MIDWOOD — Calling himself a proud “son of Brooklyn,” born and raised in Midwood, controversial radio personality Sid Rosenberg has become a world traveler and major voice in the growing influence of far right politics here and in Israel.

Rosenberg has a “bigger than life personality” with a confrontational style that made his professional career in radio a success. Never at a loss for words, his candor and sarcastic humor reached their pinnacle at the critical mass rally for Trump in Madison Square Garden nine days before the election.

Rosenberg spoke exclusively to the Brooklyn Eagle about life growing up as a Brooklynite, his career in radio, politics and friendship with President-elect Donald Trump.

“Radio for me started with sports,” Rosenberg said. “I realized that there are more important things out there that are worthy of discussion, and I was into doing more than straight sports. So with Sid and Friends, you’ll get your sports, but also politics, pop culture and entertainment, as well.”

Rosenberg continued, “We feature the newsmakers, presidents, congressmen, senators, mayors, prime ministers — people that make a huge difference. I really wanted to make sure I did an important radio show, and I think I’ve done that.”

Among his most notable guests is President-elect Donald Trump, whom he also calls a friend.   Rosenberg said his radio show has listeners in more than 100 countries and most major U.S. cities.

Beginnings

Rosenberg’s radio career began in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he hosted the syndicated sports radio program, The Drive, on Sports Fan Radio Network in the late 1990s, after starting as an Internet broadcast. 

In 2000, he returned to New York City to co-host WNEW-FM’s morning show, the Sports Guys. In 2001, Rosenberg landed a job at the nation’s premier sports-talk radio station, WFAN, in New York City, where he talked sports on the Imus in the Morning program through 2005.

Throughout the next decade, Rosenberg worked at several radio stations in Florida, until 2016, when he joined 77 WABC, teaming up with fellow radio personality Bernard McGuirk to launch the Bernie and Sid morning show.  

Bernie and Sid was eventually rebranded as Sid and Friends in the Morning, which Rosenberg currently hosts every weekday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

Nothing like Brooklyn 

Rosenberg, 57, claims pride in his Midwood roots, pointing out that there is nothing like growing up in Brooklyn.

“I’m going to say this, and if it sounds arrogant, good: the best people in the world — the most talented, the smartest — all come from Brooklyn,” said Rosenberg.

Indeed, with all of his success and notoriety in the media, Rosenberg decided not to live too far from Brooklyn. Currently, he resides in one of the nicest neighborhoods in the Rockaways. “I still have roots and family in Brooklyn, so I take comfort that it’s just across Jamaica Bay,” Rosenberg said.

“You can take the boy out of Brooklyn, but you can never take Brooklyn out of the boy. The borough has such a diverse group of people — a street smartness and a toughness that you just don’t get anywhere else,” Rosenberg continued. “I couldn’t think of a better place to grow up.” 

Politics … and Donald Trump 

Rosenberg opened up about politics in Brooklyn, noting that there is a Red wave in the borough riding on the coattails of Trump’s victory. 

“Brooklyn is trending red a lot more than a little bit,” Rosenberg said. “I know people who have been Democrats their whole lives and voted for Trump. It comes down to this: whether Republican or Democrat, you want to be safe. The Dems have proven they are not going to keep you safe. Also, their economic plan is a disaster. When Trump was in office, everyone was making money. This is about the future of our country and the world.” 

Rosenberg first met Donald Trump through his radio show, which the president-elect has called into on several occasions. He described Trump as “inquisitive, easy to talk to, outgoing and a funny guy.” 

“We developed a really good relationship,” Rosenberg said. “We’ve even met personally on a number of occasions and had some great times together.” 

Rosenberg spoke at Trump’s campaign rally this past October, held in Madison Square Garden, calling him “the greatest champion of them all.”

“Trump has been on my show probably half a dozen times,” Rosenberg said. “With him winning, I can promise a steady diet of Donald Trump for the next four years.” 

Mayor Rosenberg? 

Looking forward, what does the future hold for Rosenberg? 

“I’m asked all the time to run for political office,” Rosenberg said. “A while back, I was at a party and was approached by a guy who’s kind of a big deal. He offered me a lot of money to run for mayor. ‘You remind me of Trump,’ he said. ‘You shoot from the hip, and I like your confidence.’ 

Rosenberg added, “Could I do it? Sure. Would I do it? Would I be a good politician? Yes, because I really don’t care about all the bureaucracy and red tape.”

Rosenberg said that politics is not something he would pursue at this point in time.  “Maybe in 15 or 20 years,” he said. “It’s not completely out of the question.”  

Rosenberg is also an author of two books: his autobiography, “You’re Wrong and You’re Ugly: The Highs and Lows of a Radio Bad Boy,” and “Sidizens United.” In addition, he stars in the 2021 TV series, “Gravesend,” portraying Brooklynite Dave Busco.