Michael DelGiorno is a name that many people in the US associate with talk radio. He is the son of Bob DelGiorno, a legendary radio personality in New Orleans, Louisiana. Michael followed his father’s footsteps and became a successful talk radio host himself, working in various markets such as Tulsa, Oklahoma and Nashville, Tennessee. However, his career also had its share of controversies, scandals, and setbacks. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Michael DelGiorno, and what happened to him after he left SuperTalk 99.7 WTN in Nashville.
Early Life and Career
Michael Howard DelGiorno was born on August 30, 1964 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was born with a clubfoot, a congenital deformity that affected his mobility and self-esteem. He underwent several surgeries to correct his condition, but he still faced bullying and discrimination from his peers. He found solace in listening to his father’s radio show, and developed a passion for broadcasting.
He started his radio career at the age of 15, working as a board operator and producer for his father’s show. He later attended Loyola University in New Orleans, where he majored in communications. He also worked as a disc jockey for various radio stations in the city, playing music and hosting talk shows.
He moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1992, where he became the program director and afternoon host for NewsTalk 740 KRMG. He quickly gained popularity for his conservative views, witty humor, and investigative journalism. He won several awards for his work, including being voted “Oklahoma Radio Personality of Year” twice by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
The KFAQ Controversy
In 2002, Michael DelGiorno made a controversial move from KRMG to KFAQ, a rival talk radio station that was formerly a country music station known as KVOO. He helped to establish KFAQ as a talk radio station, and brought his loyal listeners with him. He also hired his co-host Gwen Freeman, who became his close friend and partner on the air.
At KFAQ, DelGiorno continued to expose corruption and wrongdoing in local and state politics. He was especially critical of Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, both Democrats. He also championed conservative causes such as opposing gambling and supporting gun rights.
However, he also faced backlash from some of his targets and critics. He was sued for defamation by Tulsa City Councilor Bill Christiansen over remarks DelGiorno made on the air about Christiansen’s business practices. He was also banned from two Indian casinos based on allegations of inappropriate conduct. DelGiorno admitted on the air that he had been gambling, but denied any misconduct.
In 2004, DelGiorno published a memoir titled Standing Up for What’s Right (ISBN 0-975578405), in which he revealed details about his personal and professional life. He wrote about his clubfoot condition, his bankruptcy, his religious conversion, his political views, and his reasons for leaving KRMG for KFAQ.
The Nashville Years
In 2007, DelGiorno left Tulsa for Nashville, Tennessee, where he joined SuperTalk 99.7 WTN as the morning host. He replaced Steve Gill, who moved to the afternoon slot. DelGiorno brought Freeman with him as his co-host, and they continued their successful partnership on the air.
At WTN, DelGiorno covered national and international issues as well as local ones. He interviewed celebrities, politicians, authors, and experts on various topics. He also engaged with his listeners through phone calls, emails, texts, and social media. He was known for his outspoken opinions, his sense of humor, and his compassion for people in need.
He also faced some challenges and controversies at WTN. In 2010, he suffered a heart attack while on the air, but he recovered quickly and returned to work after a few days. In 2013, he was involved in a car accident that injured him and two other people. He was charged with reckless driving and failure to yield right of way, but he pleaded not guilty and the case was dismissed.
The Mysterious Exit
On March 17th 2023 , Michael DelGiorno hosted his last show on WTN without any prior announcement or explanation. His profile was removed from the station’s website shortly after. His co-host Freeman also left the station without any comment.
The reason for DelGiorno’s sudden departure remains unknown to this day. Neither he nor the station has given any official statement or clarification on the matter. Some speculate that it was due to a contract dispute or a personal issue. Others suggest that it was related to his health or his family.
Whatever the case may be , Michael DelGiorno left behind a legacy of being one of the most influential and controversial talk radio hosts in the US. He entertained, informed, and challenged his listeners for over three decades. He also inspired many aspiring broadcasters and journalists with his passion and professionalism.
He is currently living in Nashville with his wife Andrea and their three children: Anna, Alex, and Nick. He has not announced any plans to return to radio or any other media platform. He remains active on social media, where he posts updates on his life and opinions on various issues.
According to OtakuKart, he is also working on a new book, which he hopes to publish soon. He has not revealed the title or the topic of the book, but he has hinted that it will be about his experiences and insights as a talk radio host. He has also expressed his gratitude to his fans and supporters for their loyalty and encouragement.
Michael DelGiorno may be off the air for now, but he is not forgotten by his fans and colleagues. He is still regarded as one of the best talk radio hosts of his generation, and one of the most influential voices in American media. He is also remembered as a man who stood up for what he believed in, and who spoke his mind without fear or favor.
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