A Beloved Voice Fades from West Michigan Airwaves: Jackie Green Bids Farewell to WLAV & WHTS After a Decade-Plus Journey!
It's a bittersweet moment for radio enthusiasts in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Jackie Green has officially announced her departure from Cumulus Media Grand Rapids. After dedicating over a decade to the local radio scene, Green is stepping away, leaving behind a significant legacy and a void that many will surely feel.
Most recently, Green graced our afternoons as the midday host for the classic rock station “97 LAV” WLAV-FM, while also lending her voice to weekend shows on the contemporary hit radio station “105.3 Hot-FM” WHTS. Her journey with WHTS began back in 2016 as the afternoon drive host. She then transitioned to the morning show in August 2019, a role she held until January 2024, when she returned to afternoons. Later that same year, she made the move to WLAV. But her influence in the Grand Rapids market extends even further! Before her Cumulus tenure, Green was a familiar presence from 2008 to 2014 at Townsquare Media, hosting on Hot AC 95.7 WLHT and Rock 97.9 WGRD. She also had a stint with “Fox 17” WXMI-TV and even worked at WBTI Port Huron. During her time with Cumulus, she also contributed by tracking middays for 93.3 KKOB-FM in Albuquerque.
But here's where it gets emotional... Green shared her heartfelt farewell on Friday, stating, "I spent the last 17 years on the radio/television in West Michigan and today is my last day on air. Thanks everyone who has listened, followed, and watched along. I don’t know what I’ll do next but I’m at peace with my decision and am ready for my next chapter 💜." This sentiment truly captures the deep connection she's built with her audience over the years.
And this is the part most people miss... While Jackie Green is leaving her on-air roles in West Michigan, her announcement leaves us all wondering what exciting new adventures await her. Could this be a pivot to a new media landscape, a well-deserved break, or perhaps a return to a different facet of broadcasting? The possibilities are endless!
This departure naturally sparks a conversation: Is it becoming increasingly difficult for seasoned radio personalities to maintain long-term careers in the evolving media landscape? What do you think about Jackie Green's decision and her future endeavors? Share your thoughts and well wishes in the comments below – we'd love to hear your agreement or disagreement!
