The cuts continue at Beasley Media Group as Andre Gardner has exited as afternoon host at Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK Philadelphia.
Gardner was given the opportunity to do a final break on the station this afternoon and shared a statement online writing:
I wanted to let you know that today, 10/18/24, is my last day on 102.9 MGK.
The radio business has faced huge challenges over the last decade, with a continuing decrease in ad revenues and the shift to digital. This change has forced radio companies like Beasley, Heart and Audacy to make some tough strategic decisions.
Yesterday I was informed that, due to budgetary issues, my position has been eliminated.
I want to thank Market Manager Paul Blake and our PD Eric Johnson for gifting me a true rarity in this business – the chance to say goodbye on the air this afternoon. I will be forever grateful.
It has been a dream come true for me to be your afternoon host on MGK lo these many years. The experiences and memories I’ve had, and the men and women l’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with, has been an incredible honor, a great privilege, and a hell of a lot of fun. Many thanks to my friend Buzz Knight for bringing me to Philly and MGK in 2002, after almost a decade in NYC. It was so nice to come home!
I can’t say much now about what’s next on MGK afternoons, but I assure you that you will be in good hands.
What’s next for me? Who knows?! And THAT is actually very exciting!From the bottom of my heart, thank YOU for hanging with me and being on the other end of the speakers or ear buds. I’ve loved every minute of it.
Gardner had been in afternoons at WMGK for twenty-two years joining the station in 2002. He began his radio career at 97.5 WPST Trenton NJ in 1977 and spent much of his career in the Philadelphia area with stints at 990 WZZD, 92.5 WIFI, 104.5 WSNI, 106.1 WZGO, and 94.1 WYSP. He also spent time at WAPW Atlanta, KEGL and KZEW Dallas, and had an eight year run at “92.3 K-Rock” WXRK New York with time as APD/MD, Program Director, Production Director, and Howard Stern’s dump button operator. He also hosted the syndicated “Breakfast With The Beatles” from 2002 to 2022.
