Baltimore's ''Queen of Rock'' Giving Up Her Throne

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Tuesday morning on the WIYY-FM (98 Rock)/Baltimore morning dhow with Justin, Scott & Spiegel, legendary midday personality Sarah Fleischer announced that after 38 years at the station, she is retiring. Sarah has been an on-air personality for all 38 years of 98 Rock's existence as well as a 2002 inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. She has appropriately been dubbed Baltimore's Queen of Rock.

A Baltimore native, Sarah graduated from The Broadcasting Institute of Maryland in 1976 and landed a job at WMAR-FM-a beautiful music station. Rumors circulated that WIYY-FM was changing from an all-news to all-rock format. Sarah, a rocker at heart, placed a call to the Program Director at that time, and was hired as one of the first 98 Rock personalities. The rest, as they say, is history.

Sarah was on the air from day one. Since then, she has hosted almost every time slot and has been 98 Rock's Midday Personality for 27 years. Generations of Baltimoreans spend their day listening to her.

"I have been so privileged to have such a great ride," says Sarah. "I've spent thirty eight years at the greatest rock station in the country! I've worked with the best in the business and made many wonderful friends and memories here. I am entering a new chapter in my life and I want the time to enjoy it. My fiance and I have built a beautiful new home together, and we're tying the knot in September. The time is right to embrace new adventures and projects."

98 Rock Program Director, Rick Strauss knows that he has some big shoes to fill saying, "How do you replace an icon? Sarah has been synonymous with 98 Rock for decades and is loved by our audience. She will be greatly missed - both professionally and personally. We will soon be announcing a big Going Away Party for Sarah! We want family, friends, listeners and colleagues to be able to share their well wishes with her."

Sarah's last day on the air on her 10am-3pm show will be, Friday, June 5th.