CMB could be forced out of WFAN by Mike Francesa’s indecisiveness

The future of WFAN’s “Carlin, Maggie & Bart” is in question, The Post has learned.

In an odd situation, CMB’s status for the fall is unclear, even as they generate very strong ratings, including being tied for first in their time slot two-thirds of the way into the latest ratings book.

Nonetheless, FAN’s parent company, Entercom, may prefer slicing three salaries off the books and moving to the more traditional three shows rather than four during the day.

CMB’s future could be linked once again to the man they replaced and who replaced them — Mike Francesa.

If Francesa can get his plans straight and commit to FAN, CMB may be in trouble, despite their success.

Sources say that Bart Scott’s contract is up at the end of the year, while Entercom has a company option on Maggie Gray and Chris Carlin.

Since they were paid as afternoon hosts doing four-and-a-half hours and now are on less than half the time in a less desirable time slot (1-3 p.m.), Entercom may prefer to renegotiate or they could just drop the show entirely.

Entercom is expected to make a decision on its programming lineup by the beginning of the fall book in September. In theory, it could wait until the end of the calendar year, but that seems less likely.

While Entercom has a chance to demonstrate that it is not a rinky-dink, strictly cost-cutting organization, some in the industry think it may just give the soaring “Joe & Evan” show another hour, as well as extending Francesa from 2 to 6:30.

Francesa has said his contract remains unsigned (he still is being paid), while Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts are inked through next year.

Francesa has personally debated whether he made a good decision to return to FAN after his short “retirement.” He has speculated that he may need extra help on his program, but so far has not followed through.

Since Entercom is allowing Francesa to do his show from his Long Island home and that could potentially be extended to his Florida residence, it seems doubtful he is going anywhere soon.

At one point, he said he could do his paid app full time. Most believe he is posturing to squeeze more money from Entercom.

CMB, since being bounced by Francesa’s unretirement more than a year ago, have transformed into an enjoyable listen. Their sound is a little lighter than the traditional FAN program of heavy opinion-, guest- and phone call-centered programs.

Gray, who is due with her first child in about a month, has stood out with her strong personality. She made news by going a little too far in ripping MSG owner James Dolan, but the sentiment was spot on and had to resonate with much of her audience.

Dolan responded childishly, banning the Garden from doing business with Entercom.

Scott knows the most on the FAN about football, while Carlin captains the program. The trio has bonded with each other and with its audience. It still may not be enough.

CMB struggled initially. The trio did not know each other well and failed to mesh with the older audience Francesa left behind. When Francesa stomped back to the air, CMB took the high road, though it had just one ratings book to succeed, a tight loss to ESPN’s “Michael Kay Show.”

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Now the issue is FAN has four daytime shows, when three is generally preferred in local sports radio. Entercom is known for frugality.

The original intent of this column was to write about Gray being a breakout star and about to become a mother. With the dearth of female hosts, this situation has never arrived before in FAN’s more than three decades.

Entercom declined a request to speak with Gray about her unique situation. Gray is due with a boy, in about a month. She will take a maternity leave.

She is paid to talk, but Entercom wouldn’t let her speak. It is up in the air if that is actually their long-term plan for her and her partners.

ESPN is making 1050 AM an English-speaking station, creating the possibility that 98.7 ESPN New York could go all local, giving it a real chance to compete with FAN.

Earlier this week, the network dropped ESPN Deportes, letting go much of its staff.

Right now, ESPN New York has only two local shows during the day with the “Michael Kay Show” and “Humpty & Canty with Rothenberg.”

ESPN Radio nationally has always wanted to clear its morning show and at least one other program so, right now, that means “Golic & Wingo” and the “Stephen A. Smith Show” are on 98.7.

In New York, the national programs get trounced in the ratings.

If it went all local, 98.7 FM would have to invest in new shows, but that is its only chance if it really wants to own New York and have a chance to topple FAN. Whatever it does, ESPN, with two English-speaking stations, will have a better opportunity to bid for rights with the Devils and Islanders potential targets.

As for ESPN Deportes, their staff was told Tuesday about layoffs. Some of its programming will be spun into full-time podcasts.

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