Milwaukee Radio: Shocker! Brian Kelly Exits Audacy

In an unexpected and significant shift in Milwaukee’s radio scene, Brian Kelly, a veteran leader who steered Audacy’s Top 40 station WXSS (103.7 Kiss FM) and Hot AC outlet WMYX (99.1 The Mix) for nearly 30 years, has stepped down from his dual roles as Operations Manager of the Milwaukee cluster and corporate Vice President of Top 40 Programming. Kelly’s departure marks the end of an era for the stations, where his steady guidance and creative vision have left an indelible mark on the local media landscape.

The news, tinged with both gratitude and melancholy, was shared with staff through a memo from Jason Bjorson, Senior Vice President and Market Manager of Audacy Wisconsin. In his message, Bjorson praised Kelly’s transformative influence, writing, “As you know, Brian’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the success of 103.7 Kiss FM and 99.1 The Mix. For decades, these stations have stood as dominant forces in Milwaukee radio, driven by morning shows he brought to life—Alley and DZ, Elizabeth and Radar, and many others throughout his tenure. His leadership didn’t stop at our city’s borders; Brian’s expertise has also elevated Audacy’s Top 40 stations across the country, leaving a lasting legacy nationwide.”

Brian  Kelly

Bjorson went on to reflect on their personal collaboration, adding, “Brian was an exceptional partner to me over this past year and the epitome of professionalism. I genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to learn from him and brainstorm strategies together. He had a deep passion for working with all of you, mentoring you, and supporting your career growth. I know he’ll carry fond memories of this team with him, and he’ll be missed.”

Kelly, in turn, offered his own heartfelt reflections on his departure. “It’s been an extraordinary journey to work alongside such talented, dedicated teams and to be part of an industry that’s been my passion for so long,” he said. “I’m incredibly thankful for the experiences, the friendships forged, and the successes we’ve achieved together over the years. While it’s bittersweet to close this chapter, I’m eager to see what lies ahead—both within this dynamic industry and in new ventures beyond it.” For those looking to stay in touch, Kelly provided his contact details: 414-915-0384 or brianvkelly@gmail.com.

During his tenure, Kelly didn’t just maintain the stations’ prominence—he redefined it. Under his watch, 103.7 Kiss FM and 99.1 The Mix became synonymous with Milwaukee’s vibrant radio culture, blending innovative programming with a knack for spotting and nurturing on-air talent. His influence extended far beyond the local airwaves, as he played a pivotal role in shaping Audacy’s broader Top 40 strategy, ensuring the company’s stations remained competitive in an ever-evolving media landscape.

As the Milwaukee team adjusts to this transition, Kelly’s exit leaves big shoes to fill. His legacy, however, is etched into the stations’ history—decades of memorable broadcasts, loyal listeners, and a standard of excellence that will endure as his colleagues and successors carry the torch forward. While Kelly embarks on his next chapter, his impact on Milwaukee radio and the Audacy network will resonate for years to come.