Richard Neer, a legendary figure in WFAN’s weekend lineup, has officially concluded his Saturday morning show after an impressive 27-year tenure. The announcement from the station on Friday marks a significant transition, signaling the end of an era for one of the most recognizable voices in New York sports radio.
Understanding Richard Neer’s Departure from WFAN: Reasons and Impacts
Indeed, the esteemed radio host Richard Neer is stepping back from his beloved Saturday morning program on WFAN, marking the end of an impressive nearly three-decade journey. The station confirmed this significant change on Friday, unveiling a revamped weekend schedule set to launch next week, which fans can eagerly anticipate.
In the revamped lineup, Joe Benigno will take command of the 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday slot, followed by Chris McMonigle from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The update was shared by Evan Roberts during his afternoon show, while Neer himself addressed the audience during his heartfelt final sign-off on Saturday morning. “I’ve been incredibly blessed. Having been in New York radio for 54 years, I think for whatever reason, it’s time for me to move on,” Neer expressed to his loyal listeners. “Yeah. I don’t know what to say. This wasn’t my choice.”
Neer’s voice has resonated with New York sports fans for over five decades, with 37 of those years dedicated to WFAN. His Saturday show became a cherished weekend tradition for countless devoted followers. While he is stepping away from his regular time slot, Neer will not completely depart from the station. He has already committed to hosting on Memorial Day and aims to remain engaged with occasional fill-in opportunities, particularly during holidays.
Although Neer was not specific about the circumstances surrounding his departure, he openly acknowledged that the decision was not his own. “You know, you have a shelf life,” he noted on air. Despite the impending changes, he expressed profound gratitude to his audience and colleagues, stating, “It’s something that I’ve cherished—doing this shift on WFAN for 37 years. So I’ll truly miss it.”
Although his regular show has concluded, Neer is poised to concentrate more on his writing endeavors. With several books already published, this transition could provide him with greater creative freedom. “Getting paid to talk about sports has been a privilege,” he reflected, highlighting his appreciation for his time in radio. (via Newsday)
