Philly Radio: Ross Brittain, GM Jim Loftus Exit WOGL

Jim Loftus

Jim Loftus, station manager of top-rated Classic Hits WOGL 98.1 FM and director of sales for CBS Radio’s entire Philadelphia operations, has left the company.

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports Loftus accepted a buyout package after turning down promotion offers that came after David Yadgaroff was selected over him to succeed Marc Rayfield as CBS Radio Philadelphia market manager.

Sources said Loftus was offered market manager position in Pittsburgh and Seattle — where he would have been reunited with former WYSP host Danny Bonaduce — but instead accept a buyout package that includes 59 weeks of salary.

Loftus has been general manager at WOGL, which has a classic hits format and used to be known as Oldies 98, since 2005. During his tenure, the station rose from 14th to No. 1 in the local ratings. He become sales manager for the six CBS stations seven years ago.

Loftus broke into radio in 1977. The Scranton native worked several sales jobs in Philadelphia and Scranton before being named director of sales for Power 99 (WUSL-FM) in 1988. He then served as market manager for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre cluster of Susquehanna Radio Corporation from 1992 to 1996 and COO of Shamrock Communications from 1996 to 2005.

“For me, I am off to a spiritual retreat in Arizona, then plan to enjoy some time at our home in the Poconos,” Loftus said. “After I hit the re-set button, we shall see what next challenges await.”

Ross Brittain

One of the reasons for Loftus’ success at WOGL, morning drive host Ross Brittain, anchored his last show Friday after 10 years with the station and almost four decades in radio.

Brittain’s wife, Rasa Kaye, will remain with the company in her role as a anchor/reporter with KYW Newsradio 1060.

But another longtime WOGL veteran, nighttime host Bob Charger, was reportedly let go earlier in July along with KYW morning business anchor Vince Hill, WPHT night time talker Gary R’nel and several sales and support staff as part of a larger shakeup emanating form CBS in New York that reportedly included 200 people nationwide.

On 98.1 WOGL Friday morning, Brittain said, “One last time, I want to thank General Manager, Jim Loftus, who started the same day I did, Program Director Anne Gress and the wonderful people who work here including the people in the studio with me now, Frank Lewis, Valerie Knight, Bill Zimpfer, who will be on the air even after I leave. Thanks to our Music Director, Tommy McCarthy, the staff and management here at WOGL and of course, the listeners. It’s been a great ride.”

Program Director Anne Gress said, “For over a decade, Ross Brittain has awakened Philadelphia as morning drive host of the Breakfast Club on 98.1 WOGL.  He’s been an incredible part of WOGL’s history, including helping us raise millions of dollars for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, marrying listeners at Geno’s Steaks and so much more. Ross is a consummate professional, a true gentleman and a great friend to us all. He made us better broadcasters and we’re all the richer for having the opportunity to work with him. All of us at 98.1 WOGL wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”