Start by considering why some radio shows become iconic. “Preston & Steve” at WMMR is a prime example, and Kathy Romano has been a big part of that success. For over two decades, Kathy brought humor, real-world insights, and relatability to the airwaves each morning. She didn’t just add her voice; she shaped the show’s personality and built connections with thousands of loyal listeners across the Philadelphia region.
After 22 years in that trusted seat, news broke—unexpectedly—that Kathy Romano would be leaving the show and WMMR. If you’ve listened for years (or ever launched a project that felt like family), you can imagine the shock. The abrupt nature of her departure left listeners—maybe including you—wondering what happened and what comes next.
Reasons for Departure: Company Restructuring and Financial Realities
So, why is Kathy Romano leaving WMMR? The reason is straightforward—and also a cautionary case study for anyone running a business or creative venture today.
Start with the core issue. Kathy’s exit isn’t due to behind-the-scenes drama or a planned career move. Beasley Media Group, WMMR’s parent company, made the decision not to renew her contract. This wasn’t just about Kathy. It was part of a wave of company-wide layoffs impacting on-air and behind-the-scenes staff.
Why did this happen? Beasley Media Group cited financial strain as the trigger. Today, radio and many other media companies face declining ad revenue. More audience attention is shifting to digital platforms—think podcasts, streaming, and social media. In this environment, large companies often review expenses and make difficult staffing choices.
A simple way to explain it: As revenue fell and profits shrank, tough cost-cutting measures followed. Non-renewal of contracts—like Kathy’s—was a direct result.
For entrepreneurs and small business owners, this can be a tough reminder. Markets change. Revenue that once felt reliable can dry up as customer habits move. Building flexibility and backup plans—even when things look steady—can help you navigate sudden shifts.
Not a Voluntary Exit: The Reality for Kathy and Her Team
You’ll also want to understand that this was not a decision by Kathy herself, nor by her co-hosts, Preston and Steve. Both on-air and in statements, they made it clear: Kathy did not choose to leave. In her own words, the announcement was “devastating and unexpected.” Many listeners felt the same.
If you’re building a team or company, consider the impact these sudden decisions have—not just on employees, but on culture and morale. Being transparent with people, even during tough times, goes a long way. Lead with honesty, so everyone knows where they stand and what comes next.
Kathy Romano’s Perspective: Disappointment and Realism
In interviews and social media posts, Kathy spoke candidly about her exit. She’s described it as “incredibly emotional” and shared her disappointment that station owners didn’t value what her unique blend of humor and connection brought to the show.
Kathy summed up her experience: “The owners didn’t value the uniqueness that made our morning show work for 20-plus years.” That’s a lesson you can use if you run a team or product—sometimes upper management, clients, or even investors won’t fully appreciate the mix of talents and chemistry that makes something succeed. You can’t change every business decision, but you can focus on what’s within your control: making an impact, supporting your colleagues, and championing your values.
Kathy’s willingness to be open and real, even during a hard transition, is a sign of strength. As a business owner or leader, remember that how you handle exits speaks loudly—not just to your current team, but to future hires and customers, too.
Colleagues Speak Out: Preston & Steve Continue—but Feel the Loss
Next, let’s look at the response from Kathy’s longtime co-hosts. Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison made it clear that the decision wasn’t theirs, and that they plan to continue the “Preston & Steve” show. But they didn’t downplay the impact of losing their colleague.
Both described Kathy’s departure as a huge blow. Steve called it “heartbreaking,” emphasizing how unusual and special their team’s chemistry was. If you’re leading a business, this is a classic example: A great team is more than just the sum of its parts. The loss of a key player can disrupt workflow, creativity, and even revenue.
For team builders, pro tip: Regularly check in with your people—especially after big changes. Acknowledge loss and make space for feedback. It helps everyone heal, recover, and look ahead together.
