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
Clayo '89
December 20th, 2012
2:56 pm
In a nut shell,
Frank Ski did a lot for communities of Atlanta, but he was dry and corny, and I can see how some people can say he comes off arrogant, and as for Wanda, she is ignorant and obnoxious, and for those reasons the show sucked. The only part of the show that was worth listening to: was the “Inspirational Vitamin”.
Pam
December 20th, 2012
2:56 pm
@L’il Wayne: That’s funny. I probably would enjoy Herman Cain on AM radiomore as well! @Rodney: who cares; like others have said he’ll be contacting you when reality settles in.
I think downfall came when they started broadcasting on TV at night. WTF was that, why?? How very arrogant.
skeeter
December 20th, 2012
3:00 pm
Since when did comments on a BLOG become scientific? You can have unlimited monikers and post the same pro/con sentiments about a particular subject. I would hope that decision makers are a little more astute than that. If it was left up to the” blogsphere ” Obama would have lost in a landslide.
Doocake
December 20th, 2012
3:14 pm
Just because u don’t like something it doesn’t mean are a Hater just Human we like what we like an that,s it………..but on the straight-talk ,,,,,,,,,,I, m glad I listen to Internet radio,,,,,cause at times the show was terrible an funny an sad an uplifting ,,,,come on its radio…u don’t like change ya station..I did
Stacey T.
December 20th, 2012
3:16 pm
Hallelujah! Finally, a new era of radio can began. Frank Ski and Wanda was great show and they had a great run, but over the last few years the show has become less interesting, largely due to Frank Ski’s ego. I actually would have preferred Wanda Smith to stay and run the show with Ryan Cameron. They have more chemistry than Wanda and Frank. Frank Ski turned viewers off with his opinonated and often dated views on trending topics, I also felt that his persona and business where began to saturating the image fo the V-103. It’s the “People’s Station” not “Frank Ski’s” station. I hope they bring back Miss Sofia for his/her on hour show or something, Wanda and Sofia were hillarius together. The Bottom line is, it’s time for a new era, fresh faces, new voices, and a mix of young and mature adult disc jockeys, and now is the opportunity to embrace the change. V-103 also needs to strike a balance between managing the switchboard of music and the discussions they hold on hot topics, don’t forget that viewers like to hear music and not just “chat sessions” on air. I wish nothing but the best for Frank Ski and Wanda, and the future of V-103, which I’m sure it will be bright!
Cynthia
December 20th, 2012
3:21 pm
May you travel to higher grounds and I applaud you both for leaving on top and being in charge of your destiny. People are hating because they would not have the guts to do as you done. Good luck you know Atlanta is not loyal to anyone they love you today and don’t know you the next
Clayo '89
December 20th, 2012
3:23 pm
Honestly the show was on 13 years and 6 months too long.
Clayo '89
December 20th, 2012
3:31 pm
I rather listen to the Rickey Smiley Show, even though it is geared towards a younger audience, man, that show is funny, they just need to stop playing so much Lil’ Wayne, 2 Chains, and young buck trash. If the RSS mixed in the some more ol’ school music and cut back on Bernice Jenkins, just a little, they would be the most listened show in Atlanta.
Trina
December 20th, 2012
3:31 pm
Cynthia, I don’t think people are hating, well some are….I just think people are finally venting their true feeling about the show. Altanta is a very loyal place, particularly to businesses that have been a staple in the community. Radio VJs face the same issues as the artist they promote. As they get olders, the fanbase changes, I mean seriously V-103 appeals to a much younger audience, than Tom Joyner shows. I wish both Frank Ski and Wanda the best, however it was time. Let’s stop blaming the entire city of “Atlanta” for their decline in ratings and listeners. It’s “Hollywood” that loves you one day and not the next, it’s not Atlanta.
Clayo '89
December 20th, 2012
3:36 pm
I don’t know if any you guys are sports fanatics, but 790 the zone, is the best sports talk radio station in the city. It’s 790am if you have regular am/fm radio and its 94.1(channel option 3) if you have digital radio.
Dmoney
December 20th, 2012
3:36 pm
I wish them the best of luck. as for those who call it hating because we think the show sucked, all i can say is call us what you want. Wanda was never funny and Frank was not at all that entertaining. then again my opinion matters very little especially since I refuse to insult my intellgence by listening to crap they talked about. I just might tuned in now though.
Vote For Obama Because He's Black
December 20th, 2012
3:39 pm
With Pandora,XM/Sirrius,,NPR,and so many other choices where listeners can tune in to something with their own really unique discretion,why do these two have some much appeal ? Shows the mentality,level of education of the station’s core audience. Somewhere along the the same level of those who worship professional wrestling.
Junk.
Overvalued.
But of course this is ghetto fabulous Atl Shawty.
