Frank and Wanda’s classy final show on V-103 Dec. 20
Frank and Wanda started at V-103 in 1998. Their final day was today, Dec. 20. CREDIT: CBS
Today was Frank and Wanda’s final show on V-103 after 14 years.
But they didn’t turn this final day into a funeral (despite a call from funeral director Willie Watkins). They made it a celebration with champagne and many visitors special to V-103.
Among those who stopped by the studio: Frank Ski’s predecessor Mike Roberts, his replacement Ryan Cameron, night jock Greg Street and former co-host Chuck Smith. Former producer Tara Thomas called in from Cleveland. And Frank’s mom even stopped by.
Ski couldn’t come to agreement with CBS Radio, owner of V-103, for a new contract. His cohost Wanda Smith is leaving as well. Future plans are unknown in either case. (More details here from last week’s entry.)
Wanda thanked Roberts for teaching her how to do radio.
Roberts acknowledged how surreal it was to be behind a V-103 mike after 14 years. “It’s bigger than when I was here!” he noted. “We couldn’t put a Christmas tree here when I was on the air. But this is incredible. You deserve all the accolades. You’ve done a phenomenal job… I want to thank you for keeping the heritage of the station all these years.”
Cameron, who is set to take over in early January, was all class, expressing admiration for Ski and Smith. “I hope to have half the longevity that you’ve had,” he told them. “You’ve got a plan. I know you’ve got a plan.”
“It’s your ship now,” Ski responded.
Cameron waxed nostalgic listening to WIGO and winning prizes from Roberts as a kid. And he also thanked Roberts for helping jumpstart his career by discovering him at a comedy talent show. He invited Cameron to the station and Cameron showed up four hours later. Roberts gave him another shot. Cameron learned that everyone deserves a second chance. If he hadn’t given Cameron that chance, he isn’t even sure he’d be in radio now.
“Bittersweet,” said Rick Caffey, the boss who hired them and came into studio in the final hour. “I’m excited about the journey you’re going to take. It’s going to be bigger and brighter for you two but I’m going to miss you here. I never worried about morning drive for the last 14 years. I love you both. You’ve done well by Atlanta and Atlanta has done well by you.”
“Nobody does ten year runs in this industry. Both of you have bricks in this foundation called V-103. I hope you always consider this place home.”
“I thank you for choosing me,” Smith said. Then she joked: “Can I still have my insurance?”
“The biggest thing about Frank and Wanda is you made a difference in so many people’s lives,” Caffey said.
At 9:38 a.m., Ski took a call from Larry Tinsley, the long-time V-103 Sunday morning gospel man. “You’re leaving on top,” he said. “I hate to see you go.”
“I’ve learned a lot from you,” Ski told Tinsley.
In the final moments, they kept it light.
“Now I’ve got time for fishing with your husband for real,” Ski told Wanda.
“We’re leaving Friday!” Wanda said.
Then it was time for the final V-103 Inspirational Vitamin. The focus is on dreams and reaching those dreams that come from God.
Ski: “Wanda and I have been here 14 years. It seems like yesterday. We’re in a good place. We’ll never forget our dream. Don’t forget yours. That’s your inspirational vitamin on our last day at V-103. We want to make sure we leave you with one thought: to get to the prize, get to the place where God has for you and prepared you to be at. In other words, ladies and gentleman, it’s time for you to find your victory. So on that note, on behalf of the Frank and Wanda morning show, thank you for 14 great years and the great memories and tears and triumphs until we meet again.”
“Thank you for allowing me to be with you every day for 14 years. I love y’all. You will see more of me. Pray for me. I love you all and a big hug from me to you,” Wanda said.
The final song: Kirk Franklin’s “Til We Meet Again.”
Then they played an extended version of their theme song one last time.
Ski won’t do an interview with me, upset with the way I’ve been covering this, but I hope he will talk to me again at some point.
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150 comments Add your comment
John
December 20th, 2012
11:25 am
@ Lil Birdie huh?
John
December 20th, 2012
11:30 am
@ Jan I meant “grow up” not “group up”
Jan Woodside
December 20th, 2012
11:34 am
Like I said, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything!” Stay off the blog. Nobody wants to hear your negative comments, keep them to yourself!
John
December 20th, 2012
11:37 am
Take your own advice. That wasn’t very nice. HaHa!!
Rude Guy
December 20th, 2012
11:39 am
What is the purpose of a blog if you can only say good thiings?
Lil Birdie
December 20th, 2012
11:42 am
GG,
Google up the WSBTV raw interview where those the guys said Eddie Long never did anything to them.
BTW, Frank was never at New Birth…saw Nina once. They didn’t get the red carpet treatment, so they felt dissed I guess.
