London Mitchell confirmed his departure as a longtime newscaster on WKKO-FM 99.9 (K100) on Wednesday.
Approaching 53 years in the industry, Mr. Mitchell penned an announcement and farewell to listeners via a Facebook post, where he detailed that his newscast was stripped due to recent budget cuts made by Cumulus Media.
“I've had several inquiries about why I am not on the air with the morning newscasts. A few asked if I was on vacation or had caught COVID. Neither. The sharp pencil budget guys were in town and my newscasts were eliminated ... ending my almost 53 consecutive years on Toledo airwaves a bit sooner than I had planned,” Mr. Mitchell wrote on Facebook.
“I started on the air in 1969 and ended on the air last week,” he told The Blade.
The Blade reached out to station owner Cumulus Media for comment but have yet to receive a reply.
After spending almost 30 years with K100, Mr. Mitchell described working with the local station’s personnel as one of his “biggest thrills.”
“For me, the biggest thrill I've had is being able to work with some really talented people over the years. This includes some of the radio personalities from K100, like Gary Shores and Harvey Steele. I was their newscaster for the entire run of their career, and they were number one in the market for that entire stand of over 20 years, and I was with them for the whole ride. That was probably the highlight of my career,” he said.
He added that his time with K100 has allowed him to network with countless community and city leaders.
“Broadcasting has allowed me to meet and interact with a lot of movers and shakers in Toledo. It's allowed me to contribute points of view and understandings. It's been a tremendously rewarding career,” he said.
Some of his fondest memories are interviews with former U.S. President George Bush, Sr., renowned artist and songwriter Johnny Cash and singer and actor Jimmy Dean.
"President Bush was then director of the CIA when I interviewed him was just a wealth of information. I could have talked to him for a week," he said.
He added that he took joy in genuinely connecting with on-air guests.
“I was able to not only grab the 30-second soundbite but actually to get to know people. To relax and chat,” he said with a laugh, reminiscing on a particular memory shared with Johnny Cash.
“I remember when I interviewed Johnny Cash, it was at the sports arena. We were backstage, and it was his birthday. They presented him with a birthday cake during the interview and no napkins, no plates or no knives or forks, just the cake. So he and I were back there eating birthday cake just by reaching in with our hand,” he further chuckled.
When asked what he’ll miss most about radio, he said sharing mornings with his audience.
“They've been so good to me over the years. It's been a real thrill for me to be on the air every morning and share time with people. I really feel that it’s been a privilege, especially for as long as I've been doing it. It's been consecutive. My voice has been on radio and TV for almost 53 years,” he said.
While thoughts regarding future plans still unfold, Mr. Mitchell told The Blade he anticipates picking up his pen.
“I think I want to do some writing and books on tape,” he said.
He added that that his departure has not embittered him.
“It's been an incredibly good run, and I've enjoyed it. I consider it an honor that I've been around. So no regrets, no ill feelings,” he said.
First Published February 3, 2022, 5:58 p.m.