AlphaDog
December 20th, 2012
3:50 pm
Who remembers when V-103 was “The World Music Station”? In one segment you’d hear R&B, Jazz, Island, African, S. American even Classical music. Much different marketplace today. Frank was always a professional, although saddled with a horrible playlist. I never understood what value Wanda brought to the team, as evidenced by many of these blog comments. Frank will do well in his next endeavor, good luck!
Um, Okay ...
December 20th, 2012
4:11 pm
Who are Frank & Wanda? Also, the headline “classy final show” indicates all the other shows must have been trashy or no good.? Buh bye, Frank & Wanda – whoever you are ….
GA Peach
December 20th, 2012
4:13 pm
Oh my, I dont know if I can take Ryan that early in the day. Everything is a joke to Ryan. Too playful for me for that time of day. I like some seriosness in the morning.
Eric
December 20th, 2012
5:20 pm
I assuming we could be seeing plenty of changes to Atlanta radio in 2013… including Ryan Cameron’s new V-103 morning show… and Herman Cain getting his new syndicated talk radio show on News-Talk WSB, replacing the retiring Neal Boortz. Not sure if Clear Channel is planning any changes to any of its Atlanta radio stations.
1baddman
December 20th, 2012
6:00 pm
People failed to realized that all the same song you hear comes from a playlist, the dj’s have no control over that; the same stuff you hear on V-103,you hear on 107.9, 95thebeat,and the same goes for the self proclaimed old school stations Kiss 104.1 and Majic 107.5/97.5 although Kiss 1041 do have a good Slow Jams show.
mikehunt
December 20th, 2012
6:35 pm
I think Frank and Wanda did a fine job all these years, despite the fact thay they are both on Meth. God Bless.
This is Mrs. Norman Maine
December 20th, 2012
6:57 pm
Well that’s interesting but not surprising. The man has an ego the size of the Atlantic Ocean; he’s punishing you because of the comments from your blog. He can’t stand anything other than unfettered admiration. How anyone in the entertainment business can have such thin skin baffles me. Well I won’t fawn and drool, I did NOT like him or Wanda. Deal with it Frank. I’ve been trying to figure out why they were on top for so long and I finally decided that more disliked them than liked but their “haters” as you labelled us were split among our other options. Thus it seemed like they were more popular than they really were. Good riddance to very, very bad rubbish!
Exiled!
December 20th, 2012
7:12 pm
Yea, u have all had ur run on Frank…
Maybe Rodney can allow us to vent on his blog picture …..
Iam sure he will get better troll traffic than Frank on that..he is a public figure as well isnt he?
ATLGAL
December 20th, 2012
7:44 pm
THANK GOD!!! Between Frank’s “no neck” know everyone celebrity out here to the loud mouth Wanda..Atlanta needs some fresh voices. These people are all about the “show”
Rick James
December 20th, 2012
8:06 pm
Frank is just not syndicated radio material like Tom Joyner,Rickey Smiley and Steve Harvey.That is what I think this is all about.People at the top of their game dont walk away because “they cant reach an agreement with their boss” When your boss feels like you cant be replaced he gives you what you want.When Kiss 104 let Young Blood go they quickly realized he couldnt be replaced and brought him back.Rick Caffey wont be calling Frank and Wanda to come back.Ryan Cameron was hired to eventually replace Frank Ski and he did.End of story.
TheAtlien
December 20th, 2012
8:23 pm
Good Luck Wanda…Frank, im sure with all the peeps you know like Diddy and so on will find you gainful employement. I think alot of todays DJ operate from a place of huge egos and no talent. Wanda voice overs where terrible to say the least….
Ray
December 20th, 2012
8:28 pm
There is no way Frank or Wanda were fired. Ratings is everthing in radio and they have been number one an incredible 14 years in a row. The people in jeoparty of being fired are the program director and station manager if the ratings decline because that would translate hundreds of thousands or possible millions in revenue loss to CBS.
TheAtlien
December 20th, 2012
8:30 pm
14 Years is a long time to be on the radio anyway….its time for him move on….most on air talents dont really stay in particular market for that long…however they will be missed….Im not excited about Ryan Camron either…they should have recruited someone new and fresher….
Tasha
December 20th, 2012
8:55 pm
It’s amazing how so many of you hate Frank and Wanda but you took the time to read about them every step of the way. Most of you needed to keep your comments to yourself. All it told me was that you were jealous because it wasn’t you on the radio making a difference and making the kind of money Frank and Wanda made.
God doesn’t like ugly. And don’t give me that statement “I have the right to voice my opinion” because it is a cop out and a bunch of crap. Everybody have their preference of who they like so please go find that person and stop making bad comments about the ones you don’t like because my guess is they could care less about what you think.
Best wishes to Frank and Wanda!! Good luck to Ryan Cameron as you have some big shoes to fill not just from the Frank and Wanda Show but from past shows as well.
