Grand Rapids Radio: iHM Cuts Reese Rickards Loose

Reese Rickards

Reese Rickards, a fixture at Country WBCT 93.7 FM B-93 and N/T WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM for 24 years, wrote on social media Thursday that he has been dismissed from his position at the Grand Rapids-based iHeartRadio-owned properties.

Rickards wrote:

"Good morning, My job was eliminated on Wednesday. I will be shutting down this facebook page in a few days. My current email addresses have been terminated, and this facebook page is the only way to contact me. If you would like my new email address, send me a message. Thank you very much for all of your support at B-93 and Wood Radio over the last 24 years."

Rickards, 61, had been the morning drive DJ on 93.7 FM with Neal Dionne until being moved to the WOOD news director role in 2014, according to mlive.com.

The radio personality at B-93 helped usher in the station's popular free Birthday Bash concerts from their infancy to a regional attraction that draws some of country's biggest names. This year's event, held June 18-19 at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, lists Cole Swindell and Brandy Clark among its lineup.

He and Dionne, who were a ratings powerhouse for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, were also the forces behind the annual charitable "Roofsit" that directed proceeds to West Michigan agencies that benefit children. The station picked up the 1998 Broadcast Excellence Award for public-affairs programming.

Rickards' message of his dismissal evoked emotion from fans and friends, many of whom expressed sadness over his job loss.