A radio legend's journey comes to an unexpected halt. Eric Worden's 35-year reign on the airwaves has ended abruptly, leaving many fans and colleagues in shock. But here's where it gets controversial...
Worden, a beloved morning show host on 93.7 BOB FM, along with his wife Julianne, were informed on Wednesday that their services were no longer required. Julianne, who held key roles as a general sales manager and program director, was also affected by this decision.
In a heartfelt live announcement on Facebook, Eric expressed his deep sorrow: 'Today is a difficult day. We're both still in shock and trying to process this.' He went on to thank his loyal listeners, emphasizing the incredible support they had received over the years. 'Together, Jules and I have dedicated 60 years to this radio group. It's been an honor.'
The radio station, 93.7 BOB FM, is part of the Norfolk-based Sinclair Communications, which owns several stations. Eric shed some light on the potential reasons behind their departure, stating, 'In radio, ratings often dictate these decisions. But our numbers have been exceptional, thanks to all of you.'
The passing of Bob Sinclair Sr., the longtime owner of Sinclair Communications, earlier this year, may have played a role in these changes. Eric acknowledged the impact of this loss, saying, 'The Sinclair family has been through a lot this year. We're grateful for their support during this transition.'
Bob Sinclair Jr. has now taken over the reins of the company. In a statement released to WAVY, Sinclair addressed the situation, explaining that 'in a challenging media environment, tough choices sometimes have to be made.' He emphasized that these decisions were financial and not performance-related, and that the company appreciated the dedication of its employees.
WAVY is currently investigating the impact of these changes on Sinclair employees and will provide updates as they become available.
This story raises questions about the future of long-serving radio personalities and the impact of ownership changes on media landscapes. What are your thoughts on this unexpected turn of events? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
