One familiar voice is leaving the 95.3 WBCK Morning Show, and another is stepping up to the microphone at the station that Battle Creek and Calhoun County wake up to for local news, weather and community information. Richard Piet is exiting the radio business for a new opportunity after more than three years as host of the 95.3 WBCK Morning Show.  "I thank WBCK listeners so much for their kindness and for welcoming me into their daily routines over the last 3 1/2 years,” said Piet. “One of radio's great rewards is the chance to become a friend to so many people, and that certainly has happened in Battle Creek. I appreciate that so much and will always remember it."

Tim Collins, longtime Operations Manager and Program Director will take over for Piet, starting Monday, December 4th.   Collins began as WBCK’s mid-day host in 1989, and has been part of the Morning Show for the past several years as a co-host. “It’ll be some big shoes to fill,” said Collins, “but I’m really looking forward to the challenge.   My main priority has always been for WBCK to be all about the community, and I’ll make sure that doesn’t change.  I was so fortunate to spend many years working with great broadcasters like Dave Eddy, Tom McHale and Bill Gray.   My goal has always been, and still is to continue in that tradition.” Collins says he includes Richard Piet in that group.  “Richard is a real pro, one of the best broadcasters in the business,” said Collins.  “He’s a friendly and consistent voice in the morning, and we’ve been fortunate to have someone of his caliber help us get our days started.  We wish him the best in his new job, where he doesn’t have to get up at 3am every day.”

Piet returns to a company that he worked for previously.  "I’ll be working for an esteemed association which focuses on the safety of the workers in its industry in North America. Such a key role was difficult to pass up. I have always loved radio - and will continue to, just from the other end, as a consumer."

Richard Piet-95.3 WBCK
Richard Piet-95.3 WBCK
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Piet says he’s grateful to have worked for WBCK and to have met so many people in the community in his role as WBCK’s Morning Show Host.  "Stations like WBCK - with an intended local focus - play such an important role in their communities, working to inform and educate folks about the things happening right around them. I am proud to have been a part of it."

Collins says the show will remain the “Townsquare” for the Battle Creek and Calhoun County community.  “We’ll still be talking with people about every type of event, as well as with community leaders and elected officials.  But we also hope to hear more from our local listeners in the show, giving them a chance to call in and share their thoughts and ideas.”

Tim Collins, WBCK
Tim Collins, WBCK
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Collins says WBCK will be looking to add staff to support the Morning Show and the overall 24/7 news effort.  He says Nico Berrios will continue to anchor the morning news and co-host the show, along with Heather McGregor.

Market President and Chief Revenue Officer, Kate Morton stated, “Change can be difficult, and that’s why we feel so fortunate to have Tim Collins, an experienced and dedicated contributor to the Battle Creek community, already on staff. Tim’s passion for the area and unwavering love of the business is inspirational. His willingness to step into this new roll and continue to deliver relevant news, information, and entertainment to our listeners and friends is fantastic. I look forward to listening each weekday morning.”

 

2017 Kickball Team-Tim Collins with Ryan and Kori
2017 Kickball Team-Tim Collins with Ryan and Kori
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