WFAN Boycott and Suggestions
It’s music to my ears that others are starting to realize the substandard product produced by WFAN. For about two years, this site has been a pioneer in holding WFAN accountable. I have to admit, the real source of discontent started with the “Unauthorized WFAN Forum” at mikefrancesa.com. If not for those guys, and the spin off called themikefrancesa. …
com, we wouldn’t even have seen modest changes made by Team Chernoff.
Recently I opined about the stupid tacticsused to drive the stations ratings. Anytime I criticize the FAN, I get anonymous emails accusing me of jealousy, ignorance, or an agenda. I am told that WFAN is enjoying “its best ratings ever” and things are great at the station. Unfortunately, for Mark Chernoff, things such as social media, FAN events, and general dialogue with insiders tell a different story. Bob Blitz’s reported about how the ratings were down in December, and that there was a possibility of it dropping even further in January. Fortunately, the Jets made an historic run, and their beloved Mike Francesa used his pulpit to antagonize the Jets fan base. That should keep Chernoff in good standings with his bosses, but I believe it
Today, news came out from our good friends at Bob’s Blitzthat Jets websites are encouraging a boycott of WFAN. I actually did this during the summer and, to be honest, didn’t really miss a beat. It’s hard to boycott the all sports radio station since there is no competition. What else will you listen to in the car? I like Brandon Tierney over at ESPN, but living in Eastern Long Island makes it hard to hear ESPN in certain parts.
This boycott is music to my ears. It’s time to send Mark Chernoff a message and let him know the “stupid radio tricks” are not acceptable. We want him to start developing some of the station’s talent, and put an end to the same bland shows. Their mediocre web presence is a joke in the age of technology and social media. Unfortunately, as long as Chernoff runs the station, things will never change. That is why I am proposing the following:
1) Fire Mark Chernoff: Time to send this guy packing. I am not one to wish people losing their jobs, but in an economy where unemployment is over 10% the fact that this guy is allowed to earn a paycheck for his mediocre performance is abhorrent. CBS needs to hire someone young, with vision, and who understands the future of radio. Chernoff’s resume meets none of the above.
2) Fire Craig Carton: Enough with his inappropriate humor and snarky attitude. The guy is hated by his colleagues, and is being carried by a legendary former New York athlete. Evan Roberts should get this slot. Roberts is a hard worker, has a good personality, and is knowledgeable about all sports. He deserves a chance to become a star. The fact that WFAN employs the wretched Carton bewilders me.
3) Pair Joe Benigno with Mike Francesa: Mike’s whole #1 claim is like giving the Saudi’s credit for drilling oil. Location, and lack of competition, keeps the arrogant and sloppy Francesa on top. A reader mentioned how the FAN has never paired a Mets and Yankees fan together. This would be the perfect combination. I might actually enjoy the show for the first time since Mad Dog left. No one should be bigger than their employer, and if Francesa doesn’t like it, tell him to take a walk. Trust me, no one is irreplaceable.
4) HireBrandon Tierney: This guy can be a star and, in my opinion, replace Francesa when he finally gets put out to pasture. He actually is knowledgeable about all sports, has a great personality, and is New York born and bred. His talent is wasted working for second rate ESPN Radio. He can take the midday slot. I bet he actually drives some ratings there
5) Experiment on the Weekends: Nothing against Paige, Somers, Neer, or any of the guys on the weekend, but start to experiment with those time slots. Obviously the games will rule, but gives some of your young talent a shot. Hey, you can even call NYBD and I will host a baseball show for you. I actually know how to connect with the modern baseball fan, and won’t need to survive just on calls. Maybe I can book a new guest or two that hasn’t been heard from, or needs to be paid. Regardless, this isn’t about me, but allowing future radio stars to shine. You can’t do any harm. The only damage done will be to the political hierarchy established by an old school radio hack like Chernoff.
The boycott is just the start. Listeners are angry and the future 25-54 demographic is not going to gravitate towards this dead style of radio. The current ratings are bogus because, if it weren’t, the quality and quantity of advertising would indicate otherwise. Tough times are ahead for WFAN and, if