Mark Chernoff is retiring after a distinguished career in radio, the last 28 years as the program director here at WFAN. When we wake up on July 1, Spike Eskin will officially succeed the legendary future Hall of Famer as our boss.
With June 30 being Cherny's final day, WFAN has a slew of salutes and tributes lined up - but our friend Jason Barrett of Barrett Sports Media has collated a collection of well-wishes for the boss!
We'll give you one here from the man you know as "The Architect," Audacy New York Market Manager Chris Oliviero, and please visit Barrett Sports Media to get the full collection!
Chris Oliviero, Audacy New York Market Manager: "Mark offered me one of my first paying radio jobs back in 1998, and since that moment our relationship has evolved into one of the most rewarding, important and genuine friendships of my entire life. He might not have been the first sports radio PD, but Babe Ruth wasn’t the first baseball player either. First does not always mean best.
The Chernoff family’s love of baseball is well documented, so when you look at the back of Mark’s baseball card, you will see a dominant performance. An almost 30 year run at the same station in market #1 delivering consistent ratings and revenue success. A gifted talent whisperer to a “Who’s Who’s” of radio personalities from Stern to Imus to Francesa & Russo to Boomer & Carton. Mark’s fingerprints are everywhere on our industry from the AM to FM sports revolution, to iconic local sports brands on the dial in the biggest cities in America beyond just New York, and to being a founding father of a thriving national sports radio network. What hasn’t he done?
But what he is most proud of I am sure and probably his biggest legacy will be his coaching tree. His mentorship to an All-Star roster of sports radio PDs nationwide is his gift to us all. When Mark cares he truly cares and when he says he will help make you better, he actually means it. Our business is better because of Mark, and I know I am too."
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