Levittown Native Leaves Popular 'Preston & Steve Show'

Kathy Romano Credit: Jody Robinson Photos

Kathy Romano, a Levittown native and fixture on 93.3 WMMR-FM’s popular “The Preston and Steve Show” for 22 years, has been let go by the station’s owner.

Romano, who grew up in Falls Township’s Levittown section and graduated from Pennsbury High School, announced her departure on air and in a Thursday morning Instagram post.

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“This was in no way my choice or Preston and Steve’s choice,” Romano wrote. “We are devastated.”

“It’s been the ride of a lifetime sharing morning with the best team and the most incredible listeners,” she added. “This isn’t a goodbye — just turning the dial to what’s next.”

Romano didn’t tell listeners what was next, but her fellow show members said they believed she would quickly rebound.

Romano joined the morning show in 2003 after working in television as a fill-in traffic reporter.

“This – us being together – usually doesn’t happen,” told LevittownNow.com in 2018.

The broadcaster’s exit from the consistently top-rated program was met with emotion from her colleagues Preston Elliot, Steve Morrison, Casey “Casey Boy” Fosbenner, Marisa Magnatta, and Nick McIlwain.

“This is a family,” Morrison told listeners during Thursday’s broadcast.

Fosbenner noted Romano’s significant presence in his life since they began working together on the show.

Elliot tearfully informed the audience that the decision for Romano to leave was not their choice and that her position on the show would not be filled.

“We don’t know how this is all going to play out,” he said.

The “Preston and Steve Show” is regularly the highest-rated radio program in Philadelphia, a major media market.

WMMR owner Beasley Media Group’s website refers to the show as a “ratings powerhouse.”

The show recently signed a new multiyear deal that will keep it on the air through 2030.

“We are very grateful for her many contributions over the years and wish her the very best in her next chapter,” a Beasley spokesperson confirmed Romano’s departure to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The spokesperson added that Romano’s contract was not renewed.

In addition to her role on “Preston and Steve,” Romano also hosted a weekly show called “Her Story.” The solo show focused on women making a difference in the region.

Beasley Media Group recently underwent another round of cutbacks in Detroit and Tampa, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

In April, Beasley’s 97.5 The Fanatic lost afternoon host Tyrone Johnson.

Philadelphia Magazine reported in 2022 that WMMR eliminated its overnight live DJ position in favor of automation.

WMMR has a long history as a nationally recognized rock radio station.

The “Preston and Steve Show” originally aired on Y-100, an alternative rock station, before moving to WMMR after Y-100 abruptly changed formats in 2005.

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