André Gardner Exits Afternoons At WMGK/Philly
• The continued budget-related shrinkage of our once healthy industry continues, this time in Philadelphia, where we just found out that market icon André Gardner has exited afternoon drive at Beasley Classic Rock WMGK after 22 years as his position has been eliminated.
Gardner broke his news in a Facebook post that reads, “I wanted to let you know that today, 10/18/24, is my last day on 102.9 MGK. The radio business has faced huge challenges over the last decade, with a continuing decrease in ad revenues and the shift to digital. This change has forced radio companies like Beasley, iHeart and Audacy to make some tough strategic decisions. Yesterday I was informed that, due to budgetary issues, my position has been eliminated.”
He added, “I want to thank Market Manager Paul Blake and our PD Eric Johnson for gifting me a true rarity in this business — the chance to say goodbye on the air this afternoon. I will be forever grateful. It has been a dream come true for me to be your afternoon host on MGK lo these many years. The experiences and memories I’ve had, and the men and women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with, has been an incredible honor, a great privilege, and a hell of a lot of fun.”
In closing, Gardner said, “Many thanks to my friend Buzz Knight for bringing me to Philly and MGK in 2002, after almost a decade in NYC. It was so nice to come home! I can’t say much now about what’s next on MGK afternoons, but I assure you that you will be in good hands. What’s next for me? Who knows?! And THAT is actually very exciting! From the bottom of my heart, thank YOU for hanging with me and being on the other end of the speakers or ear buds. I’ve loved every minute of it. XO.”
