As the $5 million sale of Beasley Media AC “Mix 99.5” WJBR Wilmington DE to VCY America prepares for its imminent closing, today is the final day for its airstaff.
Morning hosts Deanna Marie and Justin Franiak made the announcement this morning. Deanna joined WJBR in October 2021 after previously hosting middays and later co-hosting mornings at Reno Media Group CHR “Alice 96.5” KLCA Reno NV for three years. Franiak officially joined her in March 2022 after serving as a fill-in for a few months. He previously hosted mornings at KBBL Santa Rosa CA from May 2019 until last October. Franiak began his career at Sports 94.1 WIP Philadelphia as a promotions/stunt guy and has also held on-air positions at WHDL/WPIG Olean NY and Townsquare Media Binghamton NY.
The duo intend to to continue working together as they are planning to launch a podcast. Franiak will continue to serve as a fill-in/weekend host at Beasley Country 92.5 WXTU Philadelphia, while Deanna stated she will likely be filling-in in Philadelphia as well. They can be reached at DeannaAndJustinOnAir@gmail.com
Midday host Mike Rossi has yet to announced his plans, while Program Director/afternoon host Eric Johnson has moved to PD/midday host at Beasley Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK Philadelphia.
The station has yet to announce a final sign-off time. The WJBR brand will continue on following the sale in a jockless mode online and on Beasley’s 95.7 WBEN-HD2 Philadelphia.
Deanna Marie and Justin Franiak have exited mornings at Beasley AC “Mix 99.5 WJBR” Wilmington, Delaware.
Deanna Marie originally joined market veteran Johnny B on “Mix Mornings” October 4, 2021. Previously Deanna spent 3 years in Reno, Nevada on KLCA top 40 “Alice 96.5” where she debuted in radio with “Bill, Deanna and RJ on the ALICE Morning Show”
The two became a duo in March of 2022 when Justin Franiak joined Deanna officially after filling in on mornings upon Johnny’s exit. Franiak also hosts weekends at sister station Country 92.5 WXTU Philadelphia. He previously hosted mornings at Country “93.7 The Bull” KBBL Santa Rosa CA from May 2019 until last October. Franiak began his career at Sports 94.1 WIP Philadelphia as a promotions/stunt guy and has also held on-air positions at WHDL/WPIG Olean NY and Townsquare Media Binghamton NY.
Deanna and Justin In The Morning’s most recent Nielsen book was the best in the station’s recent history putting them at #2 among persons 18-49, and growing WJBR’s cume by 62% compared to the last several years.
Deanna commented “We have worked so hard to be where we are today and that won’t stop even though our time with WJBR is coming to a close.”
Deanna and Justin have partnered with clients on fundraisers like WJBR’s famous ‘Help Our Kids Radiothon’ benefiting Nemours Children’s Hospital and helping to raise almost $325,000 for the second year in a row. D&J have both teamed up with several other local clients to emcee and host community events and fundraisers. They are a true representation of LIVE AND LOCAL radio with a show that sounds like it belongs in a major market.
D&J were nominated for and won The Best of Delaware as voted by readers of Delaware Today Magazine. They were finalists in the Radio’s Got Talent’ competition, and it doesn’t stop here!
More details about the show and contact info can be found by emailing DeannaAndJustinOnAir@gmail.com
Please follow @DeannaAndJustinInTheMorning on IG & Facebook.
