CHANGES AT TOWNSQUARE NEW JERSEY

12-3-15

Bob Levy (pictured), morning host for News Talk Radio WOBM-AM, will step down from the Bob & Marianne in the Morning show after 18 years. Levy has been with WOBM since its inception in 1968. Levy will remain host of Topic A on WOBM-AM and FM, a show he’s hosted for 36 years every Sunday. Levy’s wife and co-host, Marianne Levy, will transition to Preferred Company with Joel Markel, a show she’s been co-hosting for three years. Taking over mornings will be Jeremy Grunin. The final Bob & Marianne in the Morning program will be Friday, December 18, with Grunin starting Monday, January 4.

The original Sales Manager for sister station 92.7 WOBM-FM, Levy also went on to serve as the Sports Director, General Manager, and on-air personality with his show Topic A, one of Ocean County’s most-listened-to shows since 1979. In 2012, Levy was inducted as a charter member into the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. Levy is also a member of the Lakewood High School Hall of Fame and is the namesake of the Bob Levy Broadcast Center where all of Townsquare Media New Jersey Shore stations operate — a tribute to his years of dedicated service. Levy said, “This was supposed to be a part-time job. That was over 48 years ago. What happened?” “If it wasn’t for our listener friends, there wouldn’t have been a Bob and Marianne in the Morning.  Thank you so much for almost 19 years,” Marianne said.

Market President Don Dalesio commented, “Bob is synonymous with the WOBM brand, having made major contributions that built the heritage of both stations over his storied broadcast career. No one local on-air personality has captivated such a large audience for so many years like Bob has. After 48 years, we are thrilled that he will now pull the throttle back — of course on his terms!”

“Taking over a time slot previously held by a radio icon like Bob Levy and leading in to another local legend like Marianne Levy is a daunting task. I can’t begin to replace what they have given to listeners for so many years, but rather hope to bring a different point of view and flavor to the WOBM listening audience,” Grunin commented.