The changes sweeping through WFAN have claimed the jobs of two longtime staples.
Erica Herskowitz and Rich Ackerman, 20/20 “sports flash” update anchors who had been with the station for nearly three decades, each announced their departures in recent days.
“After 29 years, this is my final update on WFAN. I just want to thank the listeners for always being so nice to me, especially when I first started as a 20-year-old. I was terrible and I knew it. Probably not much better right now. Happy holidays to everybody. It’s been a good run,” Herskowitz said as she signed off on Saturday.
Afterward, she informed her X followers that she was finished with WFAN and posted a Bryan Cranston mic-drop GIF, which prompted some supportive responses.
“Talent, class, and grace. A very rare combo in our industry. Thank you for setting the standard every day,” former WFAN host Maggie Gray wrote to Herskowitz.
Ackerman’s last day at the station was on Wednesday, and Chris McMonigle — who is partnering with the returning Craig Carton for WFAN’s new afternoon drive-time show next month — paid tribute to Ackerman before his final update and gave Ackerman the chance to say goodbye.
“It’s very emotional. It’s been a very tough day, and I’m like Dick Vermiel — I cry a lot. And I’ve shed a lot of tears today,” Ackerman said.
McMonigle noted that Ackerman was at his wedding and always sends him messages on his kids’ birthdays.
“I’m happy to call you a friend. I wish you nothing but the best,” McMonigle said, later calling Ackerman “truly one of the greats, just such a unique, different character.”
Carton’s return for a third stint at WFAN, months after the cancellation of his FS1 show, caused a shakeup throughout the station’s lineup.
Carton’s former afternoon partner, Evan Roberts, and Tiki Barber have been bumped from the afternoons to the midday slot. Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, who had been working middays, are gone from WFAN.
Tommy Lugauer will take over the “After Hours” slot from 7 p.m. to midnight.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
