Philly Radio: WMGK's John DeBella Signs-Off

John DeBella, morning host of "The John DeBella Show" on Philadelphia’s 102.9 WMGK, retired Friday after a 48-year-long career in radio.

Of those 48 years, DeBella has spent 41 years working in Philadelphia, and 21 at his home station of WMGK, becoming a familiar voice to local audiences.

"I consider myself a Philadelphian because I’ve lived here much longer than I’ve lived anywhere else. I think my greatest asset is that I just get the audience," DeBella said. 

John has been synonymous with Philadelphia radio entertainment for 4 decades. John has served as the Morning Host of WMGK-FM for the past 21 years. He was also a major force, doing mornings from 1982 to 1993 on sister station, 93.3 WMMR-FM.

John DeBella is one of the originators of The Morning Zoo format. His morning show became an unprecedented number-one-rated show in Philadelphia. It achieved the highest ratings in local radio history at that time.

In addition to DeBella’s nationally honored radio career, he is a local EMMY award-winning host & producer. Also, he has co-anchored the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and has won numerous local service and humanitarian awards. In June of 2023, DeBella was named among the finalists for the National Radio Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame this past April.

“Being on air 48 years in a business where someone else usually decides your retirement date, I was happy to decide this on my own,” said DeBella. “I have been blessed over the years with so many talented coworkers and managers- all of whom helped me be my best and had my back when I needed it. Combine that with a very supportive audience, I leave grateful to them all.”

To commemorate his final month on the air, WMGK-FM ran a special tribute segment to celebrate DeBella’s legendary career. It was entitled “41 & Done!” DeBella recounted some of his favorite radio stories. He played old live performances from the Morning Zoo broadcasts in Atlantic City and London. He also read a few tear-jerking emails from longtime listeners.