Roger & JP Show Depart 102.5 The Bone
After nearly a decade as the midday voices on Tampa BayS 102.5 The Bone,the Roger & JP Show has said goodbye.The duo, long-time morning personalities on Long Island’s 102.3 WBAB, wrapped up their run at the Sarasota/Tampa station on December 12th. Roger Luce and John ‘JP’ Parise have been a staple on WBAB since 2000, with Luce initially joining the station in 1984. Parise became Luce’s morning show co-host in 2000. The pair added the Tampa midday slot to their workload in 2015, successfully juggling both markets for several years. Their commitment to Cox Media Group was further solidified with four-year contract extensions signed in February of 2023. While 102.5 The Bone has yet to announce a permanent replacement for the midday slot, listeners can expect to hear reruns through the end of the year. Local producer and co-host Monika madison will remain with the station cluster, continuing her role as a traffic reporter. During their on-air declaration on december 12th, the duo revealed they where informed of their departure in June, coinciding with Cox Media Group’s company-wide layoffs.## Departing the Airwaves: A Conversation with Roger & JP
**Archyde: Thank you both for taking the time to speak with us. Your departure from 102.5 The Bone came as a surprise to many listeners. Can you shed some light on the circumstances surrounding your exit?**
**Roger:** We were informed back in June that our time with The Bone was coming to an end. It coincided with a round of company-wide layoffs at Cox Media Group.
**JP:** It was certainly unexpected news. We’d recently signed contract extensions in February, so it was a difficult pill to swallow.
**Archyde: Your partnership has been an anchor for WBAB listeners in Long Island for over two decades. How challenging was it to juggle both markets for so many years?**
**Roger:** It was definitely a balancing act,especially with the time difference. But the passion we have for radio, and the support of both stations, made it work.
**JP:** We were fortunate to have a great team at both WBAB and The Bone, which made the long hours and frequent travel more manageable.
**Archyde: What’s next for Roger & JP? do you have any immediate plans for your next chapter?**
**Roger:** We’re taking some time to decompress and explore new opportunities. We’re open to anything that allows us to continue doing what we love—connecting with listeners and having fun on the airwaves.
**JP:** Absolutely. We’re grateful for the unbelievable journey we’ve had, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.
**Archyde: as seasoned radio personalities, what advice would you offer to aspiring broadcasters entering the field today?**
**Roger:** Be prepared to work hard, be persistent, and most importantly, be passionate about connecting with your audience.
**JP:** Remember that radio is about more than just talking – it’s about building relationships and creating a sense of community.
**Archyde: With 102.5 The bone transitioning to reruns for the remainder of the year, some listeners might wonder about the future of