NYC Radio: Entercom Mum On Francesa's Successor

Mike Francesa

With Mike Francesa’s final day as a regular WFAN 660 AM /101.9 FM afternoon host approaching this Friday, Entercom and the station still do not have his replacements set or signed.

There has even been a divide regarding how to replace Francesa, reports Andrew Marchand at The NY Post.

Evan Roberts is one of the choices to be part of the afternoon team, according to Marchand citing sources. Roberts still needs to negotiate new terms as he is currently under contract as a midday host. But, in every current known machination, Roberts is one of Francesa’s replacements.

Joe Benigno would seem the smooth choice to move with his midday partner into afternoons, according Marchand. However,  some Entercom execs want to get younger and worry that they are going to have to redo afternoons soon because the 66-year-old Benigno has constantly talked about retirement. Benigno wants a substantial raise, too.

One of the original ideas that Entercom had to replace Francesa was to put Maggie Gray, Bart Scott and a third person in afternoons.

Roberts might have been the one to basically replace the role that Chris Carlin formerly played in CMB. EMB is over before it even started, though, as Scott decided to further his career at ESPN.

Scott has remained on FAN, even as he is intent on going to WEPN ESPN 98.7 FM to host a local show with Alan Hahn. FAN has reportedly tried last-ditch attempts to change Scott’s mind.

Entercom may try to make Scott’s life difficult instead of just thanking him for his time with the station and letting him go to its crosstown rival. They could try to be sticklers with non-compete or other contract language in an attempt to delay Scott’s exit.

Whichever way it goes, Entercom needs to finally decide very soon.

As part of his new three-year deal, Francesa still is expected to have a daily presence on WFAN, maybe 6 to 6:30 p.m. He will also be on Radio.com, where he said he will talk sports and politics.