Guardian Angels founder to guest host on WOR for Mark Simone during holiday season
Holiday Guest Hosting Marks Radio Return
Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and former WABC radio host, will return to New York City airwaves as a guest host for Mark Simone on iHeartMedia’s WOR from December 22 through January 2. This marks Sliwa’s first time behind a microphone in NYC since his unsuccessful campaign for mayor, which saw Democrat Andrew Cuomo defeat him in the 2025 general election. Sliwa left WABC following the station’s decision to support Cuomo, stating publicly he would never return to his former employer after that endorsement. According to Talkers Magazine, Sliwa has been a prominent figure in New York talk radio for 36 years, making him one of the market’s most recognizable voices. WOR program director Tom Cuddy presented Sliwa with the station’s microphone ahead of the holiday stint, calling him a true New York original whose energy, knowledge of the city, and ability to connect with listeners make him one of the most compelling voices in talk radio.
Historic Connection to WOR
Sliwa’s relationship with WOR dates back to 1971 when he appeared as a guest on the Arlene Francis show, an experience he credits with launching his media career. In comments about the guest hosting opportunity, Sliwa noted the irony of returning to where his broadcasting journey began more than five decades ago. He praised Mark Simone as having more connections to those in-the-know than anyone in New York City, acknowledging both their collaborative and competitive history. The New York radio market remains one of the nation’s most competitive, with talk radio continuing to attract significant audiences despite competition from podcasts and streaming services. Sliwa’s return fills a temporary gap during Simone’s holiday break, providing WOR with an experienced host familiar to New York audiences.
Political Context and Mayoral Race Aftermath
Sliwa’s mayoral campaign represented his second attempt at the office, having previously run unsuccessfully in 2021. The 2025 race saw the Democratic primary won by self-described socialist Zohran Mamdani, who then faced Cuomo running as an independent. Sliwa ran as the Republican candidate in a race that highlighted deep divisions within New York City politics regarding crime, quality of life issues, and the city’s future direction. His campaign focused heavily on public safety themes, drawing on his decades of experience with the Guardian Angels, the volunteer safety patrol organization he founded in 1979. According to political analysts, the 2025 mayoral race represented a significant ideological contest about the city’s priorities and governance approach.
Future in New York Media Landscape
While the WOR guest hosting stint is temporary, it positions Sliwa for potential permanent opportunities in New York radio. His departure from WABC created speculation about his next move, with industry observers noting his continued appeal to audiences interested in local issues, crime, and quality of life topics. The talk radio format has evolved significantly since Sliwa’s early career, with hosts now maintaining robust social media presences and multimedia platforms beyond traditional broadcast. According to Pew Research, radio hosts increasingly leverage multiple platforms to reach audiences, combining traditional broadcasts with podcasts, social media, and digital content. Sliwa’s history as a controversial and colorful figure in New York media makes him a natural fit for the opinion-driven format that dominates talk radio. His Guardian Angels organization, while less prominent than during its 1980s heyday, remains active in New York City and continues to patrol subway systems and neighborhoods. The organization’s work on public safety issues aligns with Sliwa’s radio commentary, providing real-world context for his media persona. Whether this guest hosting arrangement leads to a permanent position or represents a one-time return remains to be seen, but it demonstrates Sliwa’s enduring appeal in the New York media market.
