Mollie Watson is leaving Q102. Sixteen years at the Cincinnati Hot AC station come to a close today.
What We Know: Watson exits Hubbard’s WKRQ “Q102” in Cincinnati after sixteen years on the air. She has co-hosted “The Hot List” alongside Jennifer Fritsch and Tim Timmerman during the 10am hour, and she’s anchored solo from 11am to 3pm. Watson recently took on a new role as Associate Director of Strategic Growth at Cincinnati Animal Care, a position she had been juggling alongside her radio duties. Her final show airs today, starting at 10am with Fritsch.
What They Said: Watson reflected on her run in personal terms. “What started as a dream internship became one of the greatest chapters of my life,” she said. “I’m so grateful for my amazing coworkers, the listeners who welcomed me into their lives every day and the countless memories I’ll always carry with me. Thank you for every laugh, every conversation and every moment we shared. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share what’s next soon.”
What Remains Unclear: Watson hasn’t said where she’s headed next, though her comments suggest an announcement is coming soon. It’s also unclear whether her departure stems from her growing commitment to Cincinnati Animal Care or reflects a separate opportunity entirely. WKRQ has yet to announce replacement plans for the 10am and midday shifts.
What It Means: Watson’s exit reshapes Q102’s weekday lineup at a station that built loyalty around her voice for sixteen years. Meanwhile, her dual-career pivot toward animal welfare work highlights a broader trend of radio talent diversifying beyond traditional on-air roles.
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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.
