Clear Channel replaces local morning radio show

Tracy & Mike Show replaced on 96.3 Star Country

MADISON, Wis. — A local radio show team will no longer be broadcasting during the morning commute.

Clear Channel Media is expanding its use of national syndicated morning programs.

Tracy Dixon and Mike Heller of 96.3 Star Country (WMAD FM) are being replaced by a national radio show called The Bobby Bones Show.

Barry Orton, a telecommunications professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said the changes are part of a bigger trend.

“The shame of it is that you don’t get local flavor, and that’s one thing that radio has been great for over the many, many years. And now it’s the same as listening to satellite radio, or listening over the computer. You can get the same thing no matter where you were,” Orton said.

Clear Channel Media released a statement about the changes, saying: “Fans of our current morning show, Tracy (Dixon) & Mike (Heller) can follow her to her new afternoon drive slot (3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays). Mike Heller will now focus all his efforts on his afternoon sports talk show which airs on The BIG 1070 (WTSO AM) in Madison and is simulcast in Milwaukee on The BIG 920 (WOKY AM).”