Saga Communications Classic Rock WAFX 106.9 The Fox in Suffolk/Norfolk, VA has named Sonja Morrell as its new midday host. Morrell fills the role left by the late Mike Arlo, who recently passed away.
What We Know: Morrell currently serves as cluster Promotions Director and evening host at WAFX. Her history with the midday slot runs deep — she succeeded Arlo at Rock FM 99 WNOR in 1996 when he moved to WAFX. She remained at WNOR until joining WAFX herself in 2009. The transition keeps a familiar voice in a beloved daypart.
What They Said: Director of Content Mike Beck offered a heartfelt endorsement of the move. “No one can replace Arlo, but Sonja is uniquely qualified to continue the tradition he built,” Beck said. “She has been Arlo’s backup for decades, and the listeners know her well. Arlo and Sonja were great friends and I’m sure he is giving two thumbs up for this move.”
What Remains Unclear: The station has not yet announced whether Morrell’s evening shift will be filled internally or through outside talent. Additionally, her Promotions Director duties and how those responsibilities will be managed going forward remain unaddressed. No formal start date for her midday role has been publicly confirmed.
What It Means: This one was a no-brainer. WAFX didn’t need to go outside — they already had the right person in the building. Morrell’s decades on both sides of the dial in this market mean listeners won’t skip a beat. She knew Arlo, she knew the audience, and the audience knows her. Nice move.
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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.
