WCBS/880 AM to Switch to ESPN New York Radio

Audacy, the radio and podcast giant, recently made a significant announcement that WCBS/880 AM, the cherished all-news radio station synonymous with the iconic phrase “Traffic and weather together on the 8’s,” will cease operations on August 26. In a surprising turn of events, Audacy will transfer the 880 frequency to ESPN New York, a direct competitor to its own WFAN sports radio talk station. This move also means that the Mets games will still be broadcasted on 880 AM.

Unfortunately, this transition will result in the layoff of numerous staff members, including well-known personalities in the New York broadcasting scene. The Writers Guild of America East has confirmed that approximately two dozen employees, such as chief meteorologist Craig Allen and managing editor Tom Kaminski, will be affected by this decision. The station’s morning and afternoon anchors, along with writers, editors, and technical support staff, will also be let go.

Audacy attributed this change to the challenges faced by local journalism, further emphasizing its commitment to focus its news coverage efforts in the New York metropolitan area on its flagship station, 1010 WINS. Despite the necessity of this strategic realignment, the news of WCBS/880 AM signing off has understandably been met with sadness and shock by both listeners and employees alike.

The decision by Audacy reflects broader trends in the media landscape, where traditional news outlets are grappling with evolving consumer habits and increased competition from digital platforms. As the radio industry navigates these challenges, the departure of WCBS/880 AM serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of journalism and the impact of these changes on local communities.