Industry News

Alabama Broadcaster J. Holland to Retire

YHN Media Group, LLC announces that Alabama radio personality J. Holland will retire from theim Yellowhammer News Network later this month, putting the wraps on a broadcast career of 50 years. Most recently, Holland has been the afternoon news anchor on the network. During his career, he’s served with more than 25 radio stations. In the early 1990s, he moved into the news/talk format, serving with WAAX, Gadsden before moving on to WVNN, Huntsville and then WERC, Birmingham. He’s been with the Yellowhammer News Network since 2015.

Industry News

KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh PD Dave LaBrozzi Announces Retirement

Via a message on Facebook, programming pro Dave LaBrozzi – currently brand manager for Audacy’s news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh – announces he’ll retire in early April. He writes, “I look back with gratitude. It began a long, long time ago at 1250 WLEM in my small wooded hometown of Emporium,im and I would have never imagined that all of my dreams would be multiplied by two. I was blessed with an amazing journey; from Emporium to New York City and every city in between including Nashville, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Baltimore and Pittsburgh…. The best part of my job was working with some of the best talent in the country. I tried to never get in their way, and I listened in awe to what they created daily. They were the reason for my success, and I am thankful for the privilege of tagging along… The time has come for me to walk away, and I do so with the deepest appreciation. If I worked with you, I hope you can say that I gave you my best and that I helped you succeed. I know my life was richer because of you and I will cherish the memories we created together. Thank you! Now, about that last break…”

Industry News

Retired WBT-AM/FM Charlotte Newsman Jim Barroll Dies at 71

Retired WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte news broadcaster Jim Barroll passed away on Monday (2/5) at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. Barroll served for more than 30 years in the WBT-AM/FM newsroom, beginning as a reporter before moving on to afternoon drive anchor and eventually news director. Barrollim retired from the station in 2016. Over the years, his focus was often on court reporting and the criminal justice system. He covered multiple Space Shuttle launches, the 1988 Democratic National Convention, the Jim Bakker trial, Hurricane Hugo, the crash of USAir Flight 1016, and the Rae Carruth trial. In 1990, he traveled with a North Carolina political and trade delegation to Germany during the aftermath of the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and the German reunification. WBT says that Barroll and fellow anchor John Stokes were the backbone of its news operation for over 30 years. His daughter Amy posted to social media: “I will miss this man so, so much. He passed away this morning from an exceedingly aggressive mantle cell lymphoma. He was a completely healthy man a month ago. I am the luckiest person in the world to have called him my father.”

Industry News

Ron Cook Retires from KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh

Patch.com reports that KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh “93.7 FM The Fan” air personality Ron Cook announced his retirement from the station yesterday (2/5). Cook is one of the original hosts who joined the station atim its inception in 2010. Cook told his listeners, “It’s been a blast with you guys.” Cook is also a sportswriter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He’ll leave that position after his last column appears on Sunday. Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli comments, “From the first day ‘93.7 The Fan’ signed on the air, Ron brought instant credibility to the station with, not only with reputation as one of the top columnists in the market, but also a trusted voice that sports fans wanted to hear from. That is a rare combination, and to this day we are fortunate that Ron was here with us from the beginning.” Read it on Patch here.

Industry News

“Retirement Results” Expands to John Fredericks Radio Network

The “Retirement Results” weekend radio program hosted by Ford Stokes, president and chief financial advisor of Active Wealth Management, Inc, joins the John Fredericks Radio Network, adding 12 stations to its affiliate base. Stokes says, “It is an honor to partner with the John Fredericksim Radio Network. This is a significant step up for us, and we are ready to help more people! By airing our radio show weekly on JFRN, we will be able to help more great Americans and their loved ones.” John Fredericks comments, “Adding an informative investing and retirement planning show to our growing radio network was important to us. We want to provide important information to help people better protect and grow their hard-earned money during this difficult time in our country, politically and economically. Ford’s show is at the next level. He shares important information as a licensed financial advisor that Americans can apply to their retirement plans every week.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Central Florida’s Barbara Latham to Retire