Biff Pocoroba
December 20th, 2012
9:03 pm
Frank thinks that “Reverend” Eddie Long is the greatest thing ever even after he stole thousands of dollars from his “charity” to buy a house for him and his friend and took advantage of fatherless boys. Eddie is a sick man but Frank would play him on his inspirational crap and talk about what a great guy he is. Everytime Frank talked about a celebrity, he would say “thats my main man” and thought that Puff Daddy was his best friend. When Frank’s restaraunt starts to tank after a couple of robberies scare off customers, he will be calling in wanting to do an interview to get some attention again.
Rhubarb
December 20th, 2012
9:07 pm
Whoever replaces Frank would still be number one. People that listen to V103 are the same people that vote for democrats because they have been taught to vote that way and can’t think for themselves to ever try something different Frank survived on dumb listeners for years and was able to tell people what to think and who to vote for so they loved him since they can’t do that for themselves.
Frank
December 20th, 2012
9:24 pm
Tasha you make no sense. So all of these people or jealous, huh? Every blog and every poll about Frank Ski turns out like this but you say that all the people are jealous. There is a consensus that people think of Frank Ski as arrogant and egotistical. Get a clue.
netradiojock
December 20th, 2012
9:51 pm
@Rodney Ho…thanks for responding to me. I read your column all of the time. The subjects of your article can’t get mad that the reader’s opinions that are posted. I hope that it comes a time where you start to cover internet radio stations. (FYI…I have a big connection to your parent company…wink wink…nudge nudge)
maxine
December 20th, 2012
9:56 pm
the morning is going to be AWESOME WITH RYAN DURING IT!!! CONGRATS TO ALL OF YOU THE ONES COMING AND THE ONES LEAVING GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
BillA
December 20th, 2012
9:57 pm
Frank Ski will never be confused with Frankie Crocker…I’ll stick with WCLK!
brownsugar
December 20th, 2012
10:23 pm
You know what. I’ve read each one person comments and i understand everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. And this is a statement I’m about to say in regard to Bishop Eddie Long. All of you need to watch your months because you are all fools talking with ignorants and you’re cursing yourselves and family putting your month on a man of God. If you didn’t see him do anything with any boys you need to shut your mouths because you are telling lies and being used by the media you all are stupid and judgmental. Like him or anyone God is. The one and only savior we all have to answer to so watch your mouths because you will see hell will come into your lives with your foolish talk shut the hell up you all ignorant ,stupid no brain, silly fools. And I pray God will deal with you his way. Think about what you say you need Jesus all of you and if you don’t save yourselves trust me you will bow one day that is facts. Talk about that fools.
Vince Doodley
December 20th, 2012
10:31 pm
Man, V-103 needs to get some white people up in there.
Frank Skeezy
December 20th, 2012
10:35 pm
In May of 2011, an out-of-court settlement was reached between Long and his accusers in which each was to receive undisclosed sums of money as long as the case was not discussed. Sources estimate the cost of the settlement to have been around $15 million.
Yes, Eddie Long is a wonderful innocent man of God. He paid those kids $15 million to shut up because he did nothing to them. Anyone who believes that they can give him money and be blessed by him and get to heaven is a broke idiot who probably spends $100 a week on lottery tickets also Keep hoping brown sugar. Your hope and change will come some day.
jennypooh
December 20th, 2012
10:38 pm
@ David, you said a mouth full then.
brownsugar
December 20th, 2012
10:49 pm
I have hope. You need God to help your mind . Are you jealous because you didn’t get paid and your broke and hopeless. WOW!! You will stay that way.
shannon
December 21st, 2012
12:13 am
Anyone that has been in Atlanta for the last 20 years knows Mike and Carol made that Morning show.. Frank Ski took over something that was already successful. I was though Ryan was the better talent.. Frank ski was ok he just inherited a great show..
Diane
December 21st, 2012
12:15 am
When you’re hired help, you can get fired.
Tom Joyner and Steve Harvey OWN their shows. They’re not hired help. Tom Joyner sold his show for $50 million a few years ago, but now takes a salary as hosts since it’ s of course called the Tom Joyner morning show & even his salary is in the millions.
Steve Harvey does still own his show outright which is why he is able to do so many other things outside of his show with no conflict. He’s a brand. When family feud moved their show from Orlando to Atlanta just to get him (’cause he lives where his wife wants & her life is here), he’s got clout. He also works on the morning show by satellite from ATL while the rest of the crew is still in NY.
This man has branded himself so well that he even gets paid to wear his own clothes (he only wears his suit line on the show & gets the clothing allowance for it since his own are tailor made).
kris humphries-kardashian
December 21st, 2012
8:20 am
I’m glad they’re gone too. I was actually trying to get through their show yesterday as Mike Roberts spoke. Wanda irked the **** out of me. She hung on to every word “awwwwh, ooooh, mmm hmmm.” Like stfu already and let the main complete a sentence. Good riddance.
