Hanks & O’Neill On The Loose
• Suzi Hanks has exited her position as co-host and news anchor on The Dean And Rog Show on Cox Media Group Classic Rock KGLK (106.9 & 107.5 The Eagle)/Houston after nearly 17 years. She was also the cluster’s Public Affairs Director and the host of For Your Information (FYI), which aired on all of CMG’s Houston stations.
In a statement sent to RAMP, VP/Market Manager Mark Krieschen said, “Suzi Hanks made solid contributions to the Dean and Rog Show over the years as well as hosting our public affairs show on all the Cox Media Group Houston radio stations. Suzi’s contract expired in February and we made the decision not to renew her agreement as we’re taking elements of the Dean and Rog Show in a new direction.”
Hanks joined the Dean and Rog Show in 2003 when they were originally across the street on Clear Channel Classic Rock KKRW (93.7 The Arrow). Cox Media Group hired them in June 2009. The show will celebrate 22 years on the air in Houston in April.
In a Facebook post announcing her departure, Hanks said, in part, “Onward and upward! Thank you so much to all my friends and listeners for reaching out to me recently. If you haven’t heard, my more than 20 years on Houston morning radio has come to a close. I am so grateful for you all and look forward to updating you soon on my next chapter in life. The possibilities are exciting!”
• Back in December we reported Pat O’Neill had celebrated his 35th anniversary with Mid-West Family Broadcasting in Madison, WI, shortly before he embarked on a new opportunity as PD and morning personality at Blooming Prairie Farm Radio Classic Hits KNXR (Minnesota 97.5)/Rochester, MN.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the circumstances of O’Neill’s new position did not work out as planned, and he is now a free agent in search of his next opportunity. On a brighter note, let us recap O’Neill’s successful 35-year run in his hometown of Madison — he was hired to do mornings on AC WMGN (Magic 98) in 1983, was upped to PD in 1986 and awarded OM stripes for the cluster in 2005.
Looking ahead, O’Neill is understandably interested in discussing his future employment options and can be reached via email at magic98pat@gmail.com.
