NORTHERN VALLEY—Teaneck native and longtime radio personality Mark Chernoff has joined WFDU-FM (89.1 FM, RetroRadio) as the host of a new Wednesday morning show, airing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the popular oldies station based in Teaneck. His first show was set for March 19.
Chernoff, who will serve as a volunteer radio host, brings extensive management experience from WFAN, WNEW, K-Rock, and WDHA. Now, he’s excited to return to his roots as just a DJ, said WFDU’s general manager, Opie the DJ Girl.
“His firsthand experience at these cherished radio stations, which our listeners have such fond memories of, will be a true delight for them and an incredible asset for our team,” Opie said.
In a brief statement, Chernoff, a self-described radio geek, reflected on his lifelong love for the medium.
“As a kid, I always slept with a transistor radio under my pillow. Growing up in Teaneck—yes, I really did—attending Bryant School and Ben Franklin Junior High, I was sad when we moved to Fort Lee just as I was starting high school,” he said.
He added, “We did move, and I was OK since I could still hear all the radio stations I loved, like WABC and WMCA, before getting acquainted with the FM dial and WOR-FM (later WXLO: 99X), WNEW-FM, WCBS-FM, and so many others. I loved (and still love) rock and roll, especially from the late ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.”
After retiring from WFAN sports radio, Chernoff wanted to stay in the business. He now works part-time as a radio host on The Boss (107.1) at the Jersey Shore and on a station in Washington, D.C. He has been married for 47 years and has four children and 10 grandchildren.
“After all these years, radio is still fun, and I’m glad to still be working in the business I love,” Chernoff said.
WFDU-FM is a non-commercial, listener-supported station that relies on donations to maintain its operations and equipment. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions are tax-deductible.
The station is hosting a meet and greet for listeners to connect with their favorite DJs on Sunday, May 18, in the Rutherford Room on Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck. Visit WFDU for details.