R.I.P.: Former Radio Personality, Owner Mike Phillips

Mike Phillips

Longtime radio broadcaster Michael Anthony Phillips died Sunday at age 69 and a 10-year struggle with dementia.

He started his radio career in high school as a disc jockey at WIFN in Franklin, IN. After high school Mike attended the University of Louisville and the University of Minnesota focusing his studies on statistical analytics and psychology all the while working as an announcer at local radio stations.

In 1970 Mike was offered a position as a morning DJ at WDGY in Minneapolis. Mike borrowed the name “Charlie Van Dyke” and together with partner Donald K. Martin they achieved ratings success in the competitive Minneapolis morning drive time segment during the early 70’s.

In 1975 at the age of 27 years old Mike purchased along with his partner “Everett” his first radio station WMNE-AM in Menomonie, WI. In the 25 years that followed Mike expanded his Phillips Broadcasting radio group to include six major stations in the Chippewa Valley market including creating and launching B-95 and Moose Country.