Craig Carton Returns to WFAN Afternoons: Lineup Revamp Explained! (2025)

Big news in the sports radio scene: Craig Carton is set to make a bold comeback to WFAN's afternoon slot, sparking major changes to the station's daily programming that could redefine how fans tune in. But here's where it gets really intriguing— this isn't just a simple reshuffling; it's a fresh start for a host with a storied past, and it raises questions about redemption, second chances, and the ever-evolving world of media. Stick around to dive deeper into the details, because this story includes twists that most listeners might overlook, and it could ignite some heated debates along the way.

According to a report from The Athletic's Andrew Marchand (linked here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6855337/2025/12/02/wfan-new-york-craig-carton-radio/), Craig Carton will be back on the daily roster at Audacy Sports 660 WFAN/101.9 WFAN-FM in New York starting in January, as part of a comprehensive lineup overhaul designed to refresh the station's offerings and keep audiences engaged.

For those new to this, Craig Carton is a well-known radio personality whose journey has been anything but straightforward. Since stepping away from the afternoon drive time in June 2023 (as detailed in this RadioInsight piece: https://radioinsight.com/headlines/253183/report-craig-carton-to-leave-wfan/), he has been leading a weekly show called 'Hello My Name Is Craig' (accessible at: https://www.audacy.com/wfan/hosts/hello-my-name-is-craig), which tackles the serious topic of gambling addiction. This program serves as an inspiring example of how media can address personal struggles, offering insights and support for listeners dealing with similar issues. Before that, Carton tried his hand at a morning show on cable's FS1, though it was short-lived, highlighting the challenges of transitioning between platforms in the fast-paced entertainment industry.

Carton's roots at WFAN go back further. He first joined the station in 2007, teaming up with Boomer Esiason for the morning show until he resigned in September 2017 (covered in this report: https://radioinsight.com/headlines/119734/craig-carton-resigns-wfan/) after an FBI arrest. This marked a dark chapter in his career, leading to a 12-month prison stint out of a possible 36-42 months for federal charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud. Yet, he bounced back, officially returning to WFAN in 2020 (as announced here: https://radioinsight.com/headlines/200544/wfan-makes-craig-cartons-return-official/) to co-host afternoons with Evan Roberts. It's a classic tale of resilience in the media world, reminding us that careers can have dramatic ups and downs.

Prior to his WFAN era, Carton built his reputation across various radio stations, co-hosting afternoons at New Jersey 101.5 WKXW in Trenton, and working at outlets like WGR in Buffalo, WWWE in Cleveland, KKFN and KBPI in Denver, WIP in Philadelphia, and WNEW-FM in New York. Even during his legal troubles, while awaiting sentencing, he briefly hosted on the FNTSY Sports Network, showing how the industry sometimes keeps doors slightly ajar for talent in transition.

Now, as part of this revamp, Evan Roberts and his current co-host Tiki Barber are slated to shift to the midday slot, taking over from Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. This move could inject new energy into middays, potentially drawing in a broader audience with their sports analysis and storytelling. Carton, meanwhile, will team up with a fresh co-host, with insiders pointing to current overnight host Chris McMonigle as the top contender—think of it as a strategic pairing to blend Carton's charismatic style with fresh perspectives. And it's not just afternoons getting attention; WFAN is also on the hunt for someone to fill the night shift after Keith McPherson's recent exit (noted in this update: https://radioinsight.com/headlines/322031/keith-mcpherson-steps-down-from-nights-at-wfan/), creating opportunities for emerging voices in the industry.

And this is the part most people miss: Carton's comeback isn't without its controversies. His past legal troubles mean some fans might question whether he's truly reformed, or if the station is overlooking serious issues for the sake of ratings. Is this a genuine redemption story, or does it raise concerns about accountability in entertainment? For beginners in the sports media space, it's worth noting that such returns often spark debates about forgiveness versus forgetting, especially when high-profile figures are involved. Imagine, for instance, how this compares to athletes or celebrities who face scandals and later rebuild their careers—does public opinion play too big a role, or should talent and change get priority?