Frank was tolerable, but if your opinion differed from his, he had an issue with that. It can be your show without every person having to agree with you. I’m glad they’re both gone. V-103 would be the top station if monkeys controlled the boards and did the interviews. I understand giving credit, but lets not go overboard. If it were a station that F/W brought from obscurity to #1, we can go above and beyond to celebrate. It’s almost like a legacy or generational rich kid bragging about being rich. Uh, it was handed to you this way, y wouldn’t you be rich (or be the top station in this case)?
Ryan’s horrible too, but he doesn’t stay name dropping and up Jeezy/Puffy’s rectum. I’m more inclined to tune in to Ryan though. He needs a good co-host; please do not bring wack Elle Duncan back. Rashan Ali was cool, but 107.9 showed just how ghetto she was. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to turn off that switch when they gave her a run at 103 previously. She didn’t fit in.
But to F/W….nothing. Goodbye. Oh, and it has nothing to do with God and blessings. You were fired, ur time was up, u got greedy in ur negotiations. CBS had to remind him that the show WILL go on without you. A job is a job is a job huh Frank? Wanda, awwwwwwh.
kris humphries-kardashian
December 21st, 2012
8:26 am
@BrownSuger LOL. I CANT. I never understood y sheeple defend pastors to no end. You have family members that don’t know their own family. I’m not paying anybody millions of $$$ just to keep you quiet – knowing the entire time I’m innocent. No, he paid them off because he was getting rough in the butt with those lil guys. At 15, I knew what sex was and was participating in it…with people my age though. So these guys aren’t completely innocent. They want to play the age card once the gifts stopped. But still Eddie Schlung paid them off for good reason.
He’s a man of God, not a God. Don’t you all believe you’re children of God? So what’s the echelon of blessings about? My schit stank and so does the schit of that man of God.
Tony
December 21st, 2012
8:32 am
brownsuga it’s obvious that you are one of the brainwashed people who still believe that Eddie (he is not a bishop) Long can do no wrong. I feel for people who can not think for themselves. So you actually believe Eddie did not have sex with those boys who he sent spandex pictures to? I have a beach front house in Idaho that I would like to sell you.
LawdHamercy
December 21st, 2012
8:42 am
Frank and Wanda are the Trinidad James of morning shows. The perfect marraige of ignorance and mainstream marketing. When can we get a radio station that’s not afraid to go outside the box. Play some new underground artist. Atlanta is a hub for Neosoul and Hip Hop, why we gotta constantly listen to this jigga boo music every morning and the ignorant conversations.
Pretty Tony
December 21st, 2012
9:03 am
I wish them well but I’m glad to see them go. I always thought that they were corny.
GG
December 21st, 2012
11:57 am
@ Sheila Woods, I’m assuming you are a remaining New Birth member?? facts of not those boys were still minors at 17, so there is no need to justify or defend a dl and may I add married pedophile! I am sure you wouldn’t trust Eddie Long around your son?? Regardless of the records being sealed, there is a thing called “cash”. And I am sure he paid tremendously for their silence. What sickens me about Eddie Long is that he could not even come to grips and admit that he was wrong. His arrogance is quit sickening, and I am sure there is a spot in hell waiting for him.
Clayo '89
December 21st, 2012
12:05 pm
How the heck they stayed on 14yrs, I bet office politics had something to do with it, because their show really SUCKED!!
Mike
December 21st, 2012
1:11 pm
I don’t care how arrogant or buffoonish folks think they were. Frank and Wanda represented for the people’s station and used it as a vehicle to do great things for the people. Charity, uplifting educational opportunities for children, political forums, you name it. I never understood the hate and it seems like some jumped on the bandwagon of negative criticism but they did their thing. When you’re in the public eye, you’re under more scrutiny anyway. So be it, their tenure speaks for itself.
TheEducatedJabreesha
December 21st, 2012
10:58 pm
….they were number one but that is because the Jabreesha’s of the ATL were listening to them….but the educated Jabreesha’s were not….they had it down….keep the ones that don’t no better listening and then invite the ones that can afford it to sister sister….Frank NEVER had anything nice to say about black educated women in atlanta…..he speaks of haters but you get back what you put out bible verse or not…how bout that
Frank
December 22nd, 2012
8:38 pm
Enter your comments here
BOBBY
December 26th, 2012
7:36 pm
WHY THEY HAD TOO LEAVE AT THE SAME TIME ON THE SAME DAY LIKE THEY PLAN IT HAPPY FOR THEM BUT THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE LEFT AT THE SAME TIME I THINK IT WAS A CONTRACT THING