Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2009 > January > 13 > Entry
1/13: WXIA’s Denis O’Hayer new local WABE host for “All Things Considered”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WXIA-TV political reporter Denis O’Hayer has been hired to replace John Lemley as local host of “All Things Considered” on 90.1/WABE-FM from 4 to 6:30. He will also do local spots for “The World” at 3 p.m. and “Marketplace” at 6:30 p.m.
He starts on air Feb. 2 though he’ll be at the station starting Tuesday January 20. Lemley will start handling classical duties from noon to 3 p.m. but will continue to do some news-related duties including a special noon hour news/talk show. He used to do classical music before he did news. He takes over for Wanda Yang Temko, who is leaving at the end of January.
General Manager John Weatherford has been a fan of O’Hayer’s for years, having been fellow street reporters many years ago when Weatherford was at WAGA-TV and O’Hayer was at WGST-AM. He finally convinced O’Hayer to leave WXIA, where his contract ends later this week.
“I think he’s the perfect fit to balance the afternoons in the way Steve Goss does in the mornings,” Weatherford said. “He’s in line in keeping with the quality and caliber of a Charles Edwards.”
I will update this when I talk to O’Hayer (he was busy when I talked to him) but here’s his canned quote from the release.
“I am thrilled to work with WABE,” O’Hayer said. “The station has established itself as the city’s public radio station and provider of news. The station has a strong credibility all its own, and I’m looking forward to this new journey.”
Here’s his official bio:
O’Hayer began his broadcast career in radio in Connecticut in 1976 at WGCH-AM followed by WELI-AM. In 1978, his career led him to Atlanta where he accepted a position with WGST-AM/FM. O’Hayer worked at the station for more than 19 years in a variety of roles. Through the years, O’Hayer has hosted several news and public affairs programs including Midday and Lifestyle, two magazine shows; Counterpoint with Tom Houck and Dick Williams; Cover Your Assets, a consumer-oriented show; Lawn & Garden; The Home Show; The Law Show; and Thirty ‘til Six, an afternoon drive news block with Bob Coxe. From 1991-1997, O’Hayer hosted Sixty at Six, a daily, one hour news and interview program. His broadcast career also includes on-air work with CNN’s Southeast Bureau and Georgia Public Broadcasting.
He has been the recipient of several local, regional and national awards including a National Headliner Award, the National Radio Award from Investigative Reporters and Editors and three Achievement in Radio Awards.
O’Hayer has served on the boards of several community organizations. He is currently president of the Atlanta Press Club where he has been a board member for approximately 10 years in two different terms. He spent nine years on the board of Families First and was also a member of the board of the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Comments
By 1911A1
January 13, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this
Excellent! I used to be a huge fan of “Sixty at Six.” O’Hayer is a consummate radio newsman and he gives some of the best interviews I’ve ever heard.
Local radio has just improved.
By Winston Wolf
January 13, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
I met Denis once when he was on the street doing a story. He was super cool and laid back. Seems like a good guy.
By Cecelia Everson-Brown
January 14, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this
Boooooo! Who made this decision! That’s just awful. Denis O’Hayer is O.K. on local election night television, but anchoring All Things Considered. I don’t think so. John Lemley is the one thing I look forward to in the afternoons. He’s the best. I think the AJC think so, too. They voted him the best drive-time dj for ‘08. Why doesn’t this article give more information about what John Lemley’s doing. THAT’S the real story here, NOT who’s replacing him!
By C.R. Dubose
January 14, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
Amen, sister! This is the most upset I’ve been since … hell I don’t know when. My favorite time was when John talked about weather history or the stars. He has such a fab sense of humor. I’m missing him already. When’s his last day on the news? When does his new show start? When it comes to my radio listening it’s either John or XM. Looks like satellite’s going to be my new commute.
By Amber
January 14, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this
Rodney said the other day John Lemley would be still at WABE but doing classical from noon-3pm.
Still stinks .. I really enjoy listening to John on my way home from work and it just won’t be the same without him. Any idea why the shuffle?
By Al
January 14, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
Maybe Sincerely Denis, as The Kimmer called him, saw the writing on the wall with Gannett’s problems and fled before getting cut by the station.
By Tom Hughes
January 16, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
Congratulations, Denis. Nice to see the “old WGST” hands find work. One question - will traffic and weather together be on the fives or on the eights?
By scott
January 22, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this
Denis is excellent and I will be changing the dial for him. His work at WGST was tremendous and I still miss 60 at 6pm.
It is a shame that the talent that station had with Denis, Tom Hughes, Bob Cox, Boortz et al was all run off or forced to leave before going crazy.
By jd
February 2, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
Bottom line - John Lelmey’s job was to read the news - but he couldn’t string 2 clean sentences together. Ever. Should have been gone years ago. Thanks for rescuing us, Denis!
By jd
February 2, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this
Bottom line - John Lemley’s job was to read the news - but he couldn’t string 2 clean sentences together. Ever. Should have been gone years ago. Thanks for rescuing us, Denis!
By jd
February 2, 2009 5:51 PM | Link to this
OOPS - and I can’t type 2 sentences… Meant ‘Lemley’, but couldn’t stop the process in time. But a misspelled name is a fitting tribute to his passing.