Providence rock radio is losing two of its longest-tenured voices. Paul Fuller and Al “Al Michaels” Milukas will retire from iHeartMedia’s 94.1 WHJY at the end of August.
What We Know: The duo made their announcement on the 36th anniversary of joining WHJY in 1990. They originally came to Providence from CHR 97.5 WABB in Mobile, Alabama. Their final day on air will be followed by a listener appreciation party on August 21. Together, they close out one of the longest morning show runs in Rhode Island radio history.
What’s at Stake: Their departure leaves a significant void in the Providence rock market. Few morning shows anywhere survive 36 years in the same market, let alone at the same station. Their run ranks second in Providence history, trailing only Salty Brine’s legendary fifty-year stretch on 630 WPRO from 1943 to 1993. Longevity like this is increasingly rare in today’s consolidation-driven radio landscape.
What Remains Unclear: iHeartMedia has not announced a replacement morning show for WHJY. It is also unknown whether the station will go local, syndicated, or voice-tracked following their exit. The future format direction of the station has not been addressed publicly.
What It Means: Paul and Al’s retirement marks the end of an era for Providence radio. Their 36-year run reflects a kind of audience loyalty and local connection that modern programmers rarely achieve. Moreover, their story is a reminder of what made local radio matter. As morning show legends continue to exit the business, the industry faces a growing challenge replacing what they built.
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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.