Francesa Maintains N.Y. Radio Ratings Lead, While Calling Out ESPN's Michael Kay

WFAN-AM's Mike Francesa, since parting ways with longtime partner Chris Russo in August '08, has "largely has maintained the time slot's ratings dominance," according to Neil Best of NEWSDAY. The station's fall ratings "ranked first in afternoon drive time and second in the morning" in the N.Y. market. Francesa's afternoon broadcast finished first for "the fifth time in the past six quarters (not counting summers)." He said that he was "particularly happy with the numbers in light of the Yankees' absence in October and the Giants' early-season flameout." ESPN Radio N.Y.'s Michael Kay "finished seventh in the fall," which is "the highest ranking for a show in the station's history." Francesa said of Kay, "If that's the dent, good luck to him. Maybe I'll be able to find him in about another 50 years at this rate." WFAN's Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton "finished tied for second" during the 6:00-10:00am ET morning drive time, marking the duo's "highest rank in three years" (NEWSDAY, 12/24).