Kalina Hanging Up His Headphones
• UPDATED: Putting the lid on a stellar 51-year broadcasting career, Philadelphia radio icon Glenn Kalina, current morning host on Audacy Classic Hits 98.1 WOGL announced his retirement, effective this Friday, November 5.
Kalina’s half-century radio run began at WICK/Scranton, PA in 1970 while he was attending college. He made his Philadelphia debut in 1978 at the former Wizzard 100, followed by a stint at 610 WIP before joining 98.1 WCAU in 1980 during the tail-end of its “Fascinating Rhythm” era. In Sept. 1981, WCAU flipped to Mike Joseph‘s high-energy “Hot Hits” format, and Kalina stayed on as an air talent and Music Director. He was also involved in the 1987 rebranding of WCAU to Classic Hits WOGL. Kalina later joined WIOQ (Q102) as an air talent and rose through the ranks, serving as PD for 11 years, and eventually, Operations Manager. In Nov. 1999, Kalina helped launch WLCE (Alice 104.5), where he did mornings. Kalina later worked at WMWX (Mix 95.7), SiriusXM, FMQB, and Beasley Classic Hits WJRZ/Monmouth-Ocean, before returning to WOGL in Nov. 2019 as morning host. Kalina is also an in-demand voice actor and is currently represented by Access Talent/Nextgenvo New York.
Tim Herbster, Director Of Music Programming for Audacy Philadelphia and Brand Manager of 98.1 WOGL & AC WBEB (B101.1), noted, “WOGL is a Philadelphia franchise, and Glenn Kalina is a franchise player — 35 years in Philadelphia radio is quite the accomplishment! Philly has been lucky to have Glenn, especially waking up with him on WOGL the past few years.”
RAMP caught up with Kalina, who told us, “I’m so grateful for the opportunities to entertain, laugh and cry with listeners I have met over the years and to spend over three decades in Philadelphia! I love this city so much and it has been a dream-come-true to work along side such amazing broadcasters in Philly. Special thanks to Audacy’s David Yadgaroff and Tim Herbster for allowing me to go out in this fashion!”
All this week Kalina will celebrate his remarkable career, sharing fond memories, enjoying celebrity call-ins, special guest interviews, surprise drop-ins, and other shenanigans. His last official day on-air will be Friday, Nov. 5, although he will be helping out with the annual WOGL Children’s Hospital Radiothon Dec. 9-10.
