Saga Communications’ Asheville Media Group will launch three new morning shows this month.
Crystal Brown will move from mornings at Classic Rock “105.9 The Mountain” WTMT to join Melanie Wilkinson at Hot AC “Mix 96.5” WOXL for “The Morning Mix with Melanie & Crystal”. Brown was on her second stint at WTMT co-hosting mornings since 2019 after previously hosting nights from 2007-09. She has also held on-air roles at multiple stations in the Greenville/New Bern NC market and at WFBC-FM Greenville SC. Wilkinson had been teamed with Michael Chew since 2020 and previously worked at WRGC Sylva NC.
Succeeding Brown in mornings at WTMT on Monday, February 12 are the previously announced Rich ‘Rizzo’ Deaver and Jeff Daly. The duo most recently hosted afternoons on iHeartMedia Hot Talk “Radio 95.1” WAIO Rochester NY from March 2022 until being part of iHeart’s April 2023 layoffs. They previously hosted mornings at CHR “106 KHQ” WKHQ-FM Traverse City MI. Daly was previously part of the “Rat & Puff Show” with Josh ‘Puff’ Foreman at “98.7 Amp Radio” WDZH Detroit, “Q102” WIOQ Philadelphia, and 93.3 WFLZ Tampa. Rizzo was their producer at WDZH and previously hosted mornings at Classic Rock 94.3 WQCM Hagerstown MD and CHR “92.9 The Beat” KOSP Springfield MO, and was also part of “The Todd Show” on WPLJ New York under the on-air name ‘Meatballs’.
The third addition will see Country “105.5 The Outlaw” W288CQ/WTMT-HD3 add Compass Media Networks’ “Big D and Bubba Show” starting February 19. The morning show becomes the first hosted daypart on the station.
Asheville Media Group announced today the launch of three morning shows that will feature established Asheville voices and new voices that will inform, entertain, and inspire Western North Carolina.
On February 5, Mix 96.5 WOXL-FM launches the first all-female morning show in Asheville, “The Morning Mix with Melanie & Crystal”. Morning host Melanie Wilkinson will partner with Crystal Brown, previously heard on 105.9 The Mountain’s “Mountain Morning Show”. Melanie and Crystal’s vibrant personalities and relatability have connected with fans of their podcast, “The Hot Mess Momcast” and will now connect with listeners during their interactive, live and local show. Listeners can hear “The Morning Mix with Melanie and Crystal” weekdays from 6-10am on Mix 96.5, MyMix965.com or the Mix 96.5 app.
Additionally, starting February 12th, “The Rizzo & Jeff Show” launches on 105.9 The Mountain WTMT-FM. Recently named “iHeartRadio Digital Influencers of the Year”, Rizzo & Jeff transition from Rochester, New York and will be live in studio each weekday morning and live on their social channels as they discover what makes Asheville so unique! Rizzo and Jeff are excited to bring their show to 105.9 The Mountain noting, “We hope to bring energy, excitement and fun to 105.9 The Mountain for years to come”. Starting February 12, listen to “The Rizzo & Jeff Show” each weekday from 6-10am on 105.9 The Mountain, 1059TheMountain.com or on the 105.9 The Mountain app.
On February 19th, Asheville will have a new country music and entertainment choice when “The Big D & Bubba Morning Show” premieres on 105.5 The Outlaw WTMT-HD3. Based out of Nashville, Big D & Bubba have access to the hottest country artists and celebrities who will help Asheville laugh their way through their morning commute. Big D & Bubba are committed to connecting with listeners on a deeper level noting, “We know how crazy life can be and we want to be the goofy best radio-friend refuge from the harsh reality of being pulled 100 different directions.” Listeners can hear “The Big D & Bubba Show” on February 19 by tuning in to 105.5 The Outlaw or outlawasheville.com.
Asheville Media Group’s Operations Director, Steve Richards, expressed enthusiasm about the new morning shows, “We can’t wait to introduce these three captivating and distinctive shows to Asheville’s morning radio.”
Asheville Media Group is home to Mix 96.5, 105.9 The Mountain, 105.5 The Outlaw, 98.1 The River, Rewind 100.3, Pure Oldies 97.3, WISE Sports Radio, Asheville Deals and Dog Day Afternoon. Asheville Media Group offers local programming, a robust database of loyal listeners, and marketing capabilities that connect businesses with consumers on-air, online and on-site. For more information visit ashevillemediagroup.com
