John Boy & Billy Ends 38-Year Run on WRFX in Charlotte

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 15, 2024 | 11:16am CT

John Boy & Billy

Syndicated John Boy and Billy will air their final broadcast of The Big Show on WRFX (99.7 The Fox) on November 15, marking the end of a 38-year chapter in Charlotte radio history. The station revealed the news earlier this week through a pre-recorded message, stating: "The station says farewell to the show after 38 great years together. As the curtain falls, Charlotte says thank you." The announcement provided no explanation for why the long-running program is ending on WRFX.

Although The Big Show will no longer air on WRFX, it will continue to deliver original content to audiences nationwide through syndication on nearly 50 stations, as well as on the free iHeartRadio app and website, according to Rachel Nelson, vice president of public relations for iHeartMedia's Premiere Networks.

Johnny "John Boy" Isley and Billy James launched The Big Show in 1980 at WBCY in Charlotte before moving to WRFX. Over the decades, the program grew into a nationally syndicated powerhouse, achieving prominence alongside names like Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern during the 2000s.

Premiere Networks renewed its syndication agreement with The Big Show in September, ensuring the program remains accessible on weekday and Saturday mornings from 6-10am ET. The show also has a dedicated channel on iHeartRadio.

Billy James, when asked by The Charlotte Observer about the show's conclusion on WRFX, replied, "I'm not sure I'm the right person to ask." No details have been announced about what program will replace The Big Show on 99.7 The Fox.