iHeartMedia Hot AC “99.5 The River” WRVE Albany NY has announced the return of Randy McCarten to the station as morning host.

McCarten, who exited his role as Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeart’s Albany cluster during their cuts in January, will anchor “The River Morning Show with Randy McCarten” starting Tuesday, May 26.

McCarten previously spent 23 years with iHeart’s Albany cluster, most recently serving as SVP/Programming as well as Program Director of WRVE and Classic Hits 98.3 WTRY. He replaces Jason Howard and Tracy Villaume in mornings at WRVE. Howard had joined the station last November and to join Villaume, who had moved over from sister News/Talk 810 WGY/103.1 WGY-FM in February 2018.

iHeartMedia Albany’s 99.5 The River, Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today, announces the debut of the new “The River Morning Show with Randy McCarten,” effective May 26. McCarten, who has been a familiar, trusted voice to listeners around the Albany community for years, will return to the morning program lineup and broadcast weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

“The River Morning Show with Randy McCarten” will feature an exciting mix of news, entertainment and music – broadcasting a collection of top-charting hits from the 80s, 90s and today. Listeners can tune in each morning to hear a variety of segments and games including River’s What to Wear Weather, Turn by Turn Traffic and Three Things You Need to Know as well as the popular daily Celebrity Birthday Game.

“It’s great having Randy back,” said Kristen Delaney, Area President for iHeartMedia Albany. “He has connected with so many listeners throughout the years and has really been the heart and soul of 99.5 The River. Capital District listeners are going to love starting their day with him.”

“The River and its listeners have been a part of my life for over 20 years, and I’m really excited to help them start their day with great music, information and entertainment – it feels great to be back,” said McCarten.