Legendary WMGK-FM Morning Personality John DeBella has announced he will be retiring following his last radio show Friday, June 30th. He officially unveiled the news on the air to his listeners on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
DeBella\’s name has been synonymous with Philadelphia radio entertainment for over 40 years. John created comedy for The National Lampoon Radio Hour, the syndicated radio program that starred John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray and many others.
As one of the originators of the Morning Zoo format, his morning show not only became an unprecedented number one rated show in Philadelphia, but he also achieved the highest ratings in local radio history at that time.
In addition to his nationally honored radio career, John has appeared as a stand-up comedian, is a local EMMY award winning host & producer, has co-anchored the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and has won numerous local service and humanitarian awards. Along with his morning show on Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK, John heads Husky Productions, a local TV production company.
In April of 2023, John was officially inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.
“After 47 years on the radio, I really can\’t believe it\’s coming to an end,” said DeBella. “I\’ve been extremely lucky to be able to work at a job I love, in a city I love, with a family that has supported and sacrificed a lot for me to fulfill my dream. BTW…my wife likes to shop on Amazon, so she might try to return me.”
“We are so very proud of John and his many accomplishments over the past four decades,” said Beasley Media Group President Bruce Beasley. “The radio industry and the City of Philadelphia are better off because of him. We wish him the very best in his next chapter!”
“Through 5 decades in the business, 40 years in Philly and the last 20 anchoring WMGK’s broadcast day, John DeBella has simply made our lives better- through a shared love of humor, music and entertainment,” said Beasley Media Group Vice President of Talent Development and WMGK-FM/WMMR-FM Program Director Bill Weston. “His career tally has to be close to 10,000 shows and you can bet he put his heart and soul into each and every one of them.”
“I’d like to sincerely thank John for his huge contributions to Beasley and the Philadelphia community over the years,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. “His creative genius has made such a positive impact on the radio industry overall. We are privileged to be a part of his legendary career.”
“Simply put, John DeBella has defined morning radio in Philadelphia for 40 years,” said Beasley Media Group Vice President and Market Manager Joe Bell. “He’s a true radio icon!”
