iHeartMedia’s B97.3 Milwaukee continues to sharpen its evolving on-air identity by adding two familiar voices from a recently retired competitor, further signaling its intent to connect with listeners who embraced the former B93.3.
Following Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s format shift closing B93.3, B97.3 has tapped former morning host Joe Krauss to lead its morning drive. Krauss hosted mornings at B93.3 from 2017 until the station’s late August sign-off. He now moves into the same role at B97.3, bringing nearly two decades of radio experience.
Joining Krauss on the weekday lineup is former WLDB afternoon host Tony Lorino, who will now handle afternoons on B97.3. Lorino also serves as CEO of Throwback Brands. He spent the final year of B93.3’s run anchoring afternoons. He brings significant programming and syndication credentials to the station.
Krauss, widely known on air as “Average Joe,” previously spent five years at WQAL Cleveland from 2012 to 2017 and has also worked at WIXX Green Bay. Earlier in his career, he was part of the iHeartMedia family in Milwaukee as a weekend host on Country outlet FM 106.1.
His return to the market positions B97.3 with a personality already familiar to a broad segment of Milwaukee listeners.
In addition to local hosting, Lorino is the voice of nationally syndicated Throwback Nation Radio. The program is heard on dozens of stations nationwide. His background includes programming roles at WSTR Atlanta and KZPT Kansas City. He also served as Assistant Program Director at WMYX Milwaukee. Lorino previously held positions at KSTZ/KIOA Des Moines and KLTA Fargo. This blend of on-air and management experience aligns with WRNW’s evolving strategy.
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