Buffalo radio veteran Bob Stilson is retiring from The Breeze Buffalo/WEBR’s morning show this October. The “Up Too Early” host departs after more than six years at the Soft AC station.
What We Know Stilson has hosted mornings at WEBR since May 2020. Before that, he spent two decades at Entercom Buffalo as Creative Services Director. He co-hosted “The Movie Show” on 930 WBEN Friday mornings alongside Sandy Beach. Additionally, Stilson produced and hosted the kids’ program “Rocketship 7” on WKBW-TV from 1992 to 1994.
What’s at Stake WEBR loses an established personality during a shifting competitive period. The station must replace the early-morning slot at a Soft AC format relying on personality-driven content. Meanwhile, WEBR recently added the syndicated Kadie Daye Show for middays—signaling format adjustments. These programming moves will ultimately shape the station’s market position in Western New York.
What Remains Unclear The Breeze hasn’t announced who replaces Stilson in mornings. Whether WEBR pursues another established personality or leans toward syndicated programming remains undetermined. The station’s broader strategy for reaching early-morning listeners also hasn’t surfaced. Furthermore, details about Stilson’s future plans haven’t been disclosed.
What It Means Stilson’s exit marks another chapter closing for local Buffalo radio. The market continues losing experienced voices to retirement, reflecting sector-wide challenges. WEBR’s next move will signal how Buffalo adapts to evolving listening habits. Ultimately, this decision shapes the future of personality-driven radio in Niagara Falls.
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.
For those unfamiliar, WEBR is a NIagara County rimshot in the Buffalo market. It doesn’t have a huge foothold in the Nielsens but it has an audience.
I’d laugh if they end up hiring Rob Lucas, the longtime morning host at Star 102.5, right before the time Star used to flip to all-Christmas, which he famously dominated Buffalo ratings with (and would fit WEBR’s AC format). But I don’t think Yuhnke will; last I knew, Audacy still had Lucas on their payroll. He still has 88-year-old Danny Neaverth on retainer though I doubt he wants a daily gig at his age, either (though he’ll probably take a less demanding job).