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| Joe Benigno |
Joe Benigno, the longtime WFAN personality known for his passionate New York sports takes (especially on the Jets), appeared this week on The Jake Asman Show (a YouTube-based program focused on Jets content).
During the interview he made a pointed statement about the current state of WFAN, the iconic New York sports radio station where he spent decades hosting, including overnight shifts.
The NY Post reports Benigno, who still contributes part-time with a weekly Saturday morning show, didn't hold back: “The Fan will never be what it once was.” He elaborated that the golden eras—featuring Don Imus, the legendary "Mike and the Mad Dog" duo (Mike Francesa and Chris Russo), Steve Somers, his own overnight run, Eddie Coleman, Dave Sims, and others—are gone for good and won't return.
He expressed no nostalgia for the daily grind, saying he doesn't miss the commute or full-time role, and is content with his limited involvement plus his "Oh the Pain" podcast.
Benigno's remarks got quick pickup on X (formerly Twitter) from accounts like the Post's sports desk. Reactions ranged from agreement ("RIP to the golden era") to linking it to the station's evolution amid industry shifts like podcasting competition and changing listener habits. It's a candid take from an insider who's lived through WFAN's highs and now sees its prime as unrepeatable—though he still sticks around on weekends. If you're a longtime listener, it might resonate; if not, it underscores how much the station's identity has shifted over the years.