Why is wfan bringing craig carton back

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: WFAN is bringing Craig Carton back because his previous morning show with Boomer Esiason was highly successful, generating strong ratings and revenue before Carton's legal issues. Carton returned to WFAN in November 2020 after serving prison time for fraud, initially hosting an afternoon show. In September 2021, WFAN announced Carton would reunite with Esiason in the coveted morning drive slot starting November 2021, aiming to recapture their previous success and compete in New York's competitive sports radio market.

Key Facts

Craig Carton co-hosted WFAN's morning show with Boomer Esiason from 2007 to 2017
Carton was convicted of fraud in 2018 and served approximately one year in prison
Carton returned to WFAN in November 2020 to host an afternoon show
WFAN announced Carton's return to morning drive with Esiason in September 2021
The Carton & Roberts show (Carton's afternoon show) achieved strong ratings in 2021

Overview

WFAN (660 AM) is New York City's first and most prominent sports radio station, launched in 1987. Craig Carton joined WFAN in 2007 as co-host of the morning show "Boomer and Carton" with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason. The show became highly successful, consistently ranking among New York's top-rated morning programs. In September 2017, Carton was arrested on federal fraud charges related to a ticket resale Ponzi scheme. He resigned from WFAN shortly after his arrest and was convicted in November 2018, serving approximately one year in prison. During Carton's absence, WFAN experimented with various morning show formats, including "Boomer and Gio" with Gregg Giannotti, but ratings declined from the peak Carton-Esiason era.

How It Works

WFAN's decision to bring Carton back involved several strategic considerations. First, station management analyzed ratings data showing that Carton's previous morning show with Esiason consistently outperformed competitors in the key 25-54 demographic. Second, after Carton's return to afternoon drive in November 2020, his new show "Carton & Roberts" with Evan Roberts demonstrated strong audience engagement and ratings growth throughout 2021. Third, WFAN faced increased competition from ESPN New York and digital sports media, creating pressure to reclaim morning dominance. The station conducted audience research and determined that Carton's unique style—combining sports analysis with entertainment, controversy, and New York-centric content—resonated particularly well with morning listeners. The reunion with Esiason was structured to leverage their proven chemistry while incorporating lessons from Carton's legal troubles and rehabilitation.

Why It Matters

WFAN's decision to reinstate Carton in morning drive has significant implications for New York sports media. Morning drive (6-10 AM) represents radio's most lucrative daypart, generating the highest advertising rates. A successful morning show can determine a station's overall financial performance. Carton's return represents a calculated risk—while his legal history creates reputational concerns, his proven ability to attract listeners offers substantial revenue potential. The move also reflects changing attitudes toward rehabilitation in media, as Carton has been open about his addiction and recovery. For listeners, the reunion promises a return to the energetic, unpredictable format that made "Boomer and Carton" distinctive, potentially reshaping New York's competitive sports talk landscape.