Cincinnati market veterans Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle, hosts of the “Married with Microphones” morning present on Cumulus Media traditional hits WGRR (103.5), announce their retirement, efficient Friday, Dec. 22.
Married for 38 years, O’Brien has been with WGRR since 1991 and Coyle joined him in 1995 to do the morning present. The hosts gained a 2022 NAB Marconi Award for Giant Market Character of the Yr.
“If there have been ever a playbook on the best way to make nice radio, Chris and Janeen would have their very own chapter,” VP/Market Supervisor Jon Laing stated in a launch. “Other than their apparent chemistry, they’re each extremely gifted professionals and I’m honored to have had the chance to work with them. The Married with Microphones morning present is a radio custom recognized and beloved by many on this city, and it’s one of many distinctive issues that makes Cincinnati the hometown of all hometowns. Congrats to you each on a job nicely achieved!”
The couple met in 1979 whereas each labored at crosstown WKRQ. Coyle was with the station from 1979-1988, internet hosting overnights, middays, and ultimately afternoons. She then hosted the “Chick Discuss” present, and co-hosted mornings on WKRC earlier than becoming a member of O’Brien at WGRR.
“2024 will mark 60 years since I first went on the air in my South Carolina hometown. I’ve had one superb profession, particularly since arriving in Cincinnati in 1974,” O’Brien commented. “My almost 50 years in Cincinnati radio – 32 years at WGRR and the final 28 with Janeen as cohost – have been phenomenal. It’s all due primarily to our loyal listeners. The best praise we now have regularly obtained is ‘You sound identical to us!’ Thanks for letting us inform our tales and for making us part of your loved ones.”
Coyle added, “For 45 years, I’ve been lucky to work proper right here in my hometown. It has all the time been about one factor for me: the listener. Whether or not I’m speaking to them on the telephone, out in public, or in my thoughts’s eye. I deal with that one particular person as they drive to work or repair a cup of espresso of their kitchen, to convey fun, a smile, or a reminiscence. I thank these individuals for permitting Chris and me to be their buddies for our 28 years collectively on WGRR. I’ll miss you.”
The duo, who additionally hosted a morning phase on WCPO-TV for a number of years, have lengthy supported neighborhood occasions and charities, together with the Arthritis Basis, SPCA, Diabetes Affiliation, Breast Most cancers Consciousness, Ronald McDonald Home Charities, Cincinnati Affiliation for the Blind, Faculty for the Inventive and Performing Arts, Cincinnati Arts Affiliation, and Kindervelt.
“Chris and Janeen and Married with Microphones are a part of the material of Cincinnati, waking us up with laughter each morning,” OM/PD Keith Mitchell added. “However their attain goes past the radio with their charity efforts and work locally. SPCA Cincinnati, Disabled American Veterans, and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are simply three of the quite a few charities they’ve labored with to attract consideration and much-needed funding. It’s been my privilege to work with them for 17 years. They are going to all the time be remembered for his or her impression on Cincinnati radio.”
