BREAKING NEWS -> KEZ’s Bill Austin has passed away – (story here)
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.
Click here to Send Your Best to Bill (KEZ email address)
February 25th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Isn’t there, uh, someone else who also announced his retirement, last show also in March? (I wish I knew the rationale of not treating veteran broadcasters equally respectfully regardless of station format.)
February 26th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Bill,
Best wishes,I will truely miss you and your laugh.
Sincerely,
PWagner
February 27th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Bill, Mornings just aren’t going to be the same without you….
I had the privlege to meet you once at the Royal Palms restaurant and it was my birthday. You were so very nice and even talked about me the next day on your show; you liked my earrings. That was the highlight of my b-day and I have never forgotten what a sweetheart you were and still are.
I wish you the very best in your future endeavors…..Enjoy every moment to the fullest.
With Hugs,
Sue Tyson
March 24th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Bill ,I have be a fan of your’s starting with the weather on 12 and listen to you and Beth for 20years.. I drove with you for 15years 60 miles a dayYou are so fun and smart..I wish you well..I hope your are well.. I will miss you
Sharon
April 1st, 2010 at 11:41 am
So proud of you!
April 30th, 2010 at 7:32 am
I lived in Phoenix for 6 years and found your show – loved listening to you – than I moved to Ventura and found you on my wifi – I could not believe that you have left – WHY – I know that 20 years is a long time but you made so many people happy – both you and Beth – I hope you are well and I will miss you so much
The best to you in the future and come back!!!!!!!!!!
May 8th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Wishing you the best. It’s been fun listening to you every morning.Good luck and God bless.
May 30th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
I’ve recently returned to Phx. area and am heartbroken to hear you’ve retired. I’m happy for you, Bill, and still love to hear Beth, but I don’t listen as often – it’s just not the same and I miss the laughs with Beth and Bill. That’s life though, and I now enjoy the “oldies” stations even more….best of everything Bill – ENJOY!!
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Bill ,You made the Earth a better place and now Heaven will roar with laughter.God Bless your next journey,we will miss and appreciate your talents.
June 4th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Bill Austin….The Lord, as well as me and thousands of others, send our
blessings to your family and all your friends at ABC15. GOD bless ALL.
I will be seeing you later, on my road to HEAVEN myself!