Ms.Simon
December 20th, 2012
11:42 am
TEAM RYAN CAMERON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A fly on the Wall
December 20th, 2012
11:45 am
Frank Skii has left V103 and his house is up for sale. Steve Harvey is in Chicago… Both of them lived on the same street. Anybody looking for a house for around 2mil?
entertainment
December 20th, 2012
11:52 am
I did listen to the final show and yes it was done well. I have to agree with many of the comments concerning Wanda. I didn’t listen in the morning because of her. Didn’t find her funny at all and just so immature at times. I also agree with the comment about Frank being a little too mature for today’s artist. I can see him being a mentor but he’s just too old for some of the comments he made. I wish them both well and look forward to Ryan in the mornings. He is homegrown and equally does a ton of things in the Atl.
Mike Jefferson
December 20th, 2012
11:53 am
No comment!
Ms. KP
December 20th, 2012
11:55 am
You can put a gorilla in the booth at V-103 and the show will still be on top. Atlanta is conditioned to listen to V-103, in most areas you can’t get a signal to listen to anything else. When Z-93 was on air, they gave 103 a run for their money, it was only after they (Z-93) went off the air did V pick up in the ratings. I was never a fan of Frank, too braggadocious, too much name dropping, too much trying to one up everybody, too hypocritical and too arrogant. I applaud his success but I have long awaited The Ryan King in the slot he deserved and earned. I can now go back to listening to V-103.
ChiTownBBaller
December 20th, 2012
11:58 am
Wasn’t a big fan of Frank and Wanda but Frank did bring the ladies out to his parties. I see a lot of Atlanta locals calling for Ryan Cameron. I think Ryan’s caters to the two chains audience, Frank catered to the JayZ audience. Frank knew everything, if you don’t believe me, just ask him. I wish they would bring a real comedian back, like ZooMan. He was funny. To all of the beautiful single and married(unhappy) ladies out there, Merry Christmas. This brother will be looking for you, my inspirational vitamin is BLUE….wink wink
Jen
December 20th, 2012
11:58 am
Well Frank wanted syndication and CBS said no. Wanda is leaving her $300,000 but had an option to go with Ryan but didn’t want to.
Nonia
December 20th, 2012
11:58 am
Why is this on AJC again as a blog?
This topic was already discussed when Frank and Wanda announced that they were leaving. The general consensus back then is the same as it is today…………………………………..
BYE, don’t let the door hit Ya’ where the good Lord split Ya’
AJC, don’t post this anymore please!!!!!!!
hating
December 20th, 2012
12:02 pm
mike roberts in the morning yeah, those were the dayz now they are gone. frank and wanda did their thing now they are going…i say farewell….I have been waiting on Ryan to get me crunk in the morning for 14 years he was on one station then they brought him back thats cause he is the man….Do your thing Ryan now that you got the chance…Mike Roberts good judge of character that is why he gave you a second chance now you have it What you gone do with it?
vida
December 20th, 2012
12:05 pm
I worked for Mike Roberts, truly a class act! Hey Radio is about change, and it’s time for a new voice in Atlanta Morning Radio.
Ummm
December 20th, 2012
12:15 pm
Shouldn’t screw the wife of the hand that feeds you…
Good Riddance! Learn how to read with the new extra time on your hands Frank
Joe
December 20th, 2012
12:19 pm
Goodbye and Good Riddance! The buffoonery is over!
SamE
December 20th, 2012
12:27 pm
I have to admit I stopped listening to Frank Ski years ago because his opinions about everything were portrayed to be “the truth” although he was always very one-sided. He needed to remain neutral in his political beliefs and stop acting like he was the next Al Sharpton (and one Al is enough). Wanda talked like she was a bit “slow” and that always bothered me, she needs to grow up even just a little
rickp
December 20th, 2012
12:27 pm
It doesnt matter if you listen to them or not, 14 years is a long time to be on the radio. In a way they did shape Atlanta radio. Atlanta radio is changing (again). Good bye Frank and Wanda, I wasnt a big listener, but I respect them.
Tman
December 20th, 2012
12:31 pm
good riddance
about time
December 20th, 2012
12:33 pm
So long to Frank “Nobody black has ever vacationed like me” Ski and Wanda “I butcher the English language” Smith.
Rahiem
December 20th, 2012
12:38 pm
So long! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
TG
December 20th, 2012
12:48 pm
My questions 1) what did Frank and Wanda “do for the community” that others in their position don’t do? I was under the impression that philanthropy came along with the job description. I’m not understanding all the praise as if they had a choice to not do community service. Hmmm 2) Rickp, how did Frank and Wanda “shape Atlanta radio?” I can’t think of one way they influenced anything. Please share.
windu
December 20th, 2012
12:50 pm
Kind of lame to write this nice, objective recap, then throw in the personal gripe that you couldn’t get an interview at the end, which of course became the focus of all the reader comments and makes Frank Ski look like the bad guy. Fitting since this column over the last days has repeatedly pushed the idea that people didn’t like Frank Ski. Whatever. All this drama over a radio program, as if anybody listens to radio anymore anyway.
