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| John R. Gambling |
His last day is December 20. In making his retirement announcement, Gambling said it was completely his decision, not a company driven one.
John R. is the son of John A. Gambling and the grandson of John B. Gambling, and as such was the third-generation host of The Gambling family's very-long-running New York morning radio show. Through most of its run the show has been titled Rambling with Gambling, though in its new incarnation beginning in May 2008 it is known simply as The John Gambling Show.
Gambling joined his father as co-host of Rambling with
Gambling in 1985, and took over as sole host in 1991 after John A.'s
retirement.
When WOR ended Rambling with Gambling in 2000 after 75 years
on the air, John R. Gambling moved up the dial to WABC 770 AM, taking over the
post-morning-drive 10 a.m. - noon slot. Gambling was fired by WABC on February
29, 2008 in a cost-cutting move.
On April 30, 2008, WOR announced the return of John R. Gambling to its air waves in his old morning-drive timeslot starting May 5, 2008.
Listeners were shocked this morning when Gambling made his big announcement. A sampling from his Facebook page:
John began his career in 1973 as a Research and Promotion Director at WROR in Boston. He was Program Director of WAXY/Ft. Lauderdale (1974-1976), Operation Director/Program Director of WHPN-WHVW/Hyde Park, NY and Morning Host at WHVW (1976-1978).On April 30, 2008, WOR announced the return of John R. Gambling to its air waves in his old morning-drive timeslot starting May 5, 2008.
Listeners were shocked this morning when Gambling made his big announcement. A sampling from his Facebook page:
- OMG! you can't break that kind of news when I'm sipping my coffee....nearly lost it! Of course, I wish you all the best and we have to accept your decision, but it will be very hard moving on. I've shared my breakfast and drive time with you for such a long time...I feel like my Mother when the other Gamblings left the air. Dear John...enjoy this new chapter in your life and all God's blessings to you and your family!
- What a loss to NYC! So sad for us, but happy for you and your family......all the best, John!
- Great loss for NYC radio listeners & the end of a great era in radio history. Glad we can enjoy your intelligent conversation until December 20...
- I am personally saddened about your up coming retirement. Over the years I looked to you as the voice of reasoning. God bless you and the very best in all your future activities.
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Official Comment
"John Gambling is a New York City
radio icon and we are grateful for his time and commitment to WOR and our loyal
listeners over the years," said Joe Puglise, President and Market Manager,
Clear Channel New York . "His presence in morning radio will be
missed throughout the industry, especially by the New Yorkers he informed and
entertained for years."
WOR has begun the search for a new morning show that will be
announced soon.
Station has to "make way for Limbaugh and Hannity." That kills it for me; though I have been listening to WOR and the various Gamblings all my life, I'm finished with WOR.
ReplyDeleteOnly problem is what will I do about the Mets?
A very sad day.
Sad to realize there won't be a Gambling on the radio after 88 years. The continuing homogenization/delocalization of radio continues with nothing but syndicated programming and infomercials for vitamins and real estate. Once yeasty NY radio is wretched especially on the weekends.
ReplyDeleteRadio is going down hill quickly, I'll miss John R Gambling. Wish he would change his mind or come back in some other form.
DeleteWill WOR try to get Sliwa from" The Answer" and go for a different demographic?
ReplyDeleteHi John:
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful Gentleman who has exemplified through the years the American way by entertaining and informing New York audiences over the WOR Radio airways. We're sure you will be missed by all especially our family: Amy & Bill
TKS