joe Pyne, Lee Leonard, Jim Gearhart, Bill Mazer, Brad Crandall and Long John Nebel.
November 1971: Don Imus Hired
In November 1971, Don Imus was hired, giving New York its first exposure to the shock jock genre.
1971: Shift in Music Selection
By 1971, music from artists such as Frank Sinatra and Nat "King" Cole would disappear from WNBC, with a few exceptions. This separated WNBC from its WNEW-like beginnings as WNEW also began to move away from the more traditional artists as well.
1972: Murray "the K" Kaufman Joins
In 1972, WNBC brought in Murray "the K" Kaufman in an attempt to compete with New York top 40 powerhouse WABC.
1973: Wolfman Jack Joins
In 1973, WNBC hired Wolfman Jack to compete with WABC's Bruce "Cousin Brucie" Morrow, however this did not improve ratings much.
1974: John Lund hired as Program Director
In 1974, Jack G. Thayer hired John Lund from WNEW to be program director of WNBC. Then, WNBC hired Bruce Morrow away from WABC to take over the evening shift.
1975: Norm N. Nite Joins
In 1975, Norm N. Nite arrived from WCBS-FM to WNBC. By this time, WNBC was playing an Adult Top 40 format, trying to compete with WABC.
1977: Bob Pittman Hired
In 1977, Bob Pittman was hired as WNBC's new Program Director. His first decision was to lay-off all of the station's personalities, some of which were veterans, and shift the format to a more aggressively current-based top 40 format.
1978: WABC's Ratings Nosedive
In reality, WABC's ratings had begun to nosedive in 1978–79, and by the time WNBC beat them in 1980, it was only good enough for sixth place in the market.
1979: John Lund Returns; Imus Returns
By 1979, Pittman would leave WNBC, John Lund was hired back as program director, and Imus returned to the morning show. Under program director John Lund, WNBC's playlist was tweaked back to an adult top 40 format.
1979: Lund Returns as Program Director
When Lund returned as program director in late 1979, WNBC general manager Robert Sherman set the goal: "Beat WABC", which had been New York's #1 station for decades.
1980: "The New One" Slogan
In 1980, when an Arbitron report was released that WNBC believed confirmed that it was in fact the most popular AM music radio station in New York City, the slogan was changed to "The New One". Also in 1980, to differentiate its call letter similarity with WABC, Lund got Imus and other talents to over-emphasize the letter N when saying the station name: "66 W-NNNN-B-C". Within a year, Imus was #1 in the morning and WNBC surpassed WABC in Arbitron ratings. WNBC added American Top 40 with Casey Kasem late in 1980.
1980: Ratings Increase
Under program director John Lund, WNBC's playlist was tweaked back to an adult top 40 format, and ratings increased by 50% to surpass WABC by the summer of 1980.
1980: "Twice as Many" Contest
When Lund returned as program director in late 1979, WNBC general manager Robert Sherman set the goal: "Beat WABC". Lund launched the "Twice as Many" contest promoting "twice the music, twice the prizes, and twice as many chances to win".
1981: John Lund Leaves
In 1981, John Lund left WNBC to begin his consulting and research firm in San Francisco, and the station's assistant PD R.E. "Buzz" Brindle served as interim program director until Kevin Metheny was hired in the late Spring.
May 10, 1982: WABC Switched to All-Talk
Once WABC switched to their present-day all-talk format on May 10, 1982, WNBC added a few rock songs that were not heard on any AC stations in the area.
August 8, 1982: Added C-QUAM AM Stereo
On August 8, 1982, WNBC added C-QUAM AM stereo.
November 1983: Lost American Top 40
WNBC lost American Top 40 to WPLJ in November 1983.
1983: Station Performance
The best days of WNBC were from the fall of 1980 until the fall of 1983, when the station was consistently in or near the top 5.
1984: Taped Wolfman Jack Shows Added
In overnights beginning in the spring of 1984, WNBC added taped Wolfman Jack shows which featured oldies from the 1960s with some 1950s and early 1970s music, with current and 80's hits mixed into rotation and pre-recorded voice tracks of Wolfman Jack announcing the songs, making the show sound live.
September 30, 1985: Howard Stern Terminated
On September 30, 1985, Howard Stern was terminated abruptly, supposedly due to corporate pressure.
1985: Dale Parsons Took Over
In the spring of 1985, Dale Parsons took over as program director.
April 18, 1986: Previous "N-Copter" Crash
Jane Dornacker had recently gotten back to flying in a helicopter after surviving a previous crash of the "N-Copter" into the Hackensack River in New Jersey a few months earlier on April 18, 1986.
October 22, 1986: "N-Copter" Traffic Helicopter Crash
On October 22, 1986, WNBC's "N-Copter" traffic helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing traffic reporter Jane Dornacker and severely injuring pilot Bill Pate. Joey Reynolds, working as radio host, awkwardly tried to figure out what had happened and then played "Hip to Be Square" by Huey Lewis and the News.
1986: Ratings Plummet
After Stern's dismissal, WNBC's ratings plummeted, and they were under a two-share by the spring of 1986. In the spring of 1986, Joey Reynolds moved into afternoons with a talk-intensive show while playing six songs an hour. Despite these changes, by the fall of 1986, WNBC was in a ratings crisis.
February 27, 1987: Joey Reynolds' show ended, Bill Grundfest temporarily moved into the time slot
On February 27, 1987, Joey Reynolds' show was ended on WNBC and Bill Grundfest temporarily took over the time slot.
March 9, 1987: Alan Colmes moved to afternoons
On March 9, 1987, Alan Colmes moved to afternoon on WNBC and continued to play four songs per hour.
March 23, 1987: Soupy Sales walked off midway through his show
On March 23, 1987, Soupy Sales found out about plans to end his show on WNBC, and he walked off midway through. Dale Parsons finished the show.
April 6, 1987: Ray D'Ariano moved back into the 10 am to 2 pm weekday time slot
On April 6, 1987, Ray D'Ariano moved back into the 10 am to 2 pm weekday time slot on WNBC, playing oldies from 1955-1973 with a focus on 1964-1969.
July 1, 1987: WFAN Launches as World's First 24/7 Sports Radio Station
On July 1, 1987, WFAN launched on 1050 AM as the world's first radio station to adopt the sports radio format around-the-clock.
1987: WNBC considered going all oldies, but instead increased the amount of oldies programming
In the summer of 1987, WNBC considered going all oldies, running The Time Machine full-time, except for Knicks and Rangers games, and Imus in the Morning. Instead, they increased the amount of oldies programming, but not full-time.
October 7, 1988: WFAN Moves to 660 kHz
On October 7, 1988, the WFAN call letters and sports format moved to 660 kHz, formerly the location of WNBC.
1988: Frequency switch proves sports-talk radio profitable
After the 1988 frequency switch, WFAN's success demonstrated that sports-talk radio could be a steadily profitable and popular format, fueling its explosive growth in the following decades.
August 1989: Pete Franklin left WFAN
In August 1989, Pete Franklin left WFAN after a feud with Imus and a failure to increase ratings.
September 5, 1989: Mike and the Mad Dog show premiered
On September 5, 1989, the jointly hosted afternoon drive show with Mike Francesa and Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo premiered, becoming a defining show for WFAN.
1990: WFAN conducted the first WFAN Radiothon
In 1990, WFAN conducted the first "WFAN Radiothon" to benefit children's charities that seek to ensure the continuity of life in its earliest stages and the treatment and eventual elimination of childhood cancer.
1992: Emmis sold WFAN to Infinity Broadcasting
In 1992, Emmis sold WFAN to Infinity Broadcasting.
1993: Ira Lieberfarb starts calling WFAN
Since 1993, Ira Lieberfarb has been a frequent caller to WFAN and almost exclusively talks New York Jets football.
1995: Russ Salzberg and Steve Somers teamed up for "The Sweater and The Schmoozer"
In 1995, WWOR-TV sports anchor Russ Salzberg was joined by longtime overnight host Steve Somers for a midday show known as "The Sweater and The Schmoozer" on WFAN.
1996: WFAN simulcast on MSNBC
In 1996, the television simulcast of WFAN started on MSNBC.
1999: Salzberg/Somers show cancelled, Somers given evening shift
In 1999, due to lower-than-expected ratings, WFAN cancelled the Salzberg/Somers show and fired both men. Following listener outcry, Steve Somers was given the evening shift. Suzyn Waldman and Jody McDonald replaced them in middays.
2001: Suzyn Waldman left WFAN
In late 2001, Suzyn Waldman left WFAN, and she joined the Yankees television broadcast team the following year.
2004: Jerome from Manhattan stops calling regularly
Beginning in late 2004, Jerome Mittelman, also known as "Jerome from Manhattan", stopped calling into WFAN regularly due to health problems.
2004: Jody McDonald was let go
In 2004, Jody McDonald was let go from WFAN and later joined WEPN, Sirius Satellite Radio, and WPEN radio in Philadelphia before returning in 2012. Overnight host Joe Benigno moved to daytime to replace McDonald and work with Sid Rosensberg.
September 12, 2005: Sid Rosenberg was forced to resign from WFAN
On September 12, 2005, Sid Rosenberg was forced to resign from WFAN after being given an ultimatum by station management for not showing up to host the New York Giants' pregame show the day before.
April 11, 2006: WFAN started streaming live on the Internet
On April 11, 2006, WFAN started streaming live on the Internet, but web streaming of live games is limited due to broadcast rights.
2006: WEPN took over majority of the coverage of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship
In 2006, WEPN took over a majority of the coverage of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship carried over Westwood One.
January 2, 2007: Evan Roberts became Benigno's new midday co-host
On January 2, 2007, Evan Roberts became Joe Benigno's new midday co-host on WFAN.
April 4, 2007: Don Imus made a sexually and racially controversial comment
On April 4, 2007, Don Imus made a sexually and racially controversial comment in reference to the Rutgers University women's basketball team, during a conversation with Bernard McGuirk and Sid Rosenberg.
July 1, 2007: WFAN celebrated its twentieth anniversary
On July 1, 2007, WFAN celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Past hosts did guest-hosting stints and listeners voted on the "Greatest New York sports moments" and the "Top 20 New York sports celebrities".
September 4, 2007: Esiason takes over WFAN morning show
On September 4, 2007, Boomer Esiason became the permanent host of the WFAN morning show, with Craig Carton as co-host and Chris Carlin providing sports updates. The program was not nationally distributed by Westwood One, and Charles McCord left to rejoin Don Imus at WABC.
December 2007: Imus revived his program at WABC radio
In December 2007, Don Imus revived his program at WABC radio.
May 2008: Imus conducted a radiothon at WABC
In May 2008, Don Imus conducted a radiothon at WABC, taking his fundraiser with him.
June 22, 2008: Newsday reports Francesa/Russo relationship cooled
On June 22, 2008, Neil Best of Newsday reported that the Francesa/Russo relationship had cooled, and they were considering ending their radio show. Francesa refused to comment.
June 27, 2008: Francesa acknowledges show at a crossroad
On the June 27, 2008, broadcast, Mike Francesa acknowledged the show with Mike Russo was at a "crossroad" and couldn't guarantee it would last through the summer, also stating they hadn't spoken since the breakup reports surfaced.
July 11, 2008: Francesa and Russo reunite on air
On July 11, 2008, Mike Francesa and Mike Russo reunited for their first show together since news of their possible breakup came out. Both men were coy about their future beyond the summer.
August 5, 2008: Francesa and Russo's final show together at Giants training facility
On August 5, 2008, Mike Francesa and Mike Russo did their final show together at the New York Giants' training facility at the University of Albany.
August 14, 2008: Russo leaves WFAN
On August 14, 2008, Mike Russo reached a mutual agreement with WFAN to let him out of his contract, which ran until October 2009. Russo claimed it was a personal decision to do something different.
August 15, 2008: Mike Francesa announced a new fundraising radiothon
On August 15, 2008, Mike Francesa announced during the final broadcast of Mike and the Mad Dog that WFAN would broadcast a new fundraising radiothon benefiting both the Boomer Esiason Foundation for cystic fibrosis research, and the Mike Francesa Champions of the Heart Foundation.
September 2008: The first radiothon took place
In September 2008, WFAN held a radiothon to benefit the Boomer Esiason Foundation for cystic fibrosis research and the Mike Francesa Champions of the Heart Foundation.
2008: Ann Liguori's show ended
In 2008, Ann Liguori's show "Hey Liguori, What's the Story" ended after running since 1987.
2008: Jerome from Manhattan returns
In mid-2008, Jerome Mittelman, also known as "Jerome from Manhattan", started to call into WFAN more frequently again.
October 2009: Russo's contract end date
Mike Russo's WFAN contract ran until October 2009, though he left the station earlier.
2009: Francesa last appeared with Boomer and Carton
In 2009, before June 29, 2012, was the last time Mike Francesa, Boomer Esiason, and Craig Carton had appeared together.
April 2010: WFAN stopped streaming live on the Internet to listeners outside of the United States.
In April 2010, WFAN stopped streaming live on the Internet to listeners outside of the United States.
September 2010: WFAN simulcast on MSG Network
In September 2010, WFAN reached an agreement with MSG Network to simulcast Boomer and Carton live each weekday. The four-hour show was simulcast live with a condensed "best-of" program airing later each day and throughout the weekend.
2010: WFAN wins Marconi Award
In 2010, WFAN was honored with the Marconi Award for Sports Station of the Year by the National Association of Broadcasters.
August 2011: Paterson accepts job with WOR
In August 2011, after sporadically appearing as a guest host and in-studio guest for WFAN, David Paterson accepted a job with WOR.
2011: Omar receives tickets from Boomer
In 2011, Omar from Brooklyn received tickets from Boomer to a Jets-Bills game.
June 25, 2012: Staff announces favorite moments, interviews, and teams
On June 25, 2012, WFAN's notable current staff announced their favorite moments, interviews, and teams.
June 28, 2012: Francesa to join Boomer and Carton
On June 28, 2012, it was revealed that Mike Francesa would join Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on their program on June 29, 2012.
June 29, 2012: Francesa joins Boomer and Carton
On June 29, 2012, Mike Francesa joined Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on their program. Later that day, Carton and Esiason joined Francesa on his show, Mike's On: Francesa on the FAN.
November 1, 2012: CBS operates 101.9 under LMA, call sign changed to WFAN-FM
On November 1, 2012, CBS began operating 101.9 under a local marketing agreement (LMA), with the call sign changed to WFAN-FM.
2012: Ira Lieberfarb rewarded with Francesa conversation
In 2012, Ira Lieberfarb was rewarded with a one-on-one conversation with Mike Francesa after being voted as one of the most famous callers during WFAN's 25th anniversary celebration.
2012: Controversy over subway ad
In 2012, WFAN faced controversy over a New York City Subway ad that discouraged fans from offering seats to pregnant women wearing Boston Red Sox gear, viewed as taking the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry too far.
2012: New sports radio networks debut
In fall 2012, NBC Sports Radio and CBS Sports Radio (now Infinity Sports Network) debuted.
January 2014: Boomer and Carton TV simulcast moves to CBS Sports Network
In January 2014, the televised simulcast of the Boomer and Carton show moved to CBS Sports Network.
2014: Suzyn Waldman returned to become the first woman color commentator
In 2014, Suzyn Waldman returned to WFAN to become the first woman color commentator for the station's Yankees broadcasts.
2014: Yankees first priority of airtime
Prior to 2014, WFAN was contractually obligated to give the New York Mets (before 2014) and Giants first priority of airtime.
2015: WFAN carried matches of New York City FC
In 2015, WFAN carried matches of New York City FC during its inaugural season.
2016: WFAN broadcasts Islanders games
During the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, WFAN broadcast New York Islanders games produced by WRHU.
February 2, 2017: CBS Radio announces merger with Entercom
On February 2, 2017, CBS Radio announced it would merge with Philadelphia-based Entercom.
2017: WFAN broadcasts Islanders games
During the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, WFAN broadcast New York Islanders games produced by WRHU.
January 2, 2018: WFAN discontinued the thrice-hourly updates
On January 2, 2018, WFAN discontinued the thrice-hourly updates and news updates occurred only at the top of the hour during and in-between station programming.
2018: WFAN began splitting AM and FM simulcast
Beginning in 2018, WFAN began to split its AM and FM simulcast to allow the station to simultaneously air two events.
2018: Devils and Islanders move to Radio.com
Beginning in 2018-19, the Devils and Islanders moved their broadcasts to the Radio.com platform, though WFAN broadcast a limited number of Devils contests.
2019: Increased simulcast splits
In 2019, simulcast splits became more regular on WFAN after WCBS (AM) began carrying Mets radio broadcasts.
November 2020: Joe Benigno retired
In November 2020, Joe Benigno retired from WFAN and was replaced by former morning host Craig Carton.
March 30, 2021: Entercom rebranded to Audacy
On March 30, 2021, Entercom rebranded to the corporate name Audacy. WFAN programming is found on the Audacy.com website and app.
2021: Steve Somers retired
In 2021, Steve Somers retired from WFAN and was replaced by Keith McPherson in the evening shift.
2022: WFAN becomes home for Rutgers Scarlet Knights football
In 2022, WFAN became the home for Rutgers Scarlet Knights football, replacing longtime flagship station WOR.
August 2024: Rutgers basketball rights move to WFAN
In August 2024, rights to Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's basketball also moved to WFAN after WCBS was taken over by Good Karma Brands.
2024: WFAN airs World Series, uses overflow streams
In 2024, after the Yankees entered the World Series, WFAN aired the World Series coverage on both AM and FM broadcasts, using WINS, WXBK, and an online overflow stream called WFAN2 to air overflow coverage of Rutgers Football, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Nets coverage until the World Series concluded.
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