TG
December 20th, 2012
12:52 pm
Windu, did Rodney “push the idea” or did listeners VOICE THEIR OPINIONS? Not the same thing.
Sparta_Bubba
December 20th, 2012
12:54 pm
Who is dis heh Frank and Wanda y’all be talking about? Never heard of them.
Rodney Ho
December 20th, 2012
12:58 pm
Frank thinks I write things to incite the people who dislike him to say nasty things and proceed to police the comment section poorly. “Graffiti,” is what he calls this board, given the anonymous nature of it.
thatgurl73
December 20th, 2012
1:00 pm
ATL needs some decent music. Perhaps the music selection will be better. No more phony chuwwch followed by shake your booty music..(yeah, I meant to spell it wrong.) We will see if V103 will do something different with Mr. Cameron. I wish him well..
morepower
December 20th, 2012
1:02 pm
I am so glad it is over with. I hve not listen to v-103 since Mike Robertson, maybe I can listen now! Ryan is a good one, to wake me up in the morning!!!
YOUgotDATright
December 20th, 2012
1:08 pm
Frank and Wanda??? The real shame is BORTZ is leaving???
Next Level Group
December 20th, 2012
1:15 pm
Frank and Wanda, I love you all personally and as professionals. However, I personally think that you all had more value to share and you did but the music between your conversations turned people off. The music today is horrible and you have professionals as yourself talking about real world issues and the station then play that music again. I think your program starting losing a certain age segment because of the music between your great dialogues. I am 33 yrs old and I started listening to 1380 because it was straight talk. But I will say, yal’ll did a great job because I love the inspiration and I love the confidence of Frank Ski and I love Wanda for being great. Wanda brought a sensitive side to the program while Frank brought intelligence and intellect as well as Wanda. In conclusion, you all were great but I think the music between the segments lost me and others who are willing to listen to greatness. Great Job Frank and Wand and everyone has to grow and now it’ your time. Never Stop\Never Quit\Always Win\Win\And Win Again\Help Someone Else Win\And Win Again\ – Christopher Bazemore CEO Next Level Group (Much love to the Frank and Wanda Morning Show) Love Ya’ll and God Bless! Keep it moving!-Baze
thatgurl73
December 20th, 2012
1:15 pm
@ Rodney-Frank can really get OVER himself. Many people didn’t like him at all. And there are some positive comments on this blog about him too.. He has to take the good with the bad. People weren’t really given a platform to write what they really thought about the Morning Show. If he didn’t know how some folks in ATL felt now he does. We are not haters either-we simply didn’t like the show. Period.
kevin
December 20th, 2012
1:23 pm
Frank contract was not good. He has an eatery in buckhead and also a home, which is on the market. Money always destroys the path we take and perhaps Frank was tired. So now as we have seen things has a way of turning around when you think you have it. Don’t know much about Wanda…but, she left too.
Joe
December 20th, 2012
1:28 pm
Wow. I didn’t know this blog erases comments. I’ll never read another Rodney Ho post.
Sheila Woods
December 20th, 2012
1:40 pm
Why didn’t you all listen to the last show. It sounded to me like it was a mutual decision from listening to Rick Caffey this morning. It is called growth and change. When and if we can stop playing the old crab in the bucket game we will understand we all need each other. Good luck Frank and Wanda on you new journey.
Michael
December 20th, 2012
1:41 pm
The listeners gave their opinions about Frank. Rodney did not “push the idea” that people did not like Frank. Rodney Ho put up a poll and people answered the poll. Some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Frank had a public job so public opionion comes with the territory. Rodney you only did you job.
Jean
December 20th, 2012
1:41 pm
I pray for God’s favor over Frank and Wanda. No matter how arogant or how many people dislike Frank and Wanda, they were good to Atlanta. Frank opened up chanels for kids in Atlanta that seemed closed. He was the first person that I heard of (it may have been others) that gave back to single mothers (not on welfare) but struggling at Christmas. So, hate if you must, but truly Frank and Wanda did their thing and I appreciate them. It was good hearing Mike Roberts, the face of black radio, who begin this journey not just for Frank but a lot of radio personalities. It is also good to know that Atlanta’s own, Ryan Cameron, will now set it on fire in the morning. Praying for you, Ryan.
