Atlanta Radio: Bert Weiss Announces Radio Retirement

After 24 years as the cornerstone morning program on Cumulus Media's Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) station "Q99.7" (WWWQ-FM) in Atlanta, The Bert Show is indeed concluding its run.

The announcement was made by host Bert Weiss Tuesday, marking the end of an era for one of Atlanta's most enduring radio personalities. The show's final broadcast is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025. Weiss, who is retiring at age 53, shared the news during a live episode, reflecting on the program's evolution from a local Atlanta staple to a nationally syndicated powerhouse.

Launched in 2001 on what was then a fledgling 100.5 FM signal (reallocated from Anniston, Alabama), The Bert Show quickly became the only morning show in the history of the Q brand under Cumulus ownership. 

Weiss, a South Florida native and former program director, handpicked a talented ensemble cast to create a blend of humor, entertainment news, listener interaction, and heartfelt discussions. The format resonated in Atlanta's competitive radio market, helping transform the station into a Top 40/CHR leader.

By the 2010s, the show grew beyond Atlanta to over two dozen markets via Westwood One distribution, reaching millions of listeners weekly.

Podcast Success: Relaunched as a podcast in recent years (produced by Pionaire Podcasting), it amassed millions of monthly downloads on platforms like Apple Podcasts and iHeartRadio.

Awards and Recognition: The program earned multiple accolades for its innovative mix of comedy and community engagement, including national awards for morning shows.

In 2008, the Q format moved to 99.7 FM, solidifying its position, and the show remained the flagship program through lineup changes, including a brief Hot AC experiment in 2009.

The end comes amid some transitions for the cast. In August 2025, co-host Moe Mitchell departed after seven years, citing a desire for new opportunities. 

The current lineup features Weiss alongside Kristin Klingshirn, Abby Murphy, Cassie, and Tommy, delivering daily episodes focused on "making mornings bearable" with authentic storytelling.Cumulus Media Chief Content Officer Brian Philips praised Weiss as "the obsessive architect of humor, truthfulness, and humanitarianism," noting the show's role in "electrifying Atlanta radio." 

Weiss’ career highlights include:

• Inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame (2020) and honored with its Founders & Directors Award the same year
• Three-time National Radio Hall of Fame nominee (2023, 2024, 2025)
• Named a 2025 inductee into the Friends of Georgia Radio Hall of Fame
• Consistently recognized as Best Radio Personality by Atlanta publications and reader polls
• Selected as a 2025 Atlanta Airport Ambassador, representing one of the world’s busiest airports

“We launched Bert and team with a loose plan to electrify Atlanta radio with a bold, buzzing morning show on a brand-new Top 40 station, operating on a then-unreliable ‘move-in’ signal from Anniston, Alabama,” said Brian Philips, Chief Content Officer for Cumulus Media. “In the ensuing 25 years, Bert emerged as the obsessive architect of humor, truthfulness and humanitarianism. With brilliant help from a hand-picked, evolving team, he built a national award-winning powerhouse. ‘The Bert Show Era’ is a historic chapter in Atlanta – and American – radio. As he reimagined the possibilities of morning entertainment, I’m sure he will attack retirement with wild, fun originality. Thank you, Bert."

Weiss will also remain focused on Pionaire, the boutique podcast consultancy he co-founded to mentor talent and elevate authentic storytelling in the digital space. Known for its hands-on approach and curated client roster, Pionaire helps creators cut through a crowded landscape by pairing authentic content with smart strategy. Through the company, Weiss continues to champion voices and build platforms that spark real connection between audiences and talent.