ABOVE: Circa 2002. Courtesy: Archive.org / KEZ999.com
Bill Austin of the “Beth & Bill” morning show on Clear Channel’s 99.9 KEZ announced his retirement this morning. Austin reasoned that he turned 55 this year, had been considering the benchmark for a couple of years, and has had nearly 40 years spent in the broadcast industry.
Close to 20 years has been the amount of time the “Beth & Bill” morning show has existed. Austin came over to KEZ in June of 1990 from News Channel 12, and Beth and Bill in the mornings were quickly a hit.
They have been a staple of Valley radio throughout much of this time, including local television news presences in the mornings, a television show of their own– “Cooking with Beth & Bill”– billboards, books, community events and more.
Austin’s announcement this morning came on his last day on the show. Beth McDonald is scheduled to go solo March 1.
See Marty Manning’s video footage of Bill Austin’s announcement below:
Visit Beth and Bill’s blog on KEZ999.com by clicking here for more info, photos, and memories.
Posted on 22 February 2010 by PhoenixAirchecks.com
Those who were awaiting the Morning Mayor Dave Pratt’s big news likely got it this morning via email.
The announcement was sent in the wee hours of the morning, written by Mark Curtis, friend of Pratt’s and of Channel 12.
“Well guess what? Pratt is back,” Curtis writes. “Yes, now you can still get your dose of Dave Pratt in the Morning! You can still get the bold opinions, off-beat humor and eye opening comments that have caused thousands to spit out coffee on their dashboards.”
When Pratt hinted that his announcement would have nothing to do with radio or television, he wasn’t kidding.
Starting today, he is making a unique return– still local– via personal blogging on azcentral. Get to his page here: www.davepratt.azcentral.com
Posted on 22 February 2010 by PhoenixAirchecks.com
KNIX’s morning duo, Ben and Matt, hosted the Parada del Sol Pro Rodeo and Historic Parade in Scottsdale Saturday. The parade, which as taken place for 57 years, began at 10am and runs up Scottsdale Road from Oak to Indian School.
Ben and Matt were aboard a float. Hosts were scattered among intersections along the way, including Radio Free Phoenix’s Liz Boyle and Andy Olson at Scottsdale Road and Osborn, and a reunion of the KDKB morning team, Bill Andres and John Giese, at Scottsdale Road and Indian School.
Posted on 08 February 2010 by PhoenixAirchecks.com
Clear Channel Phoenix’s Hot AC, Mix 96.9 (KMXP) brings aboard Mathew Blades to fill in the gap of the morning drive, after morning show host Chris Parker left the station in early December to join 98.7 The Peak up the street.
Mathew Blades comes from Adult Hits WLWK in Milwaukee as afternoon drive guy. He is to begin mornings on Mix 96.9 in early March.
Those who were awaiting the Morning Mayor Dave Pratt’s big news likely got it this morning via email.
