Kidd O’Shea Makes a Triumphant Comeback to Milwaukee's Airwaves
Imagine waking up to the familiar voice of a beloved radio personality you thought was gone for good—now picture that same excitement hitting the afternoon drive time. That's the buzz surrounding Kidd O’Shea's return to Milwaukee, and it's stirring up all sorts of feelings among fans and industry insiders alike!
Kidd O’Shea, the former morning host at WMYX Milwaukee, is stepping back into the spotlight as the new afternoon host on iHeartMedia's Classic Hits station, 95.7 Big-FM (WRIT). This move brings him back to a city he knows well, after a decade spent honing his craft in Washington D.C. To put this into context for those new to the radio scene, imagine switching from hosting a cozy local show to a high-profile national gig—O’Shea did just that, becoming the co-host of "Good Morning Washington" on WJLA-TV and even filling in on weekends and mornings at iHeartMedia's AC station, 97.1 WASH. It's a testament to his versatility, jumping between formats and roles with ease.
But here's where it gets interesting: Alongside his radio comeback, O’Shea is also joining Scripps' WTMJ-TV (check out the details at https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/tmj4-welcomes-kidd-oshea-back-to-milwaukee-to-join-morning-team) for their morning newscasts starting in December. This dual role isn't uncommon in media, where personalities often cross between radio and TV to build broader audiences—think of it as expanding your reach from voice-only storytelling to visual narratives that include lifestyle segments and live reporting.
O’Shea's Milwaukee roots run deep, dating back to his early days. He spent eight years hosting nights on 94.5 WKTI from 1996 to 2004, a time when radio was all about building community through music and chatter. Then came an eleven-year stint at Audacy's Hot AC "99.1 The Mix" WMYX, where he started as APD (Assistant Program Director), MD (Music Director), and afternoon host before taking over mornings for nine years. And let's not forget his television beginnings as a lifestyle reporter for WISN-TV—that's where he first dipped his toes into the visual side of media, covering everything from local trends to everyday tips.
And this is the part most people miss: Is bringing back a familiar face like Kidd O’Shea a stroke of genius for reviving listener loyalty, or could it risk feeling stale in a world craving fresh voices? On one hand, nostalgia can be powerful—fans who grew up with his shows might flood back, boosting ratings and engagement. For example, similar returns in other markets have seen spikes in tune-ins, as listeners appreciate the comfort of known talent. On the flip side, some argue that radio needs new blood to evolve with changing tastes, like how streaming services constantly rotate playlists to keep things exciting.
What do you think? Does O’Shea's comeback signal a smart nod to Milwaukee's radio heritage, or is it time for stations to prioritize untapped potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you're excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between. It could spark a lively debate on what makes a great radio personality timeless versus trendy!
About the Author
Lance Venta is the founder and publisher of RadioInsight.com. With a career spanning since the mid-1990s, when he launched the first radio industry discussion forums, Lance has been a key figure in covering the ins and outs of broadcasting. He also provides expert advice on content strategies and web platforms for stations and programs nationwide, helping shape the future of media.
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