Monday, March 25, 2019

R.I.P.: Bob Slade, Former NYC Radio Newsman

Bob Slade
Robert McCants, better known as Bob Slade, New York Radio legend who was the host of the public affairs show “Open Line” on WBLS 107.5 FM has died from kidney disease.

Slade was on the radio for over 40 years. He mentored on-air talent and journalist and was the champion of those who did not have a voice, according to The Guardian Liberty Voice.

Born in Harlem, New York, Slade attended Queens College with the dream of becoming an actor. He was a member of the YMCA Theater Group in Harlem and the Negro Ensemble. While acting in off-Broadway shows, he developed an interest in radio.

In 1971 Slade joined Long Island radio stations as a news reporter. In 1980 he became the News Director at WRKS FM and later joined Kiss-FM 98.7 in New York City as their news director.

While at Kiss-FM, he developed with co-hosts Bob Pickett, an attorney, and James Mtume, a musician the “Open Line” show, which discussed various urban issues such as politics, education, and police brutality. When the station changed the format in 2012, the show moved to WBLS.

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