Change Of Plans For WSB Icon Scott Slade
• Cox Media Group (CMG) Atlanta announced that Scott Slade, a legend at News-Talk 95.5 WSB for four decades, will temporarily step away as the longtime host of Atlanta’s Morning News, weekdays from 4:30-9am shift, saying Slade “plans to create something new for the 101-year-old station that reflects his passion for listeners and the community.”
The 39-year WSB veteran began his radio career in 1970 at the age of 15. He worked at WRFC, WUOG,WAPE, WHIE, WKEU and WGRI before joining WSB in 1984 to host an overnight music show. Slade quickly advanced to flying the WSB Skycopter to deliver morning and afternoon traffic reports, and in 1991, he was one of the founding fathers of WSB’s Atlanta’s Morning News and has been the only host of the award-winning show since it debuted on 95.5 WSB.
Slade said, “I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me and WSB — this has been my radio home for 40 years. I’m excited about what we’re going to create together for listeners, and I’m glad this will continue to be my radio home into the future. In the meantime, I look forward to sleeping in, spending more time with my family, taking up scuba diving and flying my plane.”
“There is no one else like Scott Slade,” said Jaleigh Long, VP/Market Manager for CMG Atlanta Radio. “His credibility, professionalism and passion for delivering the best for listeners is unmatched. I’m excited for what’s ahead as we take these next steps with Scott, our audience and our clients.”
Slade recently was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) Hall of Fame, and in 2008 he was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame. Slade also has won two NAB Marconi awards for Major Market and Large Market Personality of the Year, Edward R. Murrow regional awards for Best Newscast, and numerous GAB awards. Slade also initiated the WSB Radio Care-a-Thon in 2000 to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The annual event has so far raised more than $30 million to fight children’s cancer and blood disorders.
“The ‘S’ in WSB stands for ‘Scott,'” said Ken Charles, Director of Branding & Programming for 95.5 WSB. “His dedication to the show and station, and his commitment to excellence, are unparalleled. He is truly the G.O.A.T. of morning radio!”
