WCBS/880 AM, a radio mainstay of New York for decades, nears its end

For its Sunday broadcast, WCBS/880 AM did what it’s been doing for nearly 60 years — provide New Yorkers with timely traffic, weather and news.

But the ubiquitous station's final day on air Sunday also managed to squeeze in tributes and farewell messages among the traffic and weather "on the 8s."

Parent company Audacy announced earlier this month that the all-news radio station would sign off for the last time at midnight Sunday. Audacy will license the frequency to ESPN New York, rival to its own WFAN, which carries Knicks and Rangers games beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

"What an honor it is to work with such talented and wonderful people here at WCBS New Radio 880," longtime reporter Tom O’Hanlon told the audience in a clip aired Sunday. "Thanks for inviting me into your life."

Portions of the broadcast were business as usual.

Jodi Vale in the WCBS traffic center gave morning updates on Harlem River Drive conditions, delays on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, as well as the Long Island Expressway. Anchor Linda Kenyon reported on donations in the presidential race and other local, national and world news, along with a segment from CBS Sunday Morning.

A celebratory three-hour special recorded during the week was played on Sunday as well. During that segment, former and current staff, along with guests, shared their memories of the station. Anchors Wayne Cabot, Paul Murnane and Brigitte Quinn led the others in a good-natured and occasionally bittersweet parade of memories.

"This is not a funeral," Cabot said during the on-air event. "This is a celebration of what has been the best radio station ever to exist."

Peter Haskell spent 28 years with WCBS/880 before leaving in 2022 because of a vocal disorder. During his time with the station, Haskell reported on everything from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the "Miracle on the Hudson" plane crash to seven World Series, Superstorm Sandy, the Sandy Hook school shootings and more than 20 New York City Marathons. He, along with several other former colleagues, shared their stories as part of the three-hour special.

"The loss of WCBS is heartbreaking," he told Newsday on Sunday. "It’s been a part of the fabric of the metropolitan area for 57 years and gave a voice to our listeners."

Haskell recalled the vital role WCBS played after Superstorm Sandy, where many lost power and other resources.

"We provided up-to-date, accurate information that kept people in the know," he said. "It’s been an integral part of the community."