Longtime iHeartMedia Central Florida executive and current area president Barbara Latham will retire, effective March 29. The 39-year iHeartMedia veteran has served as region president for Central Florida that includes talk WTKS-FM and news/talk WFLF-AM in Orlando, plus numerous music brands since April 2021. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell states, “Barb has excelled in multiple roles throughout her tenured career at iHeart. Although we will miss her leadership and strategic thinking, we wish her nothing but the best as she begins this exciting new chapter.” Latham says, “I am so excited about this new chapter in my life. Thirty-nine years flew by! I’m happy to have worked for iHeart for almost four decades, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to work with and lead a tremendous team of professionals and iconic brands.”

Industry News

Craig Humphreys Retires from OKC’s “Sports Animal”

The Oklahoman reports that today (12/21) was the last day on the air for Oklahoma City sports talk personality Craig Humphreys on WWLS-FM “The Sports Animal,” where he’s been broadcasting forim more than 30 years. The 71-year-old Humphreys has planned to retire for some time, and he tells the paper that he and his wife Bev, who’s battling cancer, want to spend more time together. Humphreys’ career in OKC sports talk is one that parallels the growth of sports radio in the U.S. Interestingly, he and FOX SportsSkip Bayless are boyhood friends who remain close to this day. Read the Oklahoman story here.

Industry News

Danny Bonaduce to Retire from Radio

Morning drive radio personality Danny Bonaduce announces he’s retiring from his gig hosting the morning show on iHeartMedia’s classic rock KZOK-FM, Seattle, effective this Friday (12/15).  While Bonaduce worked mostly at music-formatted stations as a host, he worked at KLSX-FM, Los Angelesim during its time as an FM talk station. KZOK says in its announcement of Bonaduce’s retirement, “Danny’s career in the limelight began at an early age, starting with appearances on ‘Bewitched’ in 1969 that landed him the role of Danny Partridge on the ‘Partridge Show’ from 1970 to 1974. Later, Danny would appear in Corvette Summer with Mark Hamill and many cameo appearances on TV and movies over the years.” He says, “I am the luckiest guy in entertainment. I joined the actors union at age three and with little interruption, I have worked in the industry I love for 60 years. I loved almost every minute of it. I want to thank the loyal fans who have followed me throughout my career, including the last 12 based in Seattle. Thank you to iHeartRadio for believing in me, to my on-air partner Sarah for putting up with me. My thanks to Paul Anderson, my agent for decades who has been my steady guide and business partner.”

Industry News

Affiliate Sales Pro Tim McDonald Retires

Imaging and voiceover firm Benztown announces that longtime affiliate sales pro Tim McDonald is retiring from the radio business after a successful 40-year career. McDonald joined Benztown in 2019 as a member of its affiliate sales team. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes says, “I’ve learned immensely from Tim. He’s contributed greatly to our success and I’m thankful to have worked with him over the last five years. We thank him for sharing his talents with us and wish him every success in his next chapter.”

Industry News

Robert Dove to Lead Alpha Media Portland as Lisa Decker Retires

Alpha Media names Robert Dove SVP/market manager for its Portland station group that includes news/talk KXL-FM, talk KUFO-AM, sports talk KXTG-AM and four music brands. This comes as current market manager Lisa Decker announces her retirement at the end of this year after seven years withim the company. Dove, who starts on January 1, comes to Alpha Media from iHeartMedia where he most recently served as Pacific Northwest Region president. Alpha Media president and CEO Bob Proffitt commented on the announcement, “I am very excited to have Robert lead us to new heights, opportunities, and successes. He knows Portland like no other broadcaster, has deep relationships and knowledge of our city’s intricacies, and will be a great addition to our team of market managers all across America.” Dove adds, “I’m very excited to join the Alpha Media team. As a native Portlander having the chance to work with some of Portland radio’s most iconic brands is very rewarding and fulfilling. I can’t wait to get started.”

