The Changing Landscape of Sports Broadcasting and a Community’s Tribute
In a significant shift for sports broadcasting, WFAN, a cornerstone of New York’s sports media landscape, has officially ended its long-running tradition of “sports flash” updates. This historic change was marked by Long Island broadcaster Peter Schwartz, who delivered the station’s final sports flash on a Sunday evening. With a mixture of professionalism and nostalgia, Schwartz maintained the familiar format one last time – covering the Jets’ loss to the Patriots, the Giants’ victory over the Raiders, and the Islanders’ defeat by the Blue Jackets. The only deviation from his usual script was the omission of the traditional promise of another update “at the top of the hour” – a small but significant acknowledgment that an era was ending. “We live in a different world now,” Schwartz reflected in his conversation with The Post, recognizing how digital media has transformed how sports fans consume information, making the scheduled updates less essential than they once were.
The moment was particularly poignant for Schwartz, who has been with WFAN since 2009 and will continue to occasionally fill in for the station’s morning show, “Boomer and Gio.” In his final update, he made sure to honor those who came before him with the simple but meaningful line: “On behalf of every update anchor in the history of WFAN, that’s what’s happening, I’m Peter Schwartz.” This tribute was deeply personal for him, acknowledging mentors like John Minko, who trained him, and Bob Heussler, from whom he learned much about the craft. “There were so many other people, those iconic voices, that did updates on WFAN,” Schwartz explained. Rather than trying to name everyone in his limited airtime, he chose a collective acknowledgment that encompassed all who had sat behind that microphone over the decades. After delivering this final update, Schwartz spent time reminiscing with colleague Lori Rubinson, sharing memories and laughter about a tradition that had become a fixture in New York sports broadcasting.
The end of sports flashes at WFAN represents more than just a programming change; it symbolizes a broader evolution in media consumption. For generations, radio sports updates were how fans stayed informed about scores, trades, and breaking news. These brief, regularly scheduled segments became ritualistic touchpoints for listeners, who would tune in specifically to hear the latest developments in the sports world. The voices behind these updates became familiar companions to countless New Yorkers driving to work, preparing dinner, or falling asleep at night. The disappearance of this format reflects how smartphones and social media have created an environment where sports news is instantly available, diminishing the need for scheduled recaps. Despite this inevitable progression, there remains something bittersweet about the conclusion of a broadcast tradition that connected generations of sports enthusiasts.
In a separate but equally moving story, the Massapequa community has found a beautiful way to honor the memory of Connor Kasin, a beloved high school hockey star who tragically passed away in 2024 from a sudden cardiac episode during the intermission of a charity game. The school recently hung a banner in the Chiefs’ gymnasium, officially retiring Kasin’s number 37 – with one special exception. Connor’s younger brother Cole, a middle school hockey player, will be permitted to wear the number, creating a touching connection between the brothers and ensuring the Kasin legacy continues on the ice. The location of this memorial banner holds particular significance, as Connor’s father Craig explained: “Nobody loved that school more than Connor. I tell you that is the perfect place for him.” This sentiment captures the deep connection Connor had with his school community, evidenced by his constant display of Massapequa apparel and his enthusiastic support for all school sports, from hockey to field hockey.
The banner raising ceremony came shortly after Massapequa hosted its first Connor Kasin memorial game, an event that drew hundreds of community members eager to celebrate the life of a young man remembered for his exceptional kindness both on and off the ice. These tributes represent the profound impact Connor had on his community in his short life. While his promising future was cut tragically short, the outpouring of love and respect demonstrates how deeply he touched those around him. “It just means everything,” his father Craig said of the community’s efforts to preserve Connor’s memory. “He truly was a special individual taken too soon.” In small towns across America, high school athletes often become local heroes, but Connor’s legacy appears to extend beyond his athletic abilities to encompass his character and spirit.
These two stories, while distinct, share a common thread about the passage of time and the ways we honor what matters to us. In broadcasting, traditions evolve as technology and audience habits change, yet we find ways to acknowledge their significance even as they end. In communities, we create lasting memorials for those we’ve lost, ensuring their impact endures beyond their physical presence. Peter Schwartz’s final sports flash and Connor Kasin’s retired jersey number both represent attempts to preserve something meaningful in a world of constant change. Whether it’s the familiar voice delivering scores on late-night radio or the memory of a young athlete’s enthusiasm and kindness, these traditions and tributes remind us of our shared experiences and connections. They demonstrate how sports, beyond competition and entertainment, create lasting bonds between people and across generations, leaving impressions that continue long after the final buzzer has sounded or the broadcast has ended.
