R.I.P.: Steve Wiley, Longtime Morning Host, PD At KOGM-FM

Delta Media Corporation has announced the sudden passing of Steve Wiley, a longstanding radio personality in the Lafayette, Louisiana, area. Wiley, who served as On-Air Personality and Program Director for the classic country station Mustang 107.1 (KOGM-FM, licensed to Opelousas and serving the Acadiana region), died at his home in Lafayette. He was in his mid-60s. 

The news sent ripples of grief through the local broadcasting community, where Wiley had been a fixture for over 40 years, known for his warm baritone voice, infectious passion for music, and engaging on-air presence.

Born in Watertown, New York, Wiley discovered his love for radio during high school in Boonville, NY, where he first took to the airwaves. Music was always central to his life—"the soundtrack to his life," as one tribute described it—and he pursued broadcasting with unwavering dedication. In his early career, he honed his skills in upstate New York before relocating to Lafayette around 1985, making the Louisiana city his adopted home. 

He became synonymous with Acadiana's airwaves, transitioning seamlessly between formats and roles while building a loyal listener base that appreciated his authenticity and storytelling style. Wiley's early roles (1980s–2000s): He started at stations like 96.5 KFTE, quickly establishing himself as a midday host and music enthusiast. His early work laid the foundation for a career blending music curation with community connection.

Townsquare Media Era (1999–2022): For 23 years, Wiley was Music Director and midday host at Adult Contemporary 99.9 KTDY, where he shaped playlists that resonated with generations of listeners.

In October 2024, he was promoted to Program Director and midday host at KOGM Mustang 107.1, a classic country outlet featuring outlaw country, Southern rock, and traditional Cajun French music on Saturday mornings.

Wiley contributed to a diverse array of programming, from AC pop to rock/alternative crossovers, but country music held a special place in his heart. As Mustang 107.1's PD, he curated content that celebrated Louisiana's cultural heritage, earning praise for keeping the station "real" and relatable.