Industry News

“Goldy” Retires from WFNC, Fayetteville, North Carolina

Today (12/1) was the last day on Cumulus Media’s news/talk WFNC-AM, Fayetteville, North Carolina for Jeff “Goldy” Goldberg. He closed out his 45-year radio career – the last 18 years of which haveim been spent at WFNC – with a special broadcast of “Good Morning Fayetteville” called, “Goldy’s Last Hurrah.” He tells Bill Kirby Jr. at CityViewNC, “Since I announced my retirement a few weeks ago, the outpouring of love and the good wishes from not only my listeners here in Fayetteville, but my listeners in Washington D.C., has been overwhelming. It has been a privilege and a joy to live out my dream for these last 45 years, and to have a second chapter like the one I’ve had here in Fayetteville exceeded my wildest dreams.”

Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles’ Ken Chiampou Announces Retirement

According to numerous Los Angeles-area media reports, Ken Chiampou (right) – one half of the iHeartMedia station’s “John & Ken Show” afternoon program – announced to listeners on Monday (11/13) that he willim retire from the station on December 6. After his departure, John Kobylt (left) will continue in the daypart as a solo host. He quipped, “I am saying goodbye. After very little thought, this is what I’m gonna do.” The duo rose to prominence during their time at WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” beginning in 1988. They moved to KFI in 1992 and briefly went into national syndication in the late 1990s. That move drove a wedge between them and then-KFI owner Cox Communications and they left to do mornings at crosstown Disney-owned KABC, Los Angeles. That didn’t last long, and they returned to KFI where they’ve flourished since 2001. Read the Los Angeles Daily News’ coverage here.

Industry News

Dave Williams Retires from KLIF, Dallas

In a post on Facebook, KLIF, Dallas morning personality Dave Williams announces his retirement from the “DFW Morning News” program. He writes, “Three months ago I suffered a blackout seizure. I’ve been recuperating and undergoing tests since then. The medical news is as good as can be hoped: Iim didn’t have a stroke or a heart attack and I don’t have a brain tumor or anything like it. Turns out it’s just one of those unexplained things that happen and very likely will never happen again. I’ve been cleared to return to work but have decided to call it a career. I’m 72, I’ve been in radio for 54 years, and for the past 42 years, I’ve been getting out of bed in the middle of the night to go to work. I just discovered I like sleeping in a bit. I will miss the daily enjoyment of the job and especially the people with whom I worked. And, thanks most of all to those of you who listened each morning and found some informational and entertainment value mornings on KLIF. Nothing lasts forever but I’m going to try. Stay well, y’all. Love your life. This is the month for giving thanks.”

Industry News

SXM’s Mad Dog Won’t Retire; Will Do Stern-Engineered Stunt

After saying he would retire immediately if the Arizona Diamondbacks won their two final games againstim the Philadelphia Phillies to make the World Series – which they did – SiriusXM sports talk personality Chris “Mad Dog” Russo said on Wednesday’s “Howard Stern Show” that the retirement statement was a “throwaway line” and he would not retire. Stern then urged him to accept “punishment” in the form of a stunt: Russo would wear a Diamondbacks-themed bikini and walk down the street in Manhattan carrying a sign saying, “I am a liar and a dope.”

