In Nielsen Audio Market No. 78, Saga Communications vigorously competes against iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media as well as Lynn Martin’s privately owned radio stations for listeners. Among the more popular choices, in particular during morning drive, has been “Mix 95.9.”
Now, the company, staff and local listeners are pausing to remember the station’s wake-up anchor, who was found dead after a safety check by local law enforcement officials.
Mike Edwards was associated with WMXZ “Mix 95.9” in Charleston, S.C., for decades, and since 1999 has been paired alongside Tanya Brown and Brooke Ryan at the helm of Two Girls & A Guy. He was also the station’s Program Director.
Paul O’Malley, President of Saga’s Charleston Radio Group, shared, “Mike was an amazing person, beloved by his coworkers, listeners and our entire organization and will be truly missed by those fortunate to have crossed his path.”
A post by Brown and Ryan on Instagram offered details as to how they learned of Edwards’ passing. “This morning when we woke up and came to work, Mike was not present, which was very unlike him.” Worried, the co-hosts called to investigate and did not get a response. A decision to call 911 was then made. A wellness check was made; they subsequently received word that “Mike is no longer with us.”
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Brown and Ryan opted to share the news on Instagram out of respect for listeners and their love for Edwards, which was equaled by the co-hosts.
A best-of program is scheduled for Friday’s morning show featuring Edwards; Brown and Ryan are expected to return to Mix 95.9 on Monday morning.
Edwards began his radio career at age 14 at a community station in Pocahontas County, W. Va. He joined crosstown WSSX-FM in Charleston, S.C., as Program Director in 1994, joining WMXZ five years later. After stints in other markets, Edwards returned to Charleston in 2014, reuniting with Ryan and Brown on Mix 95.9.
— With reporting by Cameron Coats
