KC’s Kelly Urich Announces Retirement
• Hard to believe, but the end of the fabled “Kelly Urich Era” in Kansas City will soon come to a close, as market mainstay Kelly Urich, morning host on Cumulus Classic Hits 94.9 KCMO announced that after 33 years on the radio in Kansas City, he will hang up his headphones later this year.
Donna Baker, RVP/Market Manager, Cumulus Kansas City, said, “Whether riding to raise funds for 25 years for Bike MS or broadcasting all day to benefit KU Pediatrics Children’s Miracle Network, Kelly is always first to raise his hand and help the KC community. His leadership earned the inaugural ‘Above and Beyond Award’ from the media and advertising community’s KC Media Mix. Kelly’s peers selected him Radio Personality of the Year and 94.9 KCMO as Radio Station of the Year in 2022. Listeners and clients alike appreciate Kelly’s effervescent and engaging personality, and he has definitely made his mark on Kansas City broadcasting. We wish him all the best in his retirement, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”
OM Jim Fox remarked, “We’re extremely happy for Kelly and his family. His generosity both on and off the air will be missed. No specific timeline has been established, but with shoes like Kelly’s to fill, we wanted to start our search early. Until a replacement is named, Kelly and Mackenzie will continue to wake up Kansas City on 94.9 KCMO. Throughout 2023, expect a celebration of his incredible career with more experiences, more trips, more prizes and more tickets to more concerts.”
Urich commented, “The people of Kansas City have invited me into their cars and homes for so many years. I would like to personally thank them for letting me be a part of their lives. It’s the greatest honor, really. The 94.9 KCMO audience and staff have been the pinnacle of my radio career. My family is moving to be closer to my wife’s incredible new opportunity. I want to say a sincere thank you for supporting me and my family.”
• A nationwide search is now underway to fill Urich’s sizeable shoes and join Mackenzie on-air on the mighty 94.9 KCMO. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply online via the Cumulus Jobs portal. EOE.
