Big Smoothie Exits K-Rock After Eight-Year Run

Big Smoothie

Jamie "Big Smoothie" Hantke departs Galaxy Communications' "K-Rock" network, including 94.9 WKLL Frankfort, 100.9 WKRL-FM North Syracuse, and 106.5 WKRH Fair Haven, ending an eight-year run and nearly 25 years on the air in Central New York.

Hantke revealed the news in an emotional Instagram video, telling followers that Thursday marked his final shift. "I was informed today that I am no longer employed at K-Rock and was let go," he said. Despite the difficult moment, he added, "I'm at peace right now... It's a strange feeling."

He joined K-Rock in 2017 as a part-time air talent before moving into the weekday afternoon slot in 2020. Before that, he spent two long stints at Cumulus Media's WAQX (95X) from 2001-06 and 2009-17, a departure he once believed might end his radio career.

Galaxy Media owner Ed Levine confirmed Hantke's departure and announced that Bender, midday host at sister Classic Rock WTKW & WTKV (TK99), will add afternoon duties at K-Rock.

Latest Radio Stories

Study: 96% of Americans Want Radio Built Into New Cars

Critical Mass Insights

Critical Mass Insights has released a new study showing near-universal support for keeping AM/FM radio built into new vehicles. According to the research, 96 percent of Americans say having a built-in AM/FM radio is important when purchasing a new car, and 98 percent say it's More

Study: Radio Receivers Still Dominate AM/FM Listening

Edison Research

A decade of rapid growth in digital audio hasn't displaced the traditional radio receiver as Americans' primary way to listen to AM/FM radio, according to new findings from Edison Research's Share of Ear study. While streaming on phones, computers, smart speakers, and smart TVs has surged across the More

ESPN Radio Extends National MLB Coverage in New Deal

ESPN Radio

ESPN Radio will continue as the national audio home of Major League Baseball under a sweeping new rights agreement between ESPN and MLB that expands the network's role across the sport's biggest national events. The multi-year deal, announced by ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, More

Stations Urged to Set Tone as ''Soundtrack of the Season''

John Lund

As retailers roll out holiday displays earlier each year, radio stations are stepping into their most festive stretch - and a new programming guide from Lund Media outlines how stations can win listeners and clients throughout the Christmas season. The advisory underscores a simple truth: while there may More

iHeartRewind Reveals 2025's Most Played Artists & Songs

iHeartRewind 2025

iHeartRadio is closing out the year with a look back at the music that defined 2025, unveiling its annual iHeartRewind list highlighting the most listened-to artists and songs across all genres. For the second consecutive year, Sabrina Carpenter takes the top spot as iHeartRadio's most played artist, More

Dan Potter Departs KRMG Tulsa After 17 Years

Dan Potter

Longtime Tulsa morning host Dan Potter has exited 102.3 KRMG, ending a 17-year run at the new Zoellner Media Group News/Talk outlet and 13 years in morning drive. Potter confirmed to the Tulsa World that his departure came suddenly during what he believed would be a contract discussion with new owner More

Return to Menu

Big Smoothie Exits K-Rock After Eight-Year Run

Latest Radio Stories

Follow us on:

Copyright © 1989-2025 RADIO ONLINE ^®

Big Smoothie Exits K-Rock After Eight-Year Run

Latest Radio Stories

Follow us on:

Copyright © 1989-2025 RADIO ONLINE ®

Copyright © 1989-2025 RADIO ONLINE ^®