Legendary WMGK Morning Personality John DeBella to Retire

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 11, 2023 | 11:29am CT

John DeBella

Legendary WMGK-FM/Philadelphia morning personality John DeBella has announced his retirement following his last radio show on Friday, June 30. He officially unveiled the news on the air to his listeners on Thursday morning, May 11. DeBella's name has been synonymous with Philadelphia radio entertainment for over 40 years. He created comedy for The National Lampoon Radio Hour, the syndicated radio program that starred John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray and many others. DeBella was also one of the originators of the Morning Zoo format.

In addition to his nationally honored radio career, DeBella has appeared as a stand-up comedian, is a local Emmy award winning host & producer, has co-anchored the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and has won numerous local service and humanitarian awards. Along with his morning show on Classic Rock WMGK, he heads Husky Productions, a local TV production company.

In April of 2023, John was officially inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.

"After 47 years on the radio, I really can't believe it's coming to an end," said DeBella. "I've been extremely lucky to be able to work at a job I love, in a city I love, with a family that has supported and sacrificed a lot for me to fulfill my dream. BTW... my wife likes to shop on Amazon, so she might try to return me."

"We are so very proud of John and his many accomplishments over the past four decades," said Beasley Media Group President Bruce Beasley. "The radio industry and the City of Philadelphia are better off because of him. We wish him the very best in his next chapter!"

"Through 5 decades in the business, 40 years in Philly and the last 20 anchoring WMGK's broadcast day, John DeBella has simply made our lives better-through a shared love of humor, music and entertainment," said Beasley Media Group Vice President of Talent Development and WMGK-FM/WMMR-FM Program Director Bill Weston. "His career tally has to be close to 10,000 shows and you can bet he put his heart and soul into each and every one of them."

"I'd like to sincerely thank John for his huge contributions to Beasley and the Philadelphia community over the years," said Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. "His creative genius has made such a positive impact on the radio industry overall. We are privileged to be a part of his legendary career."

"Simply put, John DeBella has defined morning radio in Philadelphia for 40 years," said Beasley Media Group Philadelphia Vice President and Market Manager Joe Bell. "He's a true radio icon!"