Barb Richards Ready To Turn The Page
• We want to take this opportunity to send our love and best wishes to our longtime friend (and ardent RAMP supporter) Barb Richards, best known and loved for her four decades of service to the Fort Wayne radio and arts community, who announced her impending retirement, effective Dec. 31.
Richards’ lengthy history with Sarkes Tarzian AC WAJI (Majic 95.1) dates back to her first shift in 1984. She eventually rose to become PD, and served in that capacity until March 2012, but remained aboard as Majic’s midday personality until July 2013, when she departed to pursue her other love — theatre, and was named the Marketing Director of Embassy Theatre Foundation.
In May 2016 Richards was named Station Manager of local CW affiliate WISE-TV (Ch. 33) for Sagamore Hill Broadcasting and stayed until May 2018 when station was sold back to Quincy Broadcasting. In the fall of 2016 WAJI also asked Richards to return and reclaim her popular midday shift, which she has done since then, and will continue to do until Dec. 31.
“My career has come full-circle,” Richards tells RAMP. “When I graduated from high school I wanted to go to New York City and work in theater. Someone suggested radio, so I tried that first, got a job and started my radio career, which has lasted for 45 years! When I first left Majic in 2013 I got hired by the historical Embassy Theatre, giving me a chance to work in the theater environment.”
Looking back, Richards noted, “It’s been wonderful from start to finish, and there are no regrets. And to the many amazing people I got to work with who impacted my career — and there are many of you — I thank you all!” Barb and her husband now plan to travel and spend some quality time with their grandchildren. And yes, the big news of Barb’s impending retirement was covered by “a local television station.” Please share your best wishes with Barb at barbrichardsfortwayne@gmail.com.
