Sylvana Kelleher is leaving 97.5 The Fanatic. The producer’s exit from Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo takes effect today.
What We Know: Kelleher announced her departure directly, citing a difficult and emotional decision. She confirmed Friday marks her final show on Unfiltered with hosts Ricky Bottalico and Bill Colarulo. The move follows a period of personal reflection tied to recent family loss. Station colleagues reportedly supported her throughout the process.
What They Said: (all quotes from 97.5 The Fanatic)
97.5 The Fanatic Producer Sylvana Kelleher announces her departure from the station: “I wanted to be very honest with everyone because I always said that I would be very honest being in this position. It’s a really difficult decision that makes me feel very sad and also very guilty. But I tomorrow is my last show on Unfiltered.”
97.5 The Fanatic Producer Sylvana Kelleher reveals she’s been battling her emotions with the decision: “I lost my dad almost two years, and he was the reason that I love sports. He was my hero. The last year really changed my life and my interests and my passion, and it’s still hard. It still feels like it happened, but everyone here has been like beyond understanding.”
97.5 The Fanatic Producer Sylvana Kelleher thanks the staff at the station: “I feel like I need to take a step back and do something a little slower and try and rekindle the passion. This is a business and an opportunity that deserves someone that is fully passionate about it. Honestly it’s just been really difficult for me to find that after all this happened. It was probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.”
What Remains Unclear: Kelleher’s next career step is unknown. She says wanting to “rekindle the passion,” but specifics weren’t shared. A permanent replacement for the Unfiltered producer chair is unknown.
What It Means: Kelleher’s exit shows how personal loss can reshape even established broadcasting careers. Her openness to discuss such personal tragedy and its affect on her should be commended. Meanwhile, 97.5 The Fanatic must now adjust quickly behind the scenes on Unfiltered. Kelleher departing is just the latest exit in a number of departures from the radio station over the past two years.
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.