After four decades on Rochester radio, Alan “Brother Wease” Levin signed off Thursday, marking the end of an era for one of the market’s most recognizable personalities. The departure coincides with iHeartMedia’s decision to flip Hot Talk Radio 95.1 Honeoye Falls/Rochester to Rock 95.1.
Wease, 78, has been a fixture in Rochester since 1985 when he joined 96.5 WCMF. Over the years, his reach extended beyond the city, with stints on 92.9 WBUF Buffalo and a weekend show on WNEW New York.
Following a contract impasse, he exited WCMF in 2007 and joined iHeart’s 95.1 in late 2008. The station itself evolved multiple times before settling on the Hot Talk format in 2014, with Wease serving as a mainstay in mornings until 2023. Last fall, he shifted to a mid-morning slot.
Announcing his decision live on-air, Wease explained that he could not accept the options presented to him.
“What’s happening is, this is my last show. They gave me a couple good opportunities but I can’t go out that way,” he said. “I can’t be in the National Broadcast Hall of Fame…and see the headline in the trades tomorrow ‘Brother Wease To Host Weekend Morning Music Show.’ I can’t go out that way.”
Instead, Wease revealed he and his son Jake will launch a podcast in January 2026.
The launch of Rock 95.1 came just after noon Friday as iHeart is positioning the brand as “Rochester’s Real Rock,” with a core library featuring Metallica, Linkin Park, Disturbed, and Papa Roach.
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