Industry News

WTMJ, Milwaukee Talk Host Jeff Wagner Announces Retirement

Longtime Milwaukee talk radio personality Jeff Wagner announces that he will retire from Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ-AM where he hosts the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show after his December 15 show. His 25-year career with WTMJ began in 1998 as a part-time host. He quickly moved into a full-time position in November of that year. Wagner says of his decision to retire, “No show runs forever, andim it has been an honor and a pleasure to host a daily radio talk show in my hometown for a quarter century. I am extremely grateful to Good Karma Brands, my teammates (past and present), our partners, and most importantly, our fans for all their support over the years. While I’m excited to see what comes next, I will truly miss the daily interaction with listeners about the issues of the day.” Wagner has been a long-standing member of the TALKERS magazine Heavy Hundred – the annual list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Good Karma Milwaukee market manager Greg Scalzo comments, “Jeff is a broadcasting legend whose daily wisdom and dedication to the station was felt by our audience throughout his entire career. His retirement marks the end of an era, and we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.” Before joining WTMJ, Wagner was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and later an attorney in private practice.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Executive Chuck Deskins to Retire

iHeartMedia announces that SVP, Inside Sales Division Chuck Deskins will retire from the company on December 31. Deskins has served with iHeartMedia for more than 32 years, beginning his career inim Cincinnati as an AE at 700 WLW in 1987 when it was part of Jacor Communications. He worked his way up through numerous sales positions within the company, assuming his current role in 2019. As SVP of the Inside Sales Division, Deskins managed iHeartMedia’s largest individual sales team and created advertising opportunities for brands and iHeartMedia partners across the company’s vast array of platforms including radio broadcasting, digital, mobile, outdoor, live concerts and events and more. Deskins says, “I’m really going to miss my Inside Sales family and all my iHeart friends across the country. What an awesome group. Thanks to everyone for making this an awesome ride.”

Industry News

Retired WLW, Cincinnati Icon Jim Scott Announces ALS Diagnosis

In a recent Facebook post retired, longtime WLW, Cincinnati morning host Jim Scott announces that he was diagnosed with ALS a year and a half ago. Scott, who retired in 2015 and is now 80, used the announcement to promote the annual ALS Walk in Cincinnati taking place September 15 in which he’ll participate. He says in the post, “I have had a wonderful life, am still having a wonderful life, and I don’t have any intention of checking out soon. My walking abilities have changed considerably. I now use a cane. I named my cane ‘Abel’ and trusty Abel makes it possible for me to walk without falling, though I’ve done that a few times.”

Industry News

Rick Cummings Retires from Full-Time Post at Emmis Corporation

Related to the story above, 43-year Emmis Corporation programming executive Rick Cummings announces that he’ll retire from full-time employment with the company as of Friday (9/1). He will remain a consultant with Emmis. Cummings was Emmis Broadcasting’s first program director at flagship station WENS-FM, Indianapolisim in 1981. He eventually rose to become president of the radio division in 2002, overseeing more than 20 radio stations. In 2008, he became president of programming for Emmis’ domestic radio group. Cummings comments, “Save my immediate family, nothing has given me more joy in life than working for Jeff (Smulyan) and Emmis. This company has afforded me extraordinary professional and personal opportunities, here and abroad, that no kid from rural Indiana could ever have imagined. I am eternally grateful for this and the future as Emmis allows me to continue in a consulting role. As I told Jeff, ‘I’ll work for you until they carry one of us out!’”

Industry News

WOR, New York Hosts Joe Bartlett Retirement Party

im

New York City news pro Joe Bartlett was honored with a retirement party at Patsy’s restaurant in the Big Apple last Thursday (8/24). Bartlett retired from iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR-AM last May after a 37-year career with the station, most recently as news director and morning news anchor. Pictured above are (from l-r): WOR morning personality Michael Riedel, Bartlett, and WOR morning personality Len Berman.

Industry News

Dan Patrick Announces Retirement in 2027

Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney reports that sports media personality Dan Patrick announces to his fans thatim he plans to retire from the business in four years at the end of 2027. Patrick’s radio program is nationally syndicated via Premiere Networks and is simulcast via YouTube. The former ESPN personality responded to fans who questioned his decision by saying, “This is a young man’s game. I’m the oldest guy doing this. And I enjoy doing it, but by the end of 2027, that’ll be it. You have my word, so plan accordingly.” Read the SI story here.