Phoenix Radio: KFYI's Barry Young Sets Retirement

Barry Young, Mike Broomhead

iHeartMedia/Phoenix announced Thursday  that after nearly three decades with Newstalk KFYI 550 AM, morning man Barry Young will retire in November.  Barry started on KFYI on April 27, 1987 as an on-air talent and Program Director.

“Being a part of KFYI's growth and development from a new renegade start-up talk radio station into one of America's great and mature heritage radio stations has been both a wonderful challenge and delight,” said Young.  "It has been an incredible privilege to be an integral part of all this and to be a part of the day to day lives of so many thousands of our listeners,  our neighbors -- all across Arizona.  Although I am retiring from a day to day talk radio program, my heart will always be in broadcasting and at KFYI.  I know that I will miss being on the air more than I can express, but I know I leave KFYI and all of our listeners in good hands.”

Listeners, friends, co-workers and clients will have the chance to say goodbye at the Barry Young Celebrity Roast in late October.  Barry’s final day as a full-time show host will be November 7.

KFYI also announced that current Afternoon Drive host Mike Broomhead will take the reins from Barry Young, beginning November 10.  Mike has spent five years hosting on KFYI and has added national duties on Glenn Beck’s Blaze Network.

“Barry Young is a legend in this business and will someday soon be in the Arizona Broadcasting Hall of Fame.  It has been an honor to work with and learn from him,” said Broomhead. “I'm looking forward to hosting mornings.  I want to talk about the issues that concern all of us and find solutions that are best for Arizona. I’m not always right, but I always want what is best.”

“Mike is a superstar who has worked hard to earn this opportunity.  He's a great host, but even more so, he's a good man," said Neil Larrimore, Program Director, KFYI.  "We’re so excited to move him into mornings at Newstalk 550 KFYI."

"Barry has had a significant impact in Phoenix radio over the past 27 years.  He’s a legend.  With Mike Broomhead, we can continue his legacy of providing the Valley with the information, entertainment and the radio its come to rely on from 550 KFYI.  We are sad to see Barry move on, but we are excited about the future  of this radio station," said Steve Geofferies, Vice President of Programming, iHeartMedia Phoenix.

"Barry's retirement is bitter sweet. While we're sad to lose a Phoenix icon from the morning drive on KFYI, we're excited to have Mike Broomhead step in to this position to inspire, inform and entertain Phoenicians with his brand of talk radio.  Best wishes for an enjoyable retirement, Barry and welcome to mornings, Broomhead," said Scott Hopeck, Market President, iHeartMedia Phoenix.

The high-profile programming lineup on 550 KFYI will continue with Mike Broomhead, Jim Sharpe, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck, while the search begins for a new Afternoon Drive show.