WBEE's Billy Kidd Celebrates 40 Years in Rochester Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 22, 2024 | 11:15am CT

Billy Kidd

WBEE-FM afternoon host Billy Kidd is celebrating 40 years in Rochester radio, and the station is commemorating this milestone with a special morning show celebration on Friday, May 24 from 5:30-10am ET. During the show, Kidd will tell stories and experiences from his 40-year career and tenure at WBEE. Former station veteran Terry Clifford will make her return for the day and join the program.

"Billy is not only the beloved familiar voice that our listeners hear every day on the radio, but he's also a major part of the heart and soul of our staff," said Audacy Rochester Senior Vice President and Market Manager Sue Munn. "He is a huge team builder at our company, and over the years has helped launch many careers of the superstars you hear today on WBEE. We're honored to be alongside him to celebrate his 40th year in radio and look forward to the next 40."

"My radio career started at Burger Middle School when I convinced the principal to let us play records in the cafeteria during lunch class," said Kidd. "I'm still playing records these days, just to a much bigger audience. I've never had any interest in moving from city to city chasing a radio career, and frankly, I've never had to because it all happened here at home in Rochester. I'm surrounded by people I love, playing the music I love and hopefully putting a smile on people's faces, even if it's just for a few minutes on their ride home from work. I couldn't imagine doing anything else for a living. I am so blessed."

Kidd launched his career in 1984 as an intern with long-time Bee Morning Coffee Club co-host Terry Clifford. Additional roles have included board operator, morning show producer on then-WBBF, evening host on 92.5 WBEE, Music Director and currently, Assistant Brand Manager of 92.5 WBEE. Kidd helped the station earn Radio Station of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards.

In 2019, Kidd was recognized as Embrace Your Sisters Volunteer of the Year. Embrace Your Sisters offers financial support to people being treated for breast cancer.