As the clock strikes twelve, the iconic WCBS 880 radio station will cease its broadcast after an illustrious 57 years of broadcasting. This final transmission signals the end of an era that witnessed the station provide New Yorkers with in-depth crime news, political events, and timely updates on subway hitches. Given the increasing dependence on applications, this is a significant shift in the information landscape. My mission, during my time at the station, was to articulate stories in a way that instilled sensitivity, provoking a sense of empathy in the listeners and underscoring the power of radio.
Widely followed journalists from WCBS, such as Marla Diamond and Steve Scott, have been instrumental in conveying news to the masses in New York. Another figure who became a staple at the station, Kaminski, devoted almost 36 years to traffic reporting from the landmark news helicopter. In a nod to pop culture and to keep things light, he often included a line or two from a Bruce Springsteen song during his reports – all delivered from high up in the skies.
Come August 26, the station will embrace a new identity as WHSQ-AM ESPN New York, with the 1010 WINS station set to be the sole survivor in New York’s all-news format radio landscape. Interestingly, both WCBS and WINS fall under the umbrella of Audacy. Among the highlights of the sports-centric content under the new format will be broadcasts of New York Mets games on WHSQ.
David Seifman, the esteemed former City Hall Bureau chief for The Post, observed that WCBS 880 played a monumental role in bringing exhaustive coverage of the mayor and city council to the people. Included in their comprehensive coverage was renowned 880 journalist Rich Lamb’s ‘Ask the Mayor’ program. This unique platform, offering direct communication between citizens and elected officials, was initiated under the Mayoral term of Rudy Giuliani and saw continued support during Mike Bloomberg’s term.
‘Rich Lamb was a key figure,’ acknowledged Seifman, attributing great significance to the radio persona’s role in the station’s success. To commemorate its influential role and myriad contributions over the past several decades, the radio station held a nostalgic three-hour special on a recent Thursday, remembering its impact on countless New York listeners and many from farther-afield.
‘For me, the station was the source of enlightenment during crucial moments, it was where I gained insight. I’m deeply saddened by its exit,’ expressed a long-time listener reflecting upon the news of the station’s closure.
Amidst its closing announcement, Audacy pointed to the prevailing nationwide challenges impacting local journalism as the primary reason for terminating the station’s operation. The declaration about the end of the station’s run arrived just after news of an 8% workforce reduction in the WNYC newsroom got out. These developments are reflective of a broader trend towards consolidation observed in local newspapers and newsrooms across the country.
The Writers Guild of America East, which includes WCBS journalists, sternly criticized the decision to shut down WCBS 880. The guild framed it as a further instance of amalgamation pursued by a major media conglomerate, which in effect deprives the public of access to crucial local news from multiple perspectives.
The guild went further to emphasize the timing of the decision, noting that it is particularly unfortunate during this critical election year. The closure of WCBS 880, according to the guild’s statement, is not only detrimental to the city but is also a disappointing development for the larger news industry.
The transformation of WCBS 880 into WHSQ-AM ESPN New York marks an end to a significant chapter in the narrative of New York’s media. Yet, this shift also underscores the evolving preferences of consumers in the digital age, where increased reliance on mobile applications for news consumption is evident.
The impending end of WCBS 880’s operations casts a spotlight on the changing dynamics within the media sector. Digital disruption and shifting consumer consumption patterns have paved the way for rapid consolidation in the media industry, exemplified by the rising number of newsroom layoffs and newspaper shutdowns.
In this changing landscape, organizations like Audacy have had to make difficult decisions to continue being viable. The closure of a beloved station like WCBS 880 is a clear indication of these inevitable changes and speaks volumes about the challenges faced by local journalism in the modern era.
The transition of WCBS to WHSQ-AM ESPN New York likewise provides insight into the growing demand for sports content. By redirecting the focus to New York Met games broadcast, Audacy is following a notable trend in the industry: tailoring content to meet the evolving preferences of the audience.
While the end of WCBS 880 is a great loss to many, its legacy will assuredly live on. Over its 57-year history, the station left an indelible mark on New York radio, demonstrating the power of forthright, unbiased journalism and fostering a profound sense of community among its listeners.
Rich Lamb, Marla Diamond, Steve Scott and many others shaped the identity of WCBS 880, making it more than just a radio station. They transformed it into a trusted companion for New Yorkers, a source of unbiased news, trusted political affairs coverage, and a comforting voice amidst city chaos.
Indeed, the closure marks the end of a significant era in New York local journalism. However, as one chapter closes, another opens with WHSQ-AM ESPN New York. While it’s certain to have a different tone and direction, it might offer a fresh perspective, satisfying today’s New Yorkers’ changing needs.