Philly Radio: Debbi Calton To Retire From WMGK

Debbi Calton

Beasley Media Group’s Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK-FM announces legendary midday personality Debbi Calton will officially retire on December 6th. She has been on the air at the station in the same daypart for 26 years.

Calton never imagined she would work in radio 40+ years. The trailblazing disc jockey began her radio career at the young age of 19 at a small, daytime AM station in Charlotte, NC. She went on to spend 10 years at former Philly rock station WYSP-FM, before moving to WMGK-FM in 1993.

An early run-in with management at a station over equal pay could have derailed her career. “I was told at that time that I was just a little girl who, until they taught me, didn’t know anything and that I would never work in radio again,” said Calton. “I am extremely grateful for what I learned there (and at all the radio stations I’ve worked at since), but I also deserved equal pay. I’m glad I held my ground at that time. Here I am all these years later, still working in radio…a profession that I love!”

She added, “I have been so fortunate to work in Philadelphia, with such amazing fans, over the past 36 years. I am also grateful for having the best shift ever (9am – 2pm) at WMGK. As a result, I was able to drop my son off at school and pick him up afterward. He’s now 27. This has been an amazing ride!”

What’s next for the beloved radio personality? “Who knows?” said Calton. “My husband is a touring musician, so I’ll hitch along for a few shows, without worry of using up vacation time. I’ll also likely continue work with American Public Television and maybe do some community radio. I’m looking forward to not hitting the snooze button on the alarm. It’s a big transition. I want to thank my WMGK co-workers and the Philadelphia radio audience for embracing me as they have all these years.”

WMGK-FM will feature highlights of Debbi’s career in November, including early airchecks, classic interviews, event coverage, while also posting as many embarrassing photos as she will allow.

The station is actively conducting a search for Debbi’s on-air replacement and is accepting qualified applicant materials at middays@wmgk.com.