A Buffalo radio pioneer walked away Friday. Janet Snyder ended her historic run at WKSE-FM KISS 98.5 after 32 years on the air.
What We Know: Snyder is widely recognized as one of the first women in the country to host a Top 40 morning show. Moreover, she built a loyal Buffalo audience alongside co-host Nick Picholas and producer Wease over three decades. Her decision wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction — instead, it came down to one thing: time. She and her husband chose to retire simultaneously, closing a remarkable professional chapter together.
What They Said: Snyder was direct and deeply personal about her reason for leaving. “I’ve learned recently, you can make a lot of money, but the one thing you can’t buy is time,” she said. Furthermore, she made clear her heart stays with her team — “Nick and Wease, I love them” — reflecting the genuine bonds she built throughout her career.
What Remains Unclear: KISS 98.5 has not announced if it will find a permanent replacement for the morning show host. Nick and Wease will continue in her absence.
What It Means: Buffalo loses a true trailblazer. Snyder didn’t just entertain — she broke barriers and built community. Consequently, her exit leaves a significant void in the market’s morning landscape. Her legacy, however, is already secure.
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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.
