New York's WFAN to get an FM home

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/ FROM KEITH GROLLER I did a feature this summer on WFAN, New York's all-sports radio station, on its 25th anniversary. In particular, I spotlighted drive-time talk show host Mike Francesa. Now, like WIP, and Philly's 97.5, the Fanantic, WFAN is going to have an FM home. Not sure if this means WFAN will come in clearer here in the Lehigh Valley, but I am sure this is big news in the Big Apple. Here's the release: WFAN-AM, The Nation’s Most-Listened-To Sports Radio Station, To Be Simulcast On FM New Station Will Change Its Call Letters To WFAN-FM CBS RADIO, a division of CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS), today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase 101.9 FM from Merlin Media for $75 million. In late fall, CBS RADIO will begin its operation of the station under a Local Marketing Agreement, launching a simulcast of the company’s premier sports franchise, Sports Radio 66 WFAN. This move will immediately broaden the audience and reach of WFAN’s award-winning programming, which will continue to be broadcast on-air at 660 AM, online at www.wfan.com, and via the Radio.com app for a variety of mobile devices. “This is an extremely exciting opportunity to expand our radio presence in the nation’s largest market,” said Dan Mason, President and CEO, CBS RADIO. “Sports is a very popular format and a huge growth category for our business. As a result of this new asset, we look forward to The FAN building on its position as the leading sports radio franchise in the country.” WFAN pioneered the all-sports format when it launched on July 1, 1987, becoming the first radio station where listeners could hear and talk about sports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has been the most-listened-to station of its kind since it signed on the air. WFAN is home to leading personalities Mike Francesa, Boomer Esiason, Craig Carton, Joe Benigno, Evan Roberts and Steve Somers, and is the flagship station for the New York Giants, New York Mets, Brooklyn Nets and New Jersey Devils. Additionally, WFAN is the recipient of four prestigious Marconi Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters, including most recently Mike Francesa being honored as Major Market Personality of the Year (2012). The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory and other approvals.