MSG Scores Simulcast Pact With WFAN's 'Boomer & Carton'

MSG Network has reached a deal with CBS Radio to simulcast Sports Radio 66's morning Boomer & Carton show.

The regional sports network will begin simulcasting the WFAN show weekday mornings from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., beginning on Sept. 14. The program, hosted by Craig Carton and former NFL quarterback and broadcaster Boomer Esiason, will also be edited into ‘best of'compilation shows that will air weeknights and on weekends. Highlights from each show will also be available for streaming at MSG.com and wfan.com.

Deal terms were not disclosed.

Carton and Esiason join WFAN teammate Mike Francesa in the simulcast RSN world in the New York DMA: the latter has long hosted his afternoon radio show on YES Network.

Boomer & Carton will be hosted from a new Allstate Insurance-branded studio from WFAN. Allstate recently signed a multiyear sponsorship with MSG and WFAN-AM and will be the presenting partner for both the radio and television programs.
The Boomer & Carton show debuted on WFAN on Sept. 4, 2007 and less than two years later became the No. 1-rated morning radio show in New York among men 25 to 54, according to Arbitron, a position the program has held for every quarterly ratings report since.
"Boomer and Craig have quickly become an integral part of the sports media landscape in New York," said Dan Ronayne, executive vice president and general manager, MSG Networks, in announcing the deal "They are opinionated, intelligent and passionate about New York sports, and we're excited to bring WFAN's Boomer & Carton show to our viewers."

"Boomer and Craig have established themselves as one of the top morning show teams in sports broadcasting, sharing their insight, influence and sense of humor with listeners from all over the tri-state area," added Don Bouloukos, senior vice president/market manager, CBS Radio New York. "Their popular show has a large following among radio and online audiences. This natural brand extension to MSG will boost the visibility of WFAN and the Boomer and Carton program with early morning television viewers. We are pleased to enter into this partnership with MSG who, like us, are pioneers in their industry built on the premise of bringing live, original content to a mass audience through a variety of media assets."