Audacy’s 101.5 Lite-FM Miami adds two hosts to fill the midday slot vacated by longtime APD/MD Gayle Garton. The shuffle brings back a familiar face while expanding the roster with fresh talent.
What We Know Gayle Garton departed from WLYF after 34 years at the station. Her role spanned both on-air duties (12–7pm) and music direction responsibilities. Audacy subsequently split the position. ‘Ashley O’ Owen returns to the Miami cluster, hosting 10am–3pm middays at WLYF after her September departure from Alternative WSFS (formerly “The Shark”). Additionally, Jessica Bonilla adds WLYF afternoon duties while maintaining her Mix 105.1 Orlando midday show. Bonilla has worked within Audacy’s Orlando cluster since 2005.
What’s at Stake The two-person approach suggests WLYF is investing in continuity and competitive positioning within Miami’s crowded AC market. Ashley O brings format familiarity; she previously hosted mornings at WSFS (2016–2020, 2023–2024) and tracked mornings at Alternative WOCL Orlando. Bonilla offers deep organizational knowledge, having worked across multiple Audacy properties. Together, they represent internal talent development rather than external hiring.
What Remains Unclear It’s unknown whether WLYF plans permanent or transitional arrangements. The station hasn’t announced whether one host will eventually consolidate the midday block. Additionally, music direction succession remains unaddressed; Garton handled that role alongside on-air duties.
What It Means Audacy is leveraging existing talent to manage talent departures—a cost-conscious strategy that signals confidence in internal development. Morning talent Julie Guy and Tamara G remain unchanged. Veteran John Tesh continues nights. Therefore, the cluster stabilizes its brand while testing whether a split shift can maintain audience momentum.
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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.