Morning host Steve Holstein has exited Saga Communications Country 100.3 WIXY-FM Champaign IL after 24 years with the station as the company accelerates cutbacks.

Holstein had been in mornings WIXY-FM since 1996 and also publishes show prep site InterPrep. With Holstein’s departure, the station has moved Program Director/afternoon host Kurtis Allen to mornings alongside co-host Melissa Anfield.

An award-winning radio personality has left the air. Steve Holstein, host of the “Holstein & Company Morning Show,” will no longer be heard on WIXY-FM. The station’s parent company terminated his contract on June 5.

Holstein said, “It’s a tough time for businesses that rely on advertising. After 24 years my contract termination is disheartening but I certainly understand the decision made by Illini Radio Group and its parent company, Saga Communications.”

Sue Grey, CEO of United Way of Champaign said, “Working with Steve over the years has been great. His support and dedication to making our community a better place were evident in his work at the studio as well as his volunteer service to many local non-profits. His voice on the air will truly be missed!”

Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen added, “It’s been a pleasure to work with Steve in my capacity as Mayor. Although being on ‘Holstein & Company’ was always fun, when I was on the air with Steve he always took the time to ask important questions. I know I join the rest of Champaign when I say that his voice will be greatly missed as we start each day.”

Holstein joined WIXY in 1996, creating the show with community and families in mind. During his 24 years with the station he visited over 4,000 classrooms in East Central Illinois to record the Pledge of Allegiance. He won awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Country Music Association. Holstein created and co-hosted the Illinois Marathon’s “Mile Zero” pre-race show, heard by thousands of runners annually on marathon morning. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Stephens Family YMCA, is a recent long-time mentor with CU 1 to 1 Mentoring, and is a trusted voice on dozens of TV and radio commercials for local businesses.

Holstein added, “The broadcasters on West Bradley Ave. are some of the best, particularly those who were a part of my morning show for almost 25 years. I will never forget the award-winning moments I spent with Melissa Anfield and Andy Roberts (whose contract was terminated in 2019). ‘Holstein & Company’ is no longer on the radio, but it leaves behind a legacy of great ratings and a community connection that’s rarely heard on local radio today.”