One of the most coveted programming jobs in sports radio is about to become available. Andrew Marchand of The New York Post reports that Mark Chernoff is set to call it a career as the program director of WFAN. According to Marchand, Chernoff will exit WFAN this spring and retire.
WFAN will begin searching immediately for a replacement. While radio success will be important, Marchand notes that Entercom will be looking for “a multi-media focused executive” to both oversee the on-air product and target digital growth.
Chernoff’s influence is felt left all over WFAN. Best known as a manager of talent and egos, he came to the station in 1993 after working with Howard Stern at 92.3 K-Rock. He has since worked with WFAN legends such as Don Imus and Mike & the Mad Dog, and oversaw high profile talent searches that resulted in bringing in notable personalities like Boomer Esiason, Craig Carton, Bart Scott, Maggie Gray, and others.
In an internal memo distributed to Entercom New York employees, Market Manager Chris Oliviero highlighted Chernoff’s nearly 30 years of unmatched success, and cited his friendship and mentorship as a key part of his own professional growth. Oliviero shared that Chernoff would be a member of the search committee and remain involved as an advisor for the next sports content lead for both WFAN and CBS Sports Radio. He called the task of replacing him a very difficult one.
Just last year, Barrett Sports Media’s Brandon Contes asked Chernoff if he had a plan to retire prior to BSM honoring him at the 2020 BSM Summit. At the time, Chernoff was adamant that he was not ready.
“I would miss it,” Chernoff said. “I’m not ready to retire and I hope they want to keep me here. I love overseeing FAN, CBS Sports Radio and working with other stations. And if somebody needs help with classic rock, classic hits, I’m always available to put my two cents in.”
Obviously Chernoff’s thought process has changed as he begins to think about turning 70. After weathering the storm of a pandemic and rebuilding the station’s afternoon show, it’s fair to say Chernoff has done all there is to do to leave WFAN in a strong position for the future.
Congratulations to Mark Chernoff on one of the truly legendary careers in programming, regardless of format! WFAN has big shoes to fill.