Exciting Shake-Up in Milwaukee's Airwaves: Kidd O’Shea Is Back and Better Than Ever!
If you're a longtime listener of Milwaukee radio, get ready for some nostalgia mixed with fresh energy—Kidd O’Shea, the beloved former morning host, is heading back to his roots in the city. After years away, he's stepping into a prominent new role that has everyone buzzing.
O’Shea is set to take over as the afternoon drive host at iHeartMedia's Classic Hits station, 95.7 Big-FM (check it out at https://957bigfm.iheart.com/). For those new to radio lingo, Classic Hits typically means a playlist packed with timeless favorites from the '70s, '80s, and '90s—think crowd-pleasers like The Eagles or Madonna that keep listeners humming along during their commute. This gig marks a homecoming for O’Shea, who first made his mark in Milwaukee's dynamic media scene.
But wait, there's more to this story. Starting in December, he'll also join the morning team at Scripps-owned WTMJ-TV (https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/tmj4-welcomes-kidd-oshea-back-to-milwaukee-to-join-morning-team), contributing to their early news broadcasts. Imagine waking up to his familiar voice delivering updates alongside the weather and headlines—it's like a warm welcome back to the city's mornings.
O’Shea's journey has been quite the adventure. For the past ten years, he's been thriving in Washington, D.C., where he co-hosts 'Good Morning Washington' and serves as a correspondent for WJLA-TV. He's also filled in as a host for weekend and morning slots at iHeartMedia's Adult Contemporary 97.1 WASH, proving his versatility in a competitive market. Before that big move east, Milwaukee was his stomping ground. From 1996 to 2004, he ruled the night airwaves at 94.5 WKTI for eight solid years, building a loyal fanbase with his engaging style. Then came an impressive eleven-year stint at Audacy's Hot AC 99.1 The Mix (WMYX), where he started as Assistant Program Director, Music Director, and afternoon host before settling into the morning show for nine years. Oh, and let's not forget his TV beginnings right here in Milwaukee as a lifestyle reporter for WISN-TV—talk about full-circle!
And this is the part most people miss: returning to a market after a decade away isn't just a job switch; it's a bold bet on reconnecting with old fans while adapting to how radio and TV have evolved with streaming and podcasts. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this a smart career pivot in an industry that's always shifting, or just a sentimental trip down memory lane? Some might argue it's risky to leave a stable D.C. spot for hometown vibes, especially with Milwaukee's radio scene being so fiercely competitive.
Lance Venta (https://radioinsight.com/author/radio/)
Lance Venta founded and publishes RadioInsight.com, your go-to source for all things radio. Since the mid-1990s, he's been at the forefront of the industry, starting with the very first online forums where pros and fans could chat about stations, trends, and everything in between. Today, he helps radio stations and shows across the U.S. craft smart content strategies and build engaging websites that keep audiences hooked.
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What are your thoughts on Kidd O’Shea’s big return? Are you thrilled to have him back on Milwaukee airwaves, or do you think the radio landscape has changed too much for a seamless comeback? Drop your take in the comments below—I'd love to hear if you're tuning in or if this sparks any hot debates!
