Philly Radio Icon DeBella Announces Retirement
• Legendary Philadelphia morning personality John DeBella announced his impending retirement from Beasley Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK, effective Friday, June 30. He broke the big news to his listeners on Thursday, May 11. “After 47 years on the radio, I really can’t believe it’s coming to an end,” said DeBella. “I’ve been extremely lucky to be able to work at a job I love, in a city I love, with a family that has supported and sacrificed a lot for me to fulfill my dream. BTW… my wife likes to shop on Amazon, so she might try to return me.”
DeBella’s name has been synonymous with Philadelphia radio for more than 40 years. As one of the originators of the “Morning Zoo” format, his morning show achieved the highest ratings in local radio history at that time. Back in the day DeBella created comedy for The National Lampoon Radio Hour, he’s worked as a stand-up comedian, is a local Emmy Award-winning host & producer, has co-anchored the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and won numerous local service and humanitarian awards. DeBella also runs local TV production company Husky Productions, and last month he was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.
“We are so very proud of John and his many accomplishments over the past four decades,” said Bruce Beasley, President of Beasley Media Group. “The radio industry and the City of Philadelphia are better off because of him. We wish him the very best in his next chapter!”
Bill Weston, who doubles as Beasley VP of Talent Development and PD of WMGK & WMMR, said of DeBella, “Through five decades in the business, 40 years in Philly and the last 20 anchoring WMGK’s broadcast day, John DeBella has simply made our lives better — through a shared love of humor, music and entertainment. His career tally has to be close to 10,000 shows and you can bet he put his heart and soul into each and every one of them.”
Justin Chase, Beasley’s Chief Content Officer, remarked, “I’d like to sincerely thank John for his huge contributions to Beasley and the Philadelphia community over the years. His creative genius has made such a positive impact on the radio industry overall. We are privileged to be a part of his legendary career.”
Joe Bell, Beasley Philly VP/Market Manager, added, “Simply put, John DeBella has defined morning radio in Philadelphia for 40 years. He’s a true radio icon!”
