Instead Of “Goodbye,” How About “Talk To You Later?”

I’ve been putting this off for a couple of weeks, but it has to be done. I’ve decided it’s time to officially hang up my headphones.

While it might come as a shock to you, I promise you there’s nothing dramatic going on behind the scenes.

When I started in radio back in 1995 I was a freshman at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. I would pick up a random shift at 91 FM, WSUP, to practice once a week. I would also show up at the studio early in the morning to read the news. I was only a month or two in when my buddy told me that they were looking for a few weekend people down at KLYV-105.

Up to that point, the station had always been my jam. Growing up I listened to Dawson and Collins do their hilarious morning bits. I called in for contests and waited with bated breath for my school to be announced with a delay or cancellation.

I realized that I could practice at the college station for free, or I could practice at KLYV and get paid!

Heck, that wasn’t a tough decision!

I did weekends for the first two years and then later co-hosted the “Weekend Party Mix” with Danny Mack.

I did the overnight shift for three months and with a stroke of luck was quickly moved to the night show from 7 to midnight when that personality left the station. During that time the station was bought out and made the change from KLYV to Y105.

After a few years on nights I slid into the afternoon drive spot until I was given the opportunity to do mornings in January of 2002. I hadn’t done mornings before, but we hired a very talented gal named Rachel, who helped make that transition very easy. We laughed a lot and I always enjoyed our time together on the air.

Of course, people move on to bigger and better things. Rachel left and I was soon joined by Aaron. After Aaron came Bruce. All very talented people in their own way. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many great people.

One of my proudest achievements is doing our annual Radiothon for Children’s Miracle Network and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. With the help of our listeners, we raised over a million dollars for sick kids, which still makes me beam with pride.

We went from playing music on CDs to computer programs. Radios changed to computers and then we launched station websites, and now we’re touting mobile apps, too!  I’ve seen Alanis Morissette and Hootie and the Blowfish transition to Doja Cat and Justin Bieber.

Well, I blinked… and here we are 20 years later.

Lately, I’ve noticed that I don’t always come in with the same vigor I did 26 years ago. I used to do a lot of prep before each show, but now instead of showing up raring to go, I find myself lacking the passion I once had.

The pandemic was a lot, but when I hear about another TikTok viral challenge I roll my eyes… it’s exhausting keeping up with everything happening in the world.

I bumped into another buddy who told me about a great opportunity at Lifeline Audio Video Technologies in Platteville, Wisconsin. The owner, Scott Wright, told me about the great things they’re doing and it sounded like the exact change of pace I was looking for. Plus, it’s no secret that I’m not going to be able to take my wife on a Hawaiian cruise for our 25^th wedding anniversary on a DJ’s salary.

I’ve enjoyed my time at Y105, but it’s time to let the next young, hungry personality come in and take over the station. Someone with a great attitude and some fresh ideas. I want to see the station continue to succeed, and I’m not sure I’m the person to do that anymore.

With that said, there are so many people to acknowledge and thank. Jack, Dave, Heather, Scott, Sully, and our current General Manager, Jeff Robb. He has been very understanding and supportive as I’ve navigated this tough decision.

Ken Peiffer, our Operations Manager, who has also had my back over the years and has taught me many lessons, both at work and in life.

Johnny, Scotty, Guzzler, Jolene, Rachel, Aaron, Ed, Gabe, Jeni, Jenny, Cory, Danny, Darik, AJ, Dick, Bruce, Sherry, Jerry, Leslie, Laura, Eric, Brad, Tim, Brian, Pete, Jillaine, Eric, Emily, and the late, greats, Tommy Brenner and Jack Kilcoyne, plus countless others who have all helped make me look more talented than I really am over the years. I’ve worked with so many passionate account executives, too. People who talked me up to so many great clients. Teri, Tracy, Lilias, Tammy… the list goes on and on.

I also thank the owners and management at Townsquare Media, who have been great to work for.

I’m sure there are other people that should be mentioned, and if I left you out I apologize, but you have all really meant the world to me and have been my family away from my family.

And speaking of family, my beautiful wife, Lisa. She’s been with me for just about the whole thing. We dated, got engaged and married, and brought the best part of my life into existence back in 2010… our wonderful son, Jacob. Thanks for all your love and patience with me.

To all my listeners, thank you for all the support over the years. It has been a privilege and an honor speaking to you through all the years.

The last thing I would ask of you is this. Continue to support local. I understand that options in entertainment have grown exponentially over the last few years. The people that you still hear on local radio stations continue to work locally and spend their paychecks locally, so if you get the chance, I hope you do the same for them.

My last day on the air will be Friday, December 31^st. Scotty T will be taking over mornings in the interim until the new host moves in.

Thanks again for everything.

Chris Farber