WMEX just made a major move, announcing that radio legend Scott Shannon will become the station’s new morning host.
The man’s résumé is stacked. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the National Radio Hall of Fame, the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and both the Tennessee and New York State Broadcasters Halls of Fame. He was also named Program Director of the Century by Radio & Records in 2000.
I watched the Worst to First documentary a few years ago, and it left a real impression on me. Watching Shannon take Z100 from the bottom of the ratings to the top in just 74 days was inspiring. It showed what’s possible when someone has true vision, confidence, and belief, even when everyone else is counting you out. That story still motivates underdogs in this business today.
I’ve also spent time listening to some of his old airchecks from his CBS-FM days. Even later in his career, the guy still sounded hungry.
At 78 years old, he’s still stepping into a new morning show in a competitive market like Boston. That puts him in rare company. Legendary Chicago personality John Records Landecker is around the same age and still doing it, too. In an industry that can be quick to move older talent aside, Shannon continues to prove that credibility, experience, and passion do not have expiration dates.
WMEX has been working hard to carve out its own identity in an already crowded Boston radio market. Bringing in Scott Shannon signals that the station is willing to bet on a proven personality with decades of experience instead of chasing the younger, personality-light approach that so many stations have adopted.
Shannon built his reputation on creating excitement, building momentum, and connecting directly with listeners. In an era where many stations have stripped morning radio down to mostly music and minimal conversation, WMEX appears to be intentionally moving in the opposite direction.
And honestly, that makes the station a lot more interesting.
Legendary careers usually don’t get third or fourth acts.
Scott Shannon appears determined to write another one.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.