A 98 Rock Baltimore radio institution is stepping away. Amelia Ryerse announced Monday she will retire at the end of 2026.
What We Know: Ryerse has been with 98 Rock since 2003. She built her reputation across multiple dayparts, including the “Mickey, Amelia and Spiegel” morning show and her current midday shift. Her community work on “Maryland Perspectives” further cemented her standing. The station plans year-long tributes leading to her final broadcast.
What They Said: Program Director Justin Johnson put it plainly: “Radio stations go through different eras, different lineups and different trends, but Amelia has always been one of the constants listeners could count on. She brought heart, personality and credibility to every shift she worked, and 98 Rock simply wouldn’t have been the same without her.”
What Remains Unclear: The station hasn’t named a replacement for her midday slot. December 18th will be her final broadcast has been announced. Additionally, the scope of the planned on-air celebrations remains undefined. Those details will likely emerge as 2026 progresses.
What It Means: Amelia Ryerse’s departure at the end of the year closes a major chapter for 98 Rock. Twenty-plus years of market presence and audience loyalty is rare in today’s radio world. Her exit leaves a big hole in Baltimore rock radio. It’ll be interesting to watch what happens next, especially with market veteran Priestley recently joining the staff and likely becoming a contender for a larger role at the station.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
The Hole finally closes up.