After more than four decades behind the microphone, esteemed broadcaster Wendy Wiese is preparing to step back from the airwaves. This Friday marks the end of an era as she bids farewell to her loyal listeners on KTRS (550 AM).
Wiese, a prominent figure in St. Louis media and inductee into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, has earned numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career. “I’ve had an incredible journey in broadcasting,” Wiese reflected, “but after 40 years, the time feels right to transition to a new chapter.”
Wiese, a native St. Louisan, began her broadcasting journey in 1983 in smaller Missouri markets but quickly rose to prominence. In 1986, legendary radio executive Robert Hyland, then at the helm of KMOX (1120 AM), recognized her exceptional talent and recruited her to join the station’s powerhouse news-talk team. Recalling her meeting with Hyland, Wiese shared, “I tried to play it cool, delaying my response. I thought it would make him respect me more. Looking back, it was youthful naiveté.”
Wiese’s initial assignment went beyond the usual weekend and evening slots. She was immediately tasked with replacing the legendary Rex Davis and co-hosting “Total Information AM” alongside the iconic Bob Hardy during the highly competitive weekday morning drive time.
After a decade at KMOX, Wiese joined forces with Bill Wilkerson on the station’s morning show. In 1996, both made the move to KTRS, where Wiese remained for a decade before detouring to Relevant Radio, a Catholic network. However, the allure of commercial radio proved strong, and she returned to KTRS in 2018, reuniting with its loyal listeners.
In 2021, Wiese joined former television news anchor Jennifer Blome, creating a popular morning duo that resonated with audiences until Blome’s retirement earlier this year. Most recently, Wiese has been co-hosting with KSDK sportscaster Frank Cusumano. While Wiese departs, Cusumano will continue the show with Jill Farmer as his new co-host.
Though stepping back from her daily radio duties, Wiese aims to remain connected to the community. She’ll continue her appearances on “Donnybrook,” the KETC (Channel 9) public affairs show she’s been a part of since 2003. The mother of two and grandmother of three, Wiese plans to cherish time with her family during this new phase of her life.
Reflecting on her career, Wiese expressed heartfelt gratitude to her listeners, stating, “I’ll miss connecting with them every day. From the outset, I was taught to value those who make time for you in their busy lives, and that always felt incredibly special.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Wendy Wiese
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to this special edition of our interview series. Today, we have the incredible opportunity to speak with Wendy Wiese, a broadcasting icon in St. Louis, who is stepping back from her long and illustrious career. Wendy, welcome, and congratulations on an amazing journey!
Wendy Wiese (WW): Thank you! It’s great to be here, though bittersweet as I prepare for this next chapter.
TNE: After more than four decades on the air, what emotions are you feeling as you approach your final show on KTRS?
WW: It’s a mix of nostalgia and excitement, honestly. I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the wonderful listeners I’ve met along the way. But there’s also an anticipation for what’s next. It feels like the right time.
TNE: You started your career in smaller Missouri markets before joining KMOX in 1986. Can you share a bit about that journey and how it shaped you as a broadcaster?
WW: Absolutely! The early days were critical for my development. Working in smaller markets allowed me to hone my skills and develop my voice. When I got the call from Robert Hyland to join KMOX, I was thrilled but nervous. He was a legend in the industry, and being recruited by him felt like a defining moment in my career.
TNE: You mentioned trying to “play it cool” during that first meeting with Hyland. Do you ever look back at that moment and laugh at the nerves you had?
WW: Oh, all the time! Youthful naivety certainly played a part. I think it’s natural to feel intimidated by the giants in any field. That experience taught me a valuable lesson about self-confidence and authenticity in my career moving forward.
TNE: As an inductee into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, what do you believe has been your biggest contribution to the St. Louis media landscape?
WW: I hope I’ve created a space where listeners feel heard and respected. I’ve tried to cover stories that matter to our community, giving a voice to those who may not always be in the spotlight. I’d like to think I’ve left a mark in encouraging dialogue and understanding.
TNE: Looking ahead, what are your plans for this new chapter in your life? Do you envision staying involved in media or exploring something entirely different?
WW: I’ve thrown around many ideas! Maybe some teaching or mentoring, as I’ve always enjoyed sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation. But I also want to take some time to travel, explore new interests, and just enjoy life outside the microphone for a while.
TNE: That sounds wonderful, Wendy. You’ve certainly earned it! Do you have any advice for aspiring broadcasters who are just starting their journey?
WW: Absolutely! Stay curious, listen actively, and never underestimate the power of storytelling. Engage with your audience, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Broadcasting is about connection, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.
TNE: Thank you, Wendy. Your insights are invaluable. As you prepare to say goodbye to your listeners, is there a message you’d like to share with them?
WW: Just a heartfelt thank you! It’s been a privilege to connect with so many amazing people over the years. Your support has meant the world to me, and I hope to carry those memories with me into this new chapter.
TNE: We wish you all the best in whatever comes next, Wendy. Thank you for sharing your journey with us today!
WW: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
Spend with my family—cherishing those moments with my grandchildren. I think balancing both worlds could be very fulfilling.
TNE: That sounds wonderful! Community involvement has always been important to you. Could you share more about your involvement with “Donnybrook” and what that experience has meant to you?
WW: “Donnybrook” has been a fantastic platform for me since 2003. It’s a unique forum where we can discuss the pressing issues facing our community. I love that we can engage in thoughtful debate, and I appreciate how it fosters diverse perspectives. It’s been rewarding to connect with viewers in a different way, allowing me to really dig into what affects our community.
TNE: Over the years, you’ve worked with many talented professionals, including your recent co-host, Frank Cusumano. How have these collaborations shaped your experience on the air?
WW: Working with Frank and others has been an incredible joy. Each co-host brings a different dynamic, and I think that’s what keeps the audience engaged. Frank’s deep sports knowledge and humor always made our segments lively and entertaining. These collaborations taught me the value of teamwork and how diverse viewpoints can enrich our conversations.
TNE: As you wrap up your time at KTRS, what would you like your listeners to remember most about your broadcasts?
WW: I want them to remember the connection we created together. Every time I stepped behind the microphone, it felt like I was speaking to a friend. I hope they felt valued and understood, knowing their voices mattered in our discussions. That connection has always been the heart of what I do.
TNE: Looking back on your four decades in broadcasting, what’s one moment that stands out for you as particularly memorable or impactful?
WW: There are many! But if I had to choose one, it would be covering major events that shaped our city—like natural disasters or community gatherings. Witnessing the resilience of people coming together during tough times truly demonstrates the strength of the St. Louis community. Those moments were powerful reminders of why I’ve loved being a broadcaster.
TNE: As you transition to this new chapter, do you have any final thoughts or words of wisdom for aspiring broadcasters?
WW: Stay curious and be authentic. The best broadcasters aren’t just talking heads; they’re passionate about the stories they tell and the lives they touch. Engage with your audience, be open to change, and always remember that you’re part of a larger conversation.
TNE: Thank you so much, Wendy, for sharing your journey with us. Your contributions to broadcasting and the St. Louis community will surely resonate for years to come. We wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life!
WW: Thank you! I appreciate it, and I’ll carry my listeners in my heart as I take on new challenges.