Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Kathy Romano Departs WMMR's Preston & Steve After 22 Years


Kathy Romano
Kathy Romano

Kathy Romano, a longtime co-host of the Preston & Steve morning show on 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia, is leaving the station after 22 years. Her departure, announced on-air and in a heartfelt Instagram post Thursday, comes as part of broader cutbacks at Beasley Media Group, WMMR's parent company.

"This was in no way my choice or Preston & Steve's choice," Romano wrote. "We are devastated. It's been the ride of a lifetime sharing mornings with the best team and the most incredible listeners."

Beasley confirmed that Romano's contract was not renewed, saying in a statement, "We are very grateful for her many contributions over the years and wish her the very best in her next chapter."

Romano, who joined Preston & Steve in 2003, also hosted Her Story, a weekly show spotlighting women making an impact across the Philadelphia region. Her last day on the air will be Friday.

During Thursday's show, an emotional Preston Elliot informed listeners of the news, calling it a "profoundly sad" moment. Cohost Steve Morrison added, "The way you have handled what is happening has been some of the most professional, some of the most amazing and mature displays of how this goes than I've ever seen."

Romano compared the experience to an unwanted breakup: "There's a little anger in there, but I'm heartbroken."

Preston & Steve, which originated at Y100 in 1998 and moved to WMMR in 2005, has long dominated Philadelphia's morning radio ratings. Elliot and Morrison signed contract extensions in 2022 that keep the show on the air through 2030. Fellow co-hosts Casey "Casey Boy" Fosbenner, Marisa Magnatta, and Nick McIlwain will remain with the program.

"This isn't a goodbye - just turning the dial to what's next," Romano wrote.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Don Boyd Expands Cumulus Regional Leadership
Don Boyd
Don Boyd
Cumulus Media has promoted Don Boyd to Regional Vice President, expanding his leadership responsibilities to include the company's radio operations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as Columbus-Starkville, MS. Boyd will continue overseeing Cumulus in Mobile, AL while adding More

John Clay Wolfe Show Lands Expanded iHeart Deal
John Clay Wolfe
John Clay Wolfe
The John Clay Wolfe Show is expanding its national radio presence as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, thanks to a new multi-year agreement with iHeartMedia. Beginning July 11, the four-hour Saturday morning program will air on 116 iHeartMedia stations nationwide, more than doubling its previous More

Study: AM/FM Dominates Listening Among BMW Drivers
Cumulus Media and Westwood One
Cumulus Media and Westwood One
New research highlighted by Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group shows AM/FM radio remains the dominant ad-supported audio platform among BMW drivers, reinforcing radio's value for automakers and dealers looking to reach both loyal customers and buyers of competing brands. In a new blog More
Advertisement

FCC Approves Updated iHeart Foreign Ownership Plan
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC's Media Bureau has approved iHeartMedia's request to update its foreign ownership structure, clearing the way for several new foreign individuals and affiliated entities to hold indirect ownership interests in the company while leaving previously authorized ownership limits unchanged. In a More

SMAC, AMP Media Launch New Podcast Network
SMAC and AMP Media
SMAC and AMP Media
SMAC Productions is expanding its content portfolio into podcasting through a new partnership with AMP Media, launching The Intersection, a podcast network focused on sports, entertainment, business and culture. The new network will debut later this year with two flagship shows featuring well-known More

Chelsea Handler Launches Dear Chelsea Network
You're The Problem
You're The Problem
Chelsea Handler and iHeartPodcasts are expanding their podcast partnership with the launch of the Dear Chelsea Network, a new multi-year venture that will feature Handler's hit podcast Dear Chelsea alongside several new original shows. The first new title on the network, You're the Problem ... with More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement