NOLA Radio: Scoot Paisant Returns to WWL Radio

Scott “Scoot” Paisant, the longtime host of Audacy’s news/talk station WWL-AM/FM (870/105.3) and its popular afternoon show “Scoot in the Afternoon,” returned to the airwaves on April 27 after a seven-week absence recovering from life-saving open-heart surgery.

Paisant underwent the procedure on March 6 to repair a congenital valve defect, a leaking heart valve he had since birth that had worsened to a critical level. He described the surgery as successful, telling listeners and WWL-TV that his heart is now “running perfectly” and performing better than before.

“It feels so great to be back on the air, and to be back with you,” Scoot said during his first show back. “I define my life by this show. This show was missing from my life. I lost a big piece of who I was.”

The veteran radio personality, a fixture in New Orleans broadcasting for more than 50 years, faced a tough recovery. He spent 12 days in the hospital, dealt with post-surgery pain, brain fog, and initial weakness that made even standing with a walker a milestone. His voice was temporarily raspy from intubation during the four-hour operation.

Despite the difficulties, Paisant has regained strength and resumed his regular sunset walks. His first public outing after surgery was attending Jazz Fest to see Rod Stewart perform.