Townsquare Media New Jersey announced today that Bob Levy, morning host for News Talk Radio WOBM-AM 1160 & 1310 will enter into semi-retirement and step down from the ‘Bob & Marianne in the Morning’ program after 18 years.  Bob has been with WOBM since its inception in 1968 and has been an integral part of the brand’s popularity and success.

The original Sales Manager for sister station 92.7 WOBM-FM, Levy also went on to serve as the Sports Director, General Manager and well known on-air personality with his show ‘Topic A’, one of Ocean County’s most listened to shows since 1979.

In 2012, Levy was inducted as a charter member into the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.  Levy is also a member of the Lakewood High School Hall of Fame and is the namesake of the Bob Levy Broadcast Center where all of Townsquare Media New Jersey Shore stations operate - a tribute to his years of dedicated service.

Bob will remain with Townsquare Media and retain his duties as host of ‘Topic A’ on News Talk Radio WOBM-AM 1160 & 1310 and 92.7 WOBM, a show he has hosted for the past 36 years every Sunday from 7AM-11AM.

In the fashion that those who know Bob are accustomed to, he noted, “this was supposed to be a part-time job.  That was over 48 years ago – what happened?”

Market President Don Dalesio commented, “Bob is synonymous with the WOBM brand, having made major contributions that built the heritage of both stations over his storied broadcast career.  No one local on air personality has captivated such a large audience for so many years like Bob has.  After 48 years, we are thrilled that he will now pull the throttle back, of course on his terms!”

Levy’s wife and co-host Marianne Levy will transition from ‘Bob & Marianne in the Morning’ to ‘Preferred Company with Joel Markel’, a show she has also been co-hosting for the past 3 years.  That program will expand from one hour to two and will air weekdays from 8:00AM-10:00AM.

“If it wasn't for our Listener Friends, there wouldn't have been a ‘Bob and Marianne in the Morning’.  Thank you so much for almost 19 years”, Marianne reflected.

Townsquare Media is also proud to announce the addition of a brand new show: ‘Wake Up With Jeremy Grunin’, hosted by Toms River native, business, civic and non-profit community leader Jeremy Grunin. The program will focus on issues and events happening at the Jersey Shore and will air weekdays from 5:30AM-8:00AM.

"Taking over a time slot previously held by a radio icon like Bob Levy and leading in to another local legend like Marianne Levy is a daunting task.  I can't begin to replace what they have given to listeners for so many years, but rather hope to bring a different point of view and flavor to the WOBM listening audience", Grunin commented.

The final ‘Bob & Marianne in the Morning’ program will be on Friday, December 18th with the new programming schedule set to begin on Monday, January 4th.

Watch Bob Levy Receive NJBA Lifetime Achievement Award:

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