New York City is bidding farewell to WCBS 880, a news radio station that has been a part of the city’s history for nearly six decades. On August 26, the station will air its final broadcast, marking the end of an era. The station’s owner, Audacy, has announced that it has signed a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) with Good Karma Brands (GKB), an ESPN-affiliate broadcasting company, which will replace WCBS 880 with ESPN New York. However, Audacy will still retain ownership of the frequency, which will be renamed WHSQ-AM, pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
As WCBS 880 bids farewell, Audacy plans to concentrate its news content exclusively on another station it owns, 1010 [email protected] FM. According to Audacy, this station is not only the most-listened-to news radio station in the country but also the only 24/7 all-news brand in the New York market. Despite the change, fans of the New York Mets can still tune in to WCBS 880, as well as access Audacy-produced podcasts through the station and the Audacy app.
Chris Oliviero, Audacy’s New York Market president, explained that the decision to transition WCBS 880 to ESPN New York was driven by shifts in the market and the need to adapt to new strategies for news broadcasting. Oliviero acknowledged that the news business has undergone significant changes and that it was essential to reimagine how news is delivered to make the most impact. WCBS 880 has a long-standing reputation as a respected radio station, with numerous esteemed journalists having worked there over the years.
Oliviero emphasized the significance of WCBS 880 in the New York media landscape, stating, “If it happened in New York or the world, you heard about it on WCBS 880.” However, he believes that the transition to 1010 [email protected] will strengthen Audacy’s position as the industry leader in all-news radio. Oliviero highlighted the station’s best distribution platform, largest audience, and most recognized brand, asserting that the decision, though difficult, sets Audacy up for continued leadership in the industry for generations to come.
Audacy has experienced success in growing the news-listening audience of another one of its stations, 1010 WINS, by launching a simulcast on FM with 1010 [email protected] As a result, the station now attracts up to two million listeners per week. Audacy attributes this growth to the expanded distribution platform, which allows for deeper reach into the surrounding Tri-State suburbs of Long Island, New Jersey, Westchester, and Connecticut.
In recognition of WCBS 880’s significant contribution to American culture, Audacy will air a commemorative special on 1010 [email protected] and its app and website on August 22. Titled “WCBS 880 News: the People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped our Lives,” the special will be hosted by Bridgitte Quinn, host of Audacy’s Newsline. Quinn will showcase historical clips and interviews that have played a significant role in the station’s rich history.
As WCBS 880 prepares for its final broadcast, New York City bids farewell to a beloved news radio station that has served as a trusted source of information for decades. While the transition to ESPN New York marks the end of one chapter, Audacy’s focus on 1010 [email protected] ensures that the city will still have access to comprehensive news coverage. With its extensive reach and renowned brand, Audacy remains committed to delivering news that resonates with the people of New York.
