A South Florida radio era is ending. iHeartMedia is overhauling the on-air lineup at hip-hop WMIB 103.5 The Beat in Miami.
What We Know: Longtime afternoon host “Papa Keith” Walcott is transitioning after more than a decade on afternoons. He moves into a new role as National Brand Partnerships Multicultural Specialist for iHeartMedia. DJ Entice steps up from evenings to replace him in afternoons. Slim City and Billy Blue will handle nights from 6–10pm, while Ferrari and BT from Atlanta’s 96.1 The Beat add late nights from 10pm to 2am.
What They Said: Walcott reflected on the move with both gratitude and excitement. “For more than 30 years, radio has given me the opportunity to connect with the community,” he said. “As I pass the torch to DJ Entice, someone who represents the energy and passion of 103.5 The Beat, I know afternoons are in great hands.” Market President Shari Gonzalez called Walcott’s impact on South Florida radio decades deep, adding the station is “excited to see his impact continue to grow both on and off the air.”
What Remains Unclear: No timeline has been announced for when the new lineup officially launches. Additionally, it’s unclear whether Walcott’s “Common Sense PhD.” podcast will expand in scope under his new corporate platform. His Saturday morning show continues, but further details about that role remain vague.
What It Means: Papa Keith’s departure from afternoons leaves a notable void. He spent more than a decade building loyalty and cultural credibility in that daypart. DJ Entice is talented and well-positioned — but replacing a voice that ingrained in a market is never simple. South Florida listeners will ultimately decide how that transition lands.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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.
