NYC Radio: WFAN’s Mike Francesa Inks Contract Extension

Mike Francesa

WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM afternoon man, whose contract expires after next year's Super Bowl, has re-signed to remain with the station.

Mike Francesa has signed a long-term agreement to remain as afternoon drive personality for several more years. Some reports have put it as through 2017, according to a story by longtime NYC Media Writer Vince Santarelli at examiner.com.

Francesa first started with WFAN when they first went on the air back in 1987. He started as afternoon host with partner Mad Dog Russo on September 5, 1989. Russo, of course, left the show in 2008 and Francesa has been running solo ever since.

In his time at WFAN, Francesa has been honored with two NAB Marconi Awards and has been voted top sports personality by Talkers Magazine and Radio Ink.

“Mike has earned his place in radio history as a great broadcaster,” said CBS Radio president/CEO Dan Mason.

Added Mark Chernoff, Vice President, Sports Programming, CBS RADIO and WFAN Program Director, “Mike represents the heart and soul of WFAN, and we’re proud he will continue to make the station his long-term broadcast home. Like no one else, Mike can take a story to the next level and involve his listeners in thought provoking ways with topical and opinionated conversation. He has set the standard for what represents an entertaining and informative radio program.”

“I’m very proud of what we have accomplished at WFAN,” says Francesa. “I am also honored and thankful to CBS RADIO for its continued commitment, and most of all to the listeners for their enduring loyalty.”

According to the New York Daily News, as part of his deal, the Pope’s (as he's often referred to in Gotham sports circles) Sunday morning sermon, aka “The NFL Now,” will now be heard on CBS Sports Radio (it will still be on WFAN) and will be made available to more than 250 affiliates across the country.