WMMR's Longtime Fixture Departs After 26 Years with Preston & Steve Show
Nick McIlwain, a stalwart on Philadelphia's most popular morning show, "Preston & Steve," has announced his departure from WMMR after nearly three decades as part of the program. The news comes on the heels of a tumultuous few months for the station, including the layoff of colleague Kathy Romano in May.
McIlwain attributed his decision to leave to the emotional toll taken by Romano's departure and the loss of his mentor, Pierre Robert, who passed away last month. "Our entire lives have just been thrown into chaos over the last few months," McIlwain revealed. The stress has taken a significant toll on him, with more downs than ups in recent times.
As a key member of the show's crew since its inception, McIlwain had previously discussed his intentions to leave with co-hosts Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison just two months prior to Robert's passing. "This is my choice," he emphasized. "I'm not being forced out." After careful consideration, McIlwain has decided it's time for a change.
The former WMMR employee plans to spend Thanksgiving visiting his son in Ireland before reassessing his career options. His departure has left the show with an on-air vacancy, which will be filled by Marisa Magnatta. Ryan Shuttleworth, the producer of Pierre Robert's midday show, will assume Magnatta's duties.
In a heartfelt farewell from Elliot and Morrison, who are bound to WMMR for at least another five years, Nick McIlwain is praised for his loyalty and dedication. Despite the challenges faced by the station, the duo reassures listeners that they are committed to continuing with their beloved show.
Nick McIlwain, a stalwart on Philadelphia's most popular morning show, "Preston & Steve," has announced his departure from WMMR after nearly three decades as part of the program. The news comes on the heels of a tumultuous few months for the station, including the layoff of colleague Kathy Romano in May.
McIlwain attributed his decision to leave to the emotional toll taken by Romano's departure and the loss of his mentor, Pierre Robert, who passed away last month. "Our entire lives have just been thrown into chaos over the last few months," McIlwain revealed. The stress has taken a significant toll on him, with more downs than ups in recent times.
As a key member of the show's crew since its inception, McIlwain had previously discussed his intentions to leave with co-hosts Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison just two months prior to Robert's passing. "This is my choice," he emphasized. "I'm not being forced out." After careful consideration, McIlwain has decided it's time for a change.
The former WMMR employee plans to spend Thanksgiving visiting his son in Ireland before reassessing his career options. His departure has left the show with an on-air vacancy, which will be filled by Marisa Magnatta. Ryan Shuttleworth, the producer of Pierre Robert's midday show, will assume Magnatta's duties.
In a heartfelt farewell from Elliot and Morrison, who are bound to WMMR for at least another five years, Nick McIlwain is praised for his loyalty and dedication. Despite the challenges faced by the station, the duo reassures listeners that they are committed to continuing with their beloved show.
I'm gonna miss Nick McIlwain, he was a staple on WMMR for ages. The emotional toll of losing Romano and Pierre Robert must've been way too much to handle, but kudos to him for speaking up and taking care of himself. 
It's time for a change, though - we'll miss him around here! But good luck with his new adventures, Nick! 
He's been such a big part of Preston & Steve's crew for so long and it's clear that he's going to miss his colleagues and the whole WMMR family 
. It's totally understandable why he'd want to leave, though - losing someone as important as Pierre Robert must have been really tough for him 
. And adding Kathy Romano's departure to the mix? That would be a lot for anyone to handle 
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- they've worked so hard to build their show into what it is today, and I know they'll continue to do great things. And Marisa Magnatta's going to bring some fresh energy to the mix 
! It's always bittersweet when someone new comes on board, but I think this change might be just what WMMR needs 
.
... whether that's on-air again or not! 
i remember when kathy romano left in may, nick was all emotional about it 
and now pierre robert has passed away too... that must've been really tough for him 
i'm so grateful he's taking care of himself & getting some time with his son in ireland 
it's a big change for the show but preston & steve will prob do great without nick 
. lets hope he finds what makes him happy 
.
! I mean, Preston & Steve r still good, but where's the drama? The tension? I'm dyin' over here 
! And what's w/ all these changes at once? It's like they're tryin to shake things up too much 
. I get it, life can be tough, but can't u just find another job that's less stressful? 
Wishing Nick all the best, but also a lil bit of drama for Preston & Steve 
good luck to her & Ryan Shuttleworth too! 
hope Nick finds his happy place soon 
it's not easy to deal with emotional tolls like that 
i feel for him, those last few months sound super tough 
and wish marisa magnatta all the best with her new role 
It's not like it's going to affect the quality of the content or anything. And what's up with all these departures lately? First Kathy Romano, now Nick McIlwain... it's like they're just getting rid of anyone who's been around for too long. 
And Marisa Magnatta is just another newbie to fill the void... I'm sure she'll bring a whole new level of mediocrity to the show. 
The only bright spot here is that Nick gets to spend Thanksgiving with his son in Ireland, which is at least something positive out of this mess.
. On a serious note, gotta feel for the guy, losing someone you respect and then dealing with all this drama at work can be draining. Hope he gets some well-deserved R&R in Ireland and maybe, just maybe, finds something that'll bring him more joy than playing morning radio