Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Seattle Radio: Tony Russell Exits The Wolf

Fitz, Ellen
Tony Russell, a ten year cohost of the Fitz In The Morning show, has departed Entercom's Country KKWF 100.7 FM in Seattle.

Tony Russell
It was reportedly due to failure reach new contract terms.

PD Mike Preston is now looking for a replacement to join Fitz, Ellen and Biscuit, "Fitz has one of the top shows in Seattle, making this one of the top opportunities out there right now."

As for Russell, "Please know that Fitz and I are better friends today than we were when we first met," he posted to Facebook Friday. "He has been amazing to me and I will miss being on the air with him every morning. I honestly believe that I'll never work with a more talented person than [host] Cory Fitz."

Russell and Fitz first teamed for mornings at Top 40 KNIN/Wichita Falls, TX in 1997. He also worked with Fitz in Dallas and has been part of the morning show cast on KKWF since the station's 2005 launch.

Fitz In The Morning has been offered nationally through an Entercom/Fitz/Sun Broadcast Group partnership since late last year (CAT 10/21). See Russell's emotional 14-minute on-air goodbye here:



Today was one of the hardest days of my radio career. My farewell to my co-pilot.FITZ
Posted by Seattle Wolf on Friday, October 23, 2015

21 comments:

  1. It was great hearing the witty banter you brought to the stage in the northwest I have followed you both from day I wish you the best of luck I your future Ventures. You will definitely be missed.

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  2. I miss Tony!!! Why didn't they renew his contract???

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  3. I started listening to Fitz in the Morning within a month of our moving to the Seattle area in October 2008. I've never felt like I was so involved in the lives of DJs before, even though it was just listening to your fabulous show. Your kids, your families, your joys, your sorrows. As a career law enforcement officer and retired military member, the Fitz in the Morning team has always been so supportive of everything military and police related. Can't tell you guys how many times you had me tearing up one second and laughing the next on my way to work. Tony, we will all miss you and wish you every happiness and success. Love ya, my brother. Larry the Cheesehead in the 'Quah

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  4. The show is NOT the same... There's no history or inside banter... this was a HUGE mistake!

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  5. I have stopped listening and if it matters to management, I'll tell you why:
    1. Ellen is annoying, but you kept her
    2. Tony was funny and you let him go.
    3. You don't play songs from Chris Stapleton, the Album of the year
    4. You recycle old song on my way to work in the a.m.

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  6. I will truly miss Tony. I have enjoyed his dry humor and "Things Tony Hates". Fitz is amazing but it will not be the same without Tony. Just saying....

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  7. I am so sad that Tony is gone form the wolf, the chemistry between Tony, Randy, Fitz and Ellen was awesome. Made me listen & laugh every morning, I was bad enough when they made Randy go to a box....and now Tony gone. It stinks!! And you are not playing Chris Stapleton, Mr. Potato Head you need to get this stations act together.

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  8. I changed the station for the first time in years when Tony left. I have tried to listen again but only make it for about 15 minutes before I'm done. Tony brought something to the show that is now glaringly missing and the show is just not as good. Yes, Fitz is great but even he seems to fall a little flat without Tony's (sometimes inappropriate) comments. This was the only morning show I listened to but now I channel hop. That sucks. And Tony leaving sucks even more. We'll miss you, Tony.

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  9. I did not know where Tony had been the last couple of weeks.I googled the information. I am saddened that he is gone. Fitz sounds not the same with out him. I love the chemistry with him and Fitz in the mornings. I've really missed the laughter and commonality between them. Why???? Is there aproblem with his contract ??? Seriously come on, the 4 of them Is what really makes the show. The show is kind of boring right now. I've been changing radio stations to lesson for laughter and interesting topics. The station needs to bring Tony back with a contract and apology. I really think the show has lost a great part of the team that was a whole!!

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  10. HUGE HUGE HUGE mistake to let Tony go. He was the best one on there, and the funniest by far. Can't honestly say I'll continue listening without him.

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  11. I too miss Tony and the camaraderie that the four developed over the years. I know that all good things come to an end so now I'm looking for another radio station to listen to while exercising. It just don't seem like the "Wolf" without Tony... Damn!

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  12. I have listened to this radio station since day 1 and listening to Fitz, Mary and Tony had become part of my morning routine. That changed when Mary left and I didn't listen as often. Now with Tony gone, I don't listen at all. I met Tony at an event in my area and he was wonderful talking to all the fans!! I miss his wit and what are you kidding stories. I wish the station would listen to their audience to see what works and doesn't work. Please bring him back!! Good luck Tony! You are missed!!

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  13. I am no longer a listener since Tony's departure. The show now lacks luster.

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  14. Fitz in the Morning worked largely because of Tony. He brought something special to the show. Miss him.

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  15. Tony was the soul of the Fitz in the morning radio show. With him gone, I've tried to listen on my way to work but it's just not working for me. I've now started streaming my country music from Pandora instead of being entertained by Tony and Fitz.

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  16. I agree with a lot of the comments. I also listened from the beginning with Tony Fitz and Mary. I am not fond of Ellen but can accept here when Tony was there. Since Tony left I have had to find other stations to listen too. I will not be back unless Tony is back.

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  17. No good son! People think that ripping people apart. They will be better off. Work better, harder,less,distractions. Doesn't work that way. I'm not a listener any longer due to that fact. Upper management obviously doesn't know what's going on here. Rating are going to plummet. P1 since day one going to a better country station. Good luck and god speed. For the tony

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  18. I just found out Tony is gone from the show!I'm sooooo SAD! Is there any way he will come back to Fitz in the morning? Tony I hope you are well!

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  19. I just found out Tony is gone from the show!I'm sooooo SAD! Is there any way he will come back to Fitz in the morning? Tony I hope you are well!

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  20. I agree with these statements. I miss Tony...it isn't the same. I hardly listen anymore. Miss the spirit and connection the team had.

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  21. All these months later and the show is still not getting better without Tony - Tony rounded out the show and Kept Fitz HUMBLE - now we have to listen to Ellen gush about how great Fitz is, like he doesn't have a big enuf ego, ugh - YES FITZ WE KNOW YOU CAN SING AND YOU HAVE A HOT WIFE AND ARE TALL - please bring TONY RUSSELL BACK - the show needs him - it is not as funny or entertaining

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