Sheila Woods
December 20th, 2012
1:43 pm
Hey GG get your facts straight. None of the individual that were involved were minors. Again the records are sealed and unless you were there and a bend over was requested from you it might be good to stick with what you know. Wonder what is in your closet. What do you do behind closed doors
mike gee
December 20th, 2012
1:53 pm
Rodney, they are unusually sensitive there. I said something about having to “dumb down” to listren to Wanda’s annoying comedy on Frank’s page and he showed it to her. Next thing I know, there’s a nasty little message from Wanda insulting me for my comments…so it is what it is. They were small minded, arrogant and thought they were more valuable to Atlanta than they actually are. Siyonara!!
Miss Tee
December 20th, 2012
1:54 pm
In a year from now, people will say Frank who? Wanda who?
Dmoney
December 20th, 2012
1:54 pm
GOOD RIDDANCE! Gawd I hated that morning show! Wanda with her insulting self thought her insults were funny. Frank was “ok”, but he should have been on the late late night radio show. either or, good move by V-103. now if they would only play more music than that wack Southern Hip Hop, they maybe a station i’d listen to. as of now, i don’t even have them on my memory for the stereo.
Dmoney
December 20th, 2012
2:04 pm
While we’re on the subject, when is V-103 going to become more diverse in what they play? I have yet to hear reggae, hip hop Jazz or anything besides Altanta hip hop or what’s the most popular song in the country. People that visit or move here can’t beleive the BS V-103 plays ALL F’in DAY LONG! whenever i go out of town i ALWAYS hear a new song and people are suprise when i tell them what the major stations are playing here in ATL.
delcor3
December 20th, 2012
2:07 pm
I listened to Frank & Wanda because I work in media myself but I have my opinions about them too. There were many great things both Frank & Wanda did during their tenure on V-103, but I’ve also witnessed some negative arrogant things done by Frank (particularly). He was many times arrogant and self centered and ignored you when you tried to communicate with him, but I’ve also witnessed him being generous at clubs, buying drinks for the ladies. I never witnessed anything negative about Wanda in public, matter of fact, she is one of the most geniune people you would want to meet. However, I did not like when Wanda said on “I’m Just Saying” Wednesday about teachers who asked parents to help their children with homework. That was unbelievable that she would make a comment like that being a mother. Otherwise, I could not take Frank and his “I know everything and you know nothing” attitude on certain subjects. He seemed to not accept other people’s opinions in gracious manner. Otherwise….I enjoyed the “Inspirational Vitamin” it got me and my son through some hard times. I am happy that Ryan and handsome Crash will be taking over in the morning…..Congrats Ryan. Take care Frank and Wanda.
Kaseem
December 20th, 2012
2:11 pm
I agree, the music of V was horrible. No one wants to be crunked all day long lol. They have 107.9 for that. Everyone knows Frank’s personality is self serving. He appears to “do so much” but it’s it’s not benefiting him and his “name”, it won’t get done. He loves the spotlight. He loves to be recognized. He loves to be thanked. He’s a clown that wants to be a level that he is not made for. He’s a local DJ that has a bit of fame attached to his name. How many times can you brag about Doo-Doo Brown? That was the 80’s bruh!
mrpopculture
December 20th, 2012
2:14 pm
I don’t think Rodney should’ve did a story about Franks contract. Franks contract is NONE of our business.. weather it was being renewed, canceled, temporary, etc. I believe the whole contract story was a little messy on Rodney’s behalf and I don’t blame Frank one bit for not wanting to interview or provide any comments pertaining to him leaving WVEE FM. If Rodney knows how Frank feels about this blog.. then why would Rodney go up to Colony Square dropping off notes/messages for Frank?
David
December 20th, 2012
2:16 pm
Sheila Woods get YOUR facts together. All of the victims WERE minors. They were under the the age of 18 which means they were minors. In Georgia the AGE OF CONSENT is 16 so it was not a crime to have sex with the victims who were 16 and 17 at the time. That is why civil suits were filed and not criminal charges. Any one with half of a brain knows that Eddie was guilty since he settled out of court instead of fighting in court like he proclaimed he would. He said he was going to fight it but he did not, he setlled.
Denyse
December 20th, 2012
2:24 pm
I’ll miss Frank and Wanda. Sometimes. Most of the time, I thought their show was just a lot of tomfoolery, but they could be entertaining and informative at times. I guess I just listened to them for so many years, it will be odd not hearing them on my drive in to work.
Not Sad At All
December 20th, 2012
2:33 pm
Mr. Ho has given a very balanced reporting of what has transpired with the arguably most recognized radio personalities in Atlanta. Their reason for not granting him an interview..arguably the most recognized Atlanta entertainment reporter..is not known. It does, however, smack of pettiness to me the unbiased viewer and listener. Best wishes, Mr. Ski and Ms. Smith! May you find happiness and a smidge of humility in your next lives. Kindest regards.
ReadingISFundamental
December 20th, 2012
2:40 pm
I do appreciate all the “good” they’ve done in the community but I won’t miss them AT ALL..