Frank Ski Left ATL Radio Because He Wanted Syndication + His Official Statement

One day after Atlanta radio personality, Frank Ski, announced his departure from V-103, industry folk and loyal listeners are still asking questions. Did he quit? Was he fired? What will he do next? Can Ryan Cameron fill his shoes? Well, we can’t answer ALL of those questions (most is speculated at this time), but here are a few more details about Frank Ski and Wanda Smith’s departure.

Ryan Cameron

• Long-time afternoon host Ryan Cameron will take over mornings in January. Big Tigger, a former BET “106 & Park” host (who formerly had a morning show on DC’s WPGC) will take over afternoons.
• Ski’s final day will be Thursday, Dec. 20.
• As is customary, Ski more than likely will not be allowed to be on the radio for the next six months, because of his ‘non-compete’.
• Although his home is now for sale, for $2.2 million, Ski doesn’t plan to leave Atlanta.
• Rick Caffey, market manager for V-103, said Ski wanted a syndication deal to expand his footprint beyond Atlanta but the two sides couldn’t come to agreement.

And here’s Ski’s official statement:

Dear Atlanta:
Fourteen years ago, V-103 General Manager Rick Caffey and I set out to create a morning show that was
informative, entertaining and inspirational — and year after year, you’ve blessed us with #1 ratings in
every age category.
I’m beyond blessed to get paid to do what I love most, to be on the radio with more than a million
listeners every week. I have enjoyed waking you up every morning, deejaying the hottest parties every
week and whether it be in the streets, the grocery store, your school, a football game or in places of
worship, I have truly enjoyed getting to know you and your family.
When I moved here in 1998, I was newly married and hadn’t even started my family. Major milestones
and defining moments have happened while on the airwaves of V-103. My children were born here in
Atlanta, and you shared in that joy — all three times. Tanya & I started the Frank Ski Kids Foundation a
decade ago, and because you supported our annual Kids Week, Youth Bowl and Wine Tastings, you made
it possible for us to expose hundreds of kids to their future, and ultimately, realize their dreams.
I’ve grown personally from interviewing those who have made Atlanta the great city it is, and I’ve
flourished from genuine relationships with people like Maynard Jackson, Andy Young, Bill Campbell,
Bernice King, Shirley Franklin and my good friend, Kasim Reed, whose individual legacies will live
forever.
Atlanta, you’ve allowed me to bring so many important triumphs and tragedies to life. To be blessed with
the last interview with Ms. Coretta Scott King, challenged by the jail interview with convicted murderer
Wayne Williams, and completely honored to interview the young Senator from Chicago, President Barack
Obama. The list goes on — from the iconic and unforgettable Whitney Houston to the incomparable living
legend, Mr. Stevie Wonder, you’ve witnessed and experienced countless defining moments with me.
You encouraged me when I flew to New York hours after 9-11, when I drove to Louisiana for the Jena 6
story and even when we pulled our entire city together to raise hundreds and thousands of dollars for
Hurricane Katrina victims. You’ve been there when I suffered a loss, and when the hard work allowed me
to try things I never could have dreamed for myself.
We’ve traveled around the world together… to Asia, Africa, South America and beyond, and have returned
home with deeper connections to each other and our communities. You celebrated with me in 2011 when
my dream to open a restaurant became a reality. I thank you for all of those shared times — the laughter,
the tears and the victories.
And with that, Atlanta, I have decided to end my tenure with V-103
My decision to leave my V-103 family has been one of the most important and most spiritual decisions of
my life. For years, I’ve delivered the Inspirational Vitamin and have told you to live by faith, not fear, and
to believe in the power of God’s plan for your life.
I’ve encouraged you to ‘Let Go and Let God’ — and now it’s time for me to do the same.
It’s time for me to walk in faith — but chase my passions and spiritual purpose to expand my brand &
grow. It’s time for me to explore other opportunities that will allow me to serve more people on a greater
level.
Thank you to General Manager, Rick Caffey, for believing in my talent, and allowing me to be the leader
of a radio station that truly believes in service & community. Thank you to my cohost, Wanda Smith, for
trusting in my abilities to lead the Morning Show on a successful 14 year journey. Thank you to the entire
V-103 family — on-air and behind the scenes — your efforts, enthusiasm, hard work & support will always
be appreciated.
And thank you to YOU, Atlanta, for allowing me to be a part of your family, and unselfishly being a part
of mine. As the story continues, you will hear me again on radio & I will not leave the city I call home.
As one beautiful chapter ends and another begins, I will take the memories we’ve created and never forget
how the story began. I look forward to sharing the next chapter with you, and creating even more
unforgettable memories.
This is not a good-bye, Atlanta, but instead — to be continued… very soon.

[AJC]