Listener Support and Future Opportunities: Turning the Page
Kathy Romano’s reaction to listener support is another real-world lesson. Rather than dwell on disappointment, she highlighted her gratitude. She thanked the audience for ongoing support, sharing, “I was lucky to have the best listeners anyone could ask for.”
Many entrepreneurs find themselves at unexpected crossroads. The best next step? Focus on the community you’ve built and explore new paths. Kathy put it simply: “This is just turning the dial to see what’s next.” She remains open to new challenges and opportunities ahead.
If you’re in a similar transition—maybe due to layoffs, market shifts, or company changes—map out your skills and connections. Leverage (or, better, use) your credibility and relationships to find new projects, freelance gigs, or business ideas. You might be surprised how many fans or clients are rooting for you.
Pro tip: When a change is forced on you, take stock before jumping to the next thing. Set aside a week to reach out to your network, gather advice, and brainstorm options. Read up on pivots and career transitions at sites like Business Benching for fresh ideas and strategies.
No Controversy—Just Organizational Change
It’s easy for rumors to swirl when a beloved host leaves a radio show. But in Kathy’s case, there’s no hidden scandal or personal drama. The decision was solely organizational, driven by budget cuts and the need to adapt to a challenging media economy.
You can use this as a reminder: Sometimes, even the best people and ideas get caught in wider industry or economic shifts. Avoid blaming your team or yourself for every business change—some things, like market contractions or digital disruption, are well outside an individual’s control.
Many founders and side hustlers worry about “what ifs” or take sudden setbacks personally. Instead, try to zoom out. Track market signals, diversify your income streams, and create safety nets—think cash reserves, flexible contracts, or alternate products—to weather hard times.
Kathy’s Legacy and Lessons for Builders
So, what legacy does Kathy leave behind at “Preston & Steve”? For over 22 years, she helped create a show that generations of Philadelphians woke up to. Her humor, honesty, and everyday insights made the show sticky—and often set it apart from corporate competitors.
If you’re growing a brand or product, study what gave Kathy and her show their edge:
- Consistency: Showed up daily, engaging fans for two decades.
- Authenticity: Shared personal stories, making listeners feel seen and heard.
- Team chemistry: Built strong on-air relationships, reflecting trust and real fun.
You don’t need to reinvent every day. Often, doubling down on what already works—solid routines, genuine customer care, internal trust—outperforms flashy gimmicks. Use Kathy’s story as encouragement: Build your own legacy, connect with your community, and keep a close eye on how industry trends might impact your stability.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Kathy Romano—and for You?
While the future isn’t mapped out, Kathy’s pragmatic optimism offers a practical blueprint. She’s open to new roles, excited to “turn the dial,” and grateful for sustained support. That forward-thinking approach is something anyone can build into their business or career.
If you’re starting a venture or hit by a sudden shift, emulate this strategy:
1. Thank your supporters. Relationships make or break momentum, whether you’re on-air or online.
2. Take stock of your skills. List what’s transferable—media, communication, leadership, teamwork—and look for new places to apply them.
3. Research trends and opportunities. Use resources like industry newsletters, podcasts, or business education sites to spot where your talents can fit next.
You might find your next success comes from the relationships and skills you honed over time, not from starting all over again.
Conclusion: Progress After Unexpected Change
Let’s wrap up with a call to action: If you lead a team or run a business, don’t wait until crisis hits to plan for change. Stay connected to your audience, keep your team close, and be ready to pivot if the industry demands it.
Kathy Romano’s journey shows that even tough, unexpected exits can spark new growth—if you approach them with openness, gratitude, and clear eyes. Want more practical advice for making your next move after an industry shakeup? Check out resources like Business Benching for playbooks, real-world examples, and step-by-step guides.
Start by defining what success looks like now, in a changed environment. Then outline your next three actions for this week—whether that’s updating your LinkedIn, researching new business models, or simply reaching out to a fellow founder for coffee. Progress isn’t always linear, but with the right mindset, your next chapter can be your best yet.
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