Variety Hits “Max 98.3” WWRZ, Lakeland, FL , has parted ways with Program Director, morning host Eric Michaels, and co-host Mike Lee.
Michaels shared the news on Facebook, indicating the move was financial related.
“Any business person will tell you, that if something isn’t making money, then changes have to be made, and sometimes that means letting people go. While writing this, I feel like I’m writing a eulogy, but I don’t want you to be sad. We will pick ourselves up and move forward. On behalf of Mike and myself, thank you for everything.”
Lee said he would focus on his comedy club and other business interests, “I have no ill will for Hall Communications. They have been so good to me, and they are truly a family-oriented company. When my father fell ill in 2020 they let me go home to him. When he passed in 2021 they sent me home again. And just last year, when my mother fell ill, they did it again. No questions were asked, and no vacation days were garnered. They just knew I needed to be with family. For that and so many other things, I thank them, and I will always support whatever they have planned and whatever the future brings for them.”
The station is now jockless the entire day.
Michaels has been a part of the station, formerly known as AC “98.3 The Rose,” since 1998 and was appointed Program Director in January 2020. Lee has been his morning show partner since 2010.