His work at Air America also included co-hosting the network's morning-drive show, "Morning Sedition" with stand-up comic Marc Maron.

Riley’s first radio opportunity was as host of the public affairs program Urban Notebook, which skyrocketed in popularity throughout the New York tri-state area.

In 1986, Riley moved to the prime time morning slot and broadcast live from the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem.

In December 2005, he began hosting The Mark Riley Show (also on Air America), a two-hour morning news program.

[3] In addition to radio presenting, Riley is a TV political analyst with frequent appearances on The Road to City Hall on New York 1 News.