Westwood One’s popular radio comedy The Bob & Tom Show sees the return of longtime show member Kristi Lee. The show originates at iHeartMedia's WFBQ 94.7 Q95 FM.
Beginning July 11, Kristi Lee joins cast members Tom Griswold, Chick McGee, Donnie Baker, Scott Polanski, and an ensemble of comedy hosts and guests as the Show continues to entertain morning audiences across the country and worldwide on the American Forces Radio Network.
“It’s great to have Kristi back on the Show” said The Bob & Tom Show co-founder Tom Griswold. Kristi Lee noted "I am thrilled to be back on The Bob & Tom Show...even though I fully expect to be interrupted by the boys on a regular basis…again”.Lee, whose real name Therea Ritz, departed the “The Bob & Tom Show” last December after 27 years on the program. At the time, the 55-year-old Lee, known as the “news director” on the show, said she has “decided to pursue new opportunities in 2016.”
Her departure coincides with the retirement of Bob Kevoian, who signed off Dec. 17. Kevoian announced the retirement Nov. 5 when he and Griswold were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, 32 years after starting the popular comedy show.
The drastic change in the show’s lineup came during a period when “The Bob & Tom Show” fell from its No. 1 spot among 18- to 34-year-old listeners in the 6 to 10 a.m. time slot, according to Nielsen Audio statistics.
The “Smiley Morning Show,” at WZPL 99.5 FM, was the new No. 1 show in that age group, according to The Indy Star.
“The Bob & Tom Show” retained its lead with listeners aged 25 to 34 during the first and second quarters of 2015, but by the third quarter, “Smiley” had caught up and the two shows were almost tied.
Lee had launched a podcast, “Kristi Lee Uninterrupted,” in her time away from the show. The podcast premiered in April and includes at least 20 episodes of interviews and news discussion. The podcast received 296 reviews on ITunes, 258 of which were five-star reviews.
“The Bob & Tom Show” has been on air at WFBQ-FM since March 7, 1983, and has been syndicated in more than 100 cities.
Lee has often described her role as that of a den mother, playing the straight role amid the typically immature and raunchy antics of the male cast members.
She helped make the program a national success and local ratings leader. The show went into national syndication in 1995 and is carried on 130 stations nationwide It also won five Marconi Awards and generated more than 50 comedy albums over the years.
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