Following the retirement of John DeBella in June, Beasley Media Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK Philadelphia has announced that midday host Matt Cord will move up to the daypart joined by DeBella’s former producer/co-host Steve Vassalotti.
Cord has spent the past 30 years on-air in Philadelphia starting at Rock 93.3 WMMR before a long run un in afternoons at Alternative “Y100” WPLY. Following the 2005 demise of WPLY, Cord would return to WMMR as evening host before moving to mornings at sister Variety Hits “95.7 Ben-FM” WBEN-FM in January 2017. He would then slide to co-owned WMGK as midday host in January 2020. He began his career in Long Island at 106.1 WBLI and 92.7 WLIR-FM. Cord has also served as in-arena host for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers since 1997.
Vassalotti joined the station in 2017 as a part-time board op for The John DeBella Show before rising to producer and co-host.
“The Matt Cord Show with Steve Vassalotti” will debut on Tuesday, September 5 from 6-10am.
Beasley Media Group’s 102.9 WMGK-FM is pleased to announce long time Philadelphia personality, Matt Cord has been named as the new host of the station’s new morning show, the Matt Cord Show with Steve Vassalotti. The show will debut on Tuesday, September 5th, and air weekdays from 6am to 10am.
The radio veteran, who recently served as the Midday Host at the station, will be joined by former John DeBella Show Producer and Co-host, Steve Vassalotti.
Matt Cord brings a universally likable approach to radio and stream listening with his friendly, positive, and enthusiastic approach to life and a mutual love for the classic rock artists and songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s. His passions also extend to local sports, especially the Philadelphia 76ers, where he has served as the in-arena voice for over two decades.
In addition to working at WMGK, Cord’s experience includes working as the Morning Host on WBEN-FM, Afternoon Personality of the former Y100 and Afternoon and Evening Talent on WMMR-FM.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to host mornings on ‘MGK,” said Cord. “It goes without saying John DeBella is a tough act to follow. I’m excited to have Steve as my co-host as our friendship goes back to his intern days.”
Steve Vassalotti joined The John DeBella Show in 2017 as a part-time board operator and has risen to the role of full-time producer and co-host. His familiar voice and existing relationship with the WMGK morning audience will make the new morning program transition effortless. “I’m excited to be teaming up with my friend, and someone I consider one of the smoothest air-talents around. And it’s nice to continue the tradition of balding morning hosts here at MGK,” quips Vassalotti.
“This is one of the most obvious hires I’ve made,” said WMGK Program Director Bill Weston. ”Having Matt’s market experience and music knowledge plus his easy-going nature with the added producing chops and additional perspective that Steve brings to the conversation is just a terrific pairing.”
