Michael DelGiorno is a name that many people in the US associate with talk radio. He is the son of Bob DelGiorno, a legendary radio personality in New Orleans, Louisiana. Michael followed his father’s footsteps and became a successful talk radio host himself, working in various markets such as Tulsa, Oklahoma and Nashville, Tennessee. However, his career also had its share of controversies, scandals, and setbacks. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Michael DelGiorno, and what happened to him after he left SuperTalk 99.7 WTN in Nashville.
Early Life and Career
Michael Howard DelGiorno was born on August 30, 1964 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was born with a clubfoot, a congenital deformity that affected his mobility and self-esteem. He underwent several surgeries to correct his condition, but he still faced bullying and discrimination from his peers. He found solace in listening to his father’s radio show, and developed a passion for broadcasting.
He started his radio career at the age of 15, working as a board operator and producer for his father’s show. He later attended Loyola University in New Orleans, where he majored in communications. He also worked as a disc jockey for various radio stations in the city, playing music and hosting talk shows.
He moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1992, where he became the program director and afternoon host for NewsTalk 740 KRMG. He quickly gained popularity for his conservative views, witty humor, and investigative journalism. He won several awards for his work, including being voted “Oklahoma Radio Personality of Year” twice by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
The KFAQ Controversy
In 2002, Michael DelGiorno made a controversial move from KRMG to KFAQ, a rival talk radio station that was formerly a country music station known as KVOO. He helped to establish KFAQ as a talk radio station, and brought his loyal listeners with him. He also hired his co-host Gwen Freeman, who became his close friend and partner on the air.
At KFAQ, DelGiorno continued to expose corruption and wrongdoing in local and state politics. He was especially critical of Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, both Democrats. He also championed conservative causes such as opposing gambling and supporting gun rights.
However, he also faced backlash from some of his targets and critics. He was sued for defamation by Tulsa City Councilor Bill Christiansen over remarks DelGiorno made on the air about Christiansen’s business practices. He was also banned from two Indian casinos based on allegations of inappropriate conduct. DelGiorno admitted on the air that he had been gambling, but denied any misconduct.
In 2004, DelGiorno published a memoir titled Standing Up for What’s Right (ISBN 0-975578405), in which he revealed details about his personal and professional life. He wrote about his clubfoot condition, his bankruptcy, his religious conversion, his political views, and his reasons for leaving KRMG for KFAQ.
