Can WCCO Make It in its Second Century? Approaching its centennial, WCCO Radio remains the storied icon of Twin Cities broadcasting. But does the Good Neighbor have the stamina to make it in its next century?
Editor’s Note: Since this article went to press on March 29, there have been several developments:
• WCCO Radio parent Entercom Communications announced a corporate rebranding as Audacy Inc. Audacy.com also replaces radio.com as its streaming brand.
• The station hired Brad Lane as market manager for WCCO from WTMJ in Milwaukee. Lane spent the bulk of his radio career at KSTP/Hubbard Broadcasting in a variety of on- and off-air roles.
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Longtime morning drive host joined the station in 1989. Author: Boyd Huppert Updated: 6:46 PM CST January 8, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS For three decades, Minnesotans have been waking up to Dave Lee on WCCO Radio.
Friday, they awoke to learn their morning relationship will soon be ending.
“I m retiring,” Lee told his audience, his normally smooth voice cracking. “May 1st the alarm clock will not be set. April 30th is my last day.”
At age 66, after 32 years at the good neighbor, Radio Dave says it s time.
A 2019 vacation to Italy with wife Julie lit a spark in the early-rising Lee. “I was sleeping late every day and I said, ‘You know what? This isn t too bad.’”
Dave Lee to retire from WCCO Radio after 32 years
The longtime morning show host got emotional as he announced his upcoming retirement.
Author:
A longtime morning host on WCCO Radio News Talk 830 is retiring this spring.
In an emotional announcement Friday (listen below), Dave Lee, who has been with the station for 32 years, said he ll retire on April 30. I m Scandinavian, I m not supposed to get emotional, Lee said.
Lee, a North Dakota native, started his radio broadcasting career at 790 KFGO Radio in Fargo, North Dakota, WCCO Radio says.
In 1989, at age 28, he was the program director and afternoon drive host. That s when former WCCO Radio Program Director Jon Quick, who was scouting for new talent, heard Lee on the radio and hired him.