Buffalo Radio: Longtime Personality Janet Snyder Retiring

After more than four decades in broadcasting and 32 years hosting mornings on WKSE-FM (Kiss 98.5), Janet Snyder is retiring from the airwaves.

Snyder, who co-hosted the station’s popular morning show with Nicholas Picholas (and sidekick “Weeze”), will deliver her final broadcast Friday, May 29.

A Buffalo native and Ithaca College graduate (class of 1987), Snyder began her career at Kiss 98.5 as a midday host and assistant promotion director. She quickly moved to New York City, landing a midday shift at the legendary WHTZ (Z100) — then the highest-rated station in America — where she spent nearly four years. She returned home to Buffalo in 1992 and has been a fixture at Kiss ever since, taking over mornings in 1994.

Janet Smith

Snyder made history as the first woman to lead a morning drive show in the Buffalo market. Her program consistently ranked among the top morning shows, earning multiple “Best Morning Show” honors in local polls and helping cement Kiss 98.5 as a dominant Top 40 station. She was also inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2023.

In addition to her radio work, Snyder served as a host on local television, including at Channel 2 (WGRZ).On social media, Snyder reflected on her milestone with gratitude: “How lucky I feel to have knocked down a few walls for women in broadcasting!”

Station owner Audacy and the Buffalo broadcasting community have praised Snyder’s longevity, professionalism, and connection with listeners. Her departure marks the end of an era for one of Western New York’s most recognizable and enduring radio voices.

Snyder has not publicly detailed her plans after retirement, but she leaves behind a lasting legacy in Buffalo media.Thank you, Janet — for the laughs, the mornings, and the trail you blazed.