The news broke this week that the host of The Holstein & Company Morning Show on WIXY-FM in Champaign, Illinois was let go. Steve Holstein was a morning fixture for 24 years at the station. Now with some extra time on his hands he talked with Radio Ink.
Radio Ink: Did you see this coming?
Holstein: I was pretty surprised. The show had big heritage, still very popular, still successful, still very tied to the community. Yes I was; but at the same time the reality for a lot of people in all media when the pandemic hit and we started seeing people furloughed, laid off or just released in general was obvious. I was surprised, but at the same time not that surprised.
Radio Ink: You managed to find the right formula for more than two decades, so its gotta be tough?
Holstein: I joined WIXY 24 years ago. It had just been on the air for a few years. I was invited to come to town and do the morning show, I’m a Midwest guy so It was great to come back to the Midwest. Over time we built something really cool, we added the right people to the show and we became a really awesome three person show that grew and grew in popularity.
The show and the radio station were synonymous with each other. We connected with the community. It was a true show. We started at 5 AM and we hit the air firing on all cylinders knowing people were waking up with the three of us. Even after we lost a co-host last year because of downsizing we still kept it going.
I know people are waking up in the community now not hearing a familiar voice or jingles, and you know I feel bad for them. But the reality is is that it’s just a tough time for radio.
Radio Ink: What do you see ahead for radio?
Holstein: It’s tough to make predictions. Radio is in for a tough number of months if not years. Just when you think you have it all figured out a recession of a pandemic comes along. I don’t think I want to make a prediction, other than to say that good on air talent will always help a station win and be successful. So there is a place for radio, there is a place for personality radio, there is a place for good talent. I don’t think that is ever going to go away.
Radio Ink: This isn’t the end all for you. Tell us about InterPrep.com.
Holstein: InterPrep has been around since 1993. I think one of the reasons that our show was successful was because I am just a content hound. I am always looking for something unique, different and educational to talk about. Not just the same old, same old. InterPrep and the show prep business tied in very nicely with doing a morning show. I just love writing and knowing that what I’m writing and what my contributors are sharing and what I’m editing is going to be used on stations everywhere.
Radio Ink: Are you going to miss waking up early?
Holstein: I kind of miss it. You know I had a routine. I was up at 3:15, made a stop at my favorite coffee shop, I was usually first in the building and got all the lights on and got the coffee brewing for the rest of the gang. I still set an alarm at home now, I know routine is important. I’m still up and at it before 5 AM, just not at 3:15 anymore.
