Craig Carton: Back to WFAN — What’s the Big News?
Craig Carton is set to return to WFAN / WFAN-FM in New York in January 2026, taking over the coveted afternoon drive-time slot.
This marks Carton’s third stint at WFAN after dramatic turns in his career — from airwaves stardom, fall from grace, and redemption, to a comeback many in radio circles are watching closely.
The move will trigger a reshuffle at WFAN: current afternoon hosts Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber are expected to shift to middays, while the present midday team (Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata) may be shown the door.
Journey So Far: Carton’s Career, Downfall & Rise
Early Radio Rise
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Craig Carton began his broadcasting career in the early 1990s, with stints at WGR Buffalo, WWWE Cleveland, and WIP Philadelphia, before spending time in Denver radio.
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In 2007, he joined WFAN in New York and launched the show Boomer and Carton, alongside Boomer Esiason — which quickly became one of the highest-rated morning shows in the station’s history.
The Fall: Legal Trouble and Exit
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In 2017, Carton was arrested on federal charges — securities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy — tied to a concert-ticket resale scheme used to fund his gambling addiction.
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He resigned from WFAN at that point. After a trial, he was sentenced to a 36–42 month term, though he served just over a year, released to home confinement in mid-2020.
First Redemption: Return & Reinvention
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Soon after his release, WFAN rehired him. In November 2020, Carton returned as co-host of the afternoon-drive show Carton & Roberts with Evan Roberts, filling the slot vacated by the retiring Joe Benigno.
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During this second tenure, Carton also launched a weekly show, Hello, My Name Is Craig, focused on gambling addiction and recovery — a personal cause rooted in his own experiences.
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Under his watch, “Carton & Roberts” became a ratings-winning afternoon show, cementing his second act in radio.
Venturing into Television — And Another Exit
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In 2022, Carton branched into television: he moved to cable with a morning show on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), eventually hosting Breakfast Ball.
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However, after its debut in August 2024, “Breakfast Ball” was cancelled in summer 2025, ending Carton’s FS1 morning stint.
That cancellation triggered renewed rumors of a WFAN comeback — and now, that comeback has been confirmed.
What His Return Means for WFAN — Bigger Picture & Stakes
Lineup Shakeup & Strategy Reset
Carton’s reintroduction into the afternoon drive slot triggers a domino effect: longtime hosts are reshuffled and some — like Tierney and Licata — may lose their positions entirely.
The likely new co-host alongside Carton is overnight host Chris McMonigle, allowing WFAN to preserve popular pairings while injecting fresh energy into afternoons.
Redemption Arc and Public Interest
Carton isn’t just a returning host — he embodies a redemption narrative. From scandal and incarceration to public speak-outs on gambling addiction, his journey resonates. Many will tune in less for sports debate and more for that storyline.
For WFAN, this means potential ratings surge — curiosity, controversy, and comeback all wrapped in one. For Carton, this is possibly his last shot at legacy radio glory.
What to Watch: Key Questions & Risks
| Question | Significance |
|---|---|
| Will longtime WFAN listeners welcome Carton back after his past scandal? | His past could polarize audiences — some may view it as redemption, others may remain skeptical. |
| Can Carton regain — or exceed — his previous ratings success this time around? | The pressure is high; failure could damage both his and WFAN’s credibility. |
| How will the displaced hosts (Tierney, Licata) react, and will their departure affect listener loyalty? | Listener backlash may weaken trust in station decisions. |
| Will Carton continue his advocacy on gambling addiction publicly on air? | Could redefine his role — not just as a host, but as rehab advocate, adding depth to the show. |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: When exactly is Craig Carton returning to WFAN?
A: Reports indicate Carton will take over the afternoon drive slot starting January 2026 as part of a major lineup revamp.
Q: Is this his first time returning to WFAN after legal issues?
A: No — this will be his third tenure at WFAN. He previously hosted morning shows (2007–2017), then returned as afternoon host in 2020, left in 2023 for FS1, and is now coming back in 2025.
Q: Why was Carton’s previous FS1 show cancelled?
A: His FS1 morning show “Breakfast Ball,” which launched in August 2024, was cancelled in July 2025. That cancellation is one of the main reasons he is returning to radio.
Q: Who will host WFAN afternoon drive with Carton?
A: The leading candidate to co-host with Carton is overnight host Chris McMonigle.
Q: Does Carton have any ongoing projects besides WFAN?
A: Yes — he continues to be involved with his weekly show focused on gambling addiction recovery, originally launched as “Hello, My Name Is Craig.”
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Return
Craig Carton’s comeback to WFAN isn’t just another hire. It’s a bold gamble — with redemption, controversy, and legacy all on the line. For WFAN, it’s a strategic shakeup; for Carton, perhaps the final act of a tumultuous media career. Millions of listeners now await whether the comeback delivers — in ratings, reputation, and resonance.
