Philadelphia award-winning radio legend, and current Audacy Classic Hits 98.1 WOGL Morning Show host Glenn Kalina will retire from radio broadcasting after a 51-year career on Friday, November 5.
Kalina’s long radio career began at WICK in Scranton Pennsylvania, in 1970 while attending college. He began the Philadelphia phase of his career in 1978 at WZZD (WIZZARD 100) followed by 610 WIP before joining 98.1 WCAU FM during it’s “Fascinating Rhythm” era.
In 1981, WCAU FM was flipped to high-energy TOP 40 format, “Hot Hits,” and Kalina was kept on as on-air talent and was named Music Director. Kalina was an integral part of the integrated rebrand of the station from 98.1 WCAU FM to Classic Hits WOGL, and was also one of WOGL’s first on air personalities. Later, Kalina joined WIOQ (Q102) as on air talent and rose through the ranks to Program Director and eventually Operations Manager.
Kalina was asked by corporate at that time to help launch a yet another new format and station and he joined the new WLCE (ALICE 104.5) as morning show host, followed by a checkerboard of stints at WMWX (Mix 95.7), SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and WJRZ, before making his way back to WOGL as the current morning show host.
Tim Herbster Brand Manager/Director Of Music Programming for Audacy Philadelphia commented, “WOGL is a Philadelphia franchise and Glenn Kalina is a franchise player. 35 years in Philadelphia radio is quite the accomplishment! Philly has been lucky to have Glenn, especially waking up with him on WOGL the past few years.”
Kalina served as Managing Editor at Kal Rudman’s legendary FMQB (Friday Morning Quarterback) music industry trade publication, as well as Music Columnist for the Spectrum newspaper Action for several years. Kalina was instrumental in helping to launch the careers of several major artists including Bon Jovi, Madonna, Boyz II Men, and Pretty Poison, among others
Kalina is also an in-demand Voice Actor and is currently represented by Access Talent/Nextgenvo New York. His impressive client list includes Fisher Price Toys, Astra Zeneca and Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Life Alert, Dockers, Denny’s and many more.
Kalina’s final farewell week will be filled with sweet memories, celebrity call-ins, special guest interviews, drop-ins, and fun shenanigans. His last day on-air will be Friday, November 5, although he will again helping out with the annual WOGL Children’s Hospital Radiothon December 9th-10th.
Honors and Awards:
1993…FMQB Music Director of the Year
1994…FMQB Most Promising Program Director of the Year
1995…Philadelphia Music Conference Program Director of the Year
1996…FMQB Most Influential Programmer of the Year National
1998…Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award for Excellence in Broadcasting
1998…Philadelphia A.I.R. Award for Best Morning Show
1999…Philadelphia A.I.R. Award for Best Morning Show
2000…Philadelphia A.I.R. Award for Best Radio Sponsored Community Event – Glenn Kalina Cares For Kids Radiothon
(The radiothon benefited Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and The Children’s Miracle Network and raised over one million dollars)
11 Total A.I.R Award Nominations and 3 wins
2011…Jersey Shore JSPRRA Awards Winner Best Commercial
2012…Jersey Shore JSPRRA Awards Winner Best Promo