Sometimes radio closes one door and leaves a talented broadcaster wondering where the next opportunity will come from. Then somebody across the state opens another door, hands over the microphone, and says, “Let’s make some great radio.” That’s exactly what’s happening for Matt Weitzel, the former afternoon personality and Assistant Program Director of Baltimore’s 100.7 The Bay, who is heading to Frederick, Maryland, as Assistant Program Director and afternoon host at Local Daily Media’s 99.9 WFRE beginning Monday, November 2. And after losing his previous radio home when The Bay was sold earlier this year, Weitzel is about to discover that sometimes the best career moves happen when you least expect them.
From classic rock in Charm City to country music in Frederick County, Matt is about to trade a little Led Zeppelin for Luke Bryan.
And frankly, I love this move.
Weitzel spent five years at Baltimore’s WZBA, working his way through morning-show production and production leadership before moving into programming and afternoon-drive responsibilities.
His broadcasting experience also includes producing afternoons at Baltimore’s legendary 98 Rock WIYY and working behind the scenes at Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan WJZ-FM.
That’s a pretty impressive education in Baltimore broadcasting.
But here’s what makes this appointment especially interesting.
Weitzel isn’t somebody who just knows how to talk on the radio. He understands how the entire operation works.
Production. Programming. Personalities. Promotions. The behind-the-scenes details that separate a great station from one that simply plays music.
And those skills should serve him well in Frederick.
99.9 WFRE has established itself as a community-focused Country station, with a strong commitment to local events, charitable activities, and the people who live throughout Frederick County.
From downtown Frederick and the growing communities of Urbana and Mount Airy to Thurmont, Middletown, and the commuters battling Interstate 270, the station serves an audience that appreciates broadcasters who actually understand their lives.
And Weitzel now has the opportunity to become part of that daily routine.
He’ll also work alongside Program Director Andy Webb, giving the station another experienced programming voice as it continues developing its on-air presentation.
Here’s the bigger lesson for our industry.
When 100.7 The Bay’s run ended in August, Baltimore lost a familiar rock station, and talented people suddenly found themselves looking for opportunities.
But losing a station doesn’t mean losing the talent that made it special.
Sometimes those broadcasters simply need another company willing to recognize what they bring to the table.
Local Daily Media has done exactly that.
And there’s something refreshing about a broadcaster getting another opportunity without having to abandon the region where he’s built his career.
Congratulations to Matt Weitzel and the team at WFRE.
Baltimore helped make Matt the broadcaster he is today. Now Frederick gets to find out what happens when a rock radio veteran puts on his country boots.
Just one piece of advice, Matt.
If you accidentally introduce Morgan Wallen as the opening act for AC/DC, we’re going to need that aircheck.
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