Chris Carlin
Former WFAN and SNY host Chris Carlin left New York for Philadelphia to co-host the midday radio show with Ike Reese for WIP six months ago. Carlin catches up with The Post’s Justin Terranova to talk about his decision, the Philly experience and the possibility of returning to WFAN.
Q: Why did you leave New York for Philadelphia?
A: Having your own show on radio, it’s still based on ratings and always will be. That’s kind of what I was itching for. I always wanted to have my own show with somebody and I always wanted to see if I could do it, see if I could go and win. (If) you get ratings, you’re going to have a job, make good money and really connect with the fans. If you don’t get it done, then you’re out of a job.
Q: Did you face any resistance from Philadelphia fans as an outsider?
A: There were plenty of people who said, “You are a New York guy and not one of us,” and I get that because I’ve worked (in New York) for my whole life. I did clarify quite a bit that I was from New Jersey. But what the fans care about is everything Eagles and Philadelphia, and if you talk about that they don’t care. That’s the best part for me about local radio versus national radio: There’s a lot more passion, and you’re always talking about what they care about the most.
Q: Your WIP predecessor John Innes was fired as part of a battle with another station. Have you gotten involved in that at all?
A: I don’t get too much caught up in that because we just kind of do our own thing. If Ike and I do what I think we are capable of doing, I think we are going to be just fine. And I feel like we are really jelling and getting there right now. I am thoroughly enjoying it after six months. Q: Who were your biggest influences from WFAN? A: Mike (Francesa) and Chris (Russo), both of them, after producing the show for seven years. Dog brings it every day. If it was an NFL draft prospect you’d say they have a high motor. From Mike, it was all about the knowledge and understanding, thinking about things a bit more smartly, (delving) in a little bit deeper. Q: Would you have any interest in replacing Francesa, if that opportunity came up? A: I am in Philly and I am not going anywhere. I hate to see Mike go and when I watched that Mike and The Mad Dog 30-for-30 at Tribeca, there’s some hope they can somehow get together. I would just like to see it at WFAN, but I just don’t think it’s going to happen. I watched the documentary the other night and I teared up just thinking about how good it was.