MA-NH Radio: Morning Host Monte Belmonte Exits WRSI

Monte Belmonte

After 17 years on Saga's  WRSI 93.9 The River morning show, beloved radio personality Christopher “Monte” Belmonte will host his final show on Friday.

“It was time, and that being said, it is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” Belmonte, 44, of Turners Falls, said of his decision to retire from the show. “It’s like still being in love with someone, but it still being time to move on.”

The Daily Hampshire reports Belmonte said he made his decision in an effort to “manage being normal.” His schedule would often involve him waking up at around 2 a.m. to prepare for his 6 a.m. show, a routine he said has worn down his mental and physical health over time. While he is committing himself to figuring out “a different way of doing things,” his departure from the morning show is far from a retirement from radio.

Aside from planning to continue appearing on WRSI in a different capacity, Belmonte cited big plans that he is currently keeping as a surprise.

Belmonte said he took up his position on Jan. 2, 2006 after working as a DJ and production director. WRSI, which was around 25 years old at the time, had featured “many morning show hosts over the years,” including current MSNBC show host Rachel Maddow, who Belmonte credited as a mentor.

“All of us have had a different take on how the show has been carried out over the years,” Belmonte said.

Belmonte said his “take” involved “bringing a human and family dynamic” to the program. This began with him moving interviews out of the “sterilized” studio environment and into more natural, relevant settings. He also made an effort to involve his family in the show, bonding with listeners as they grew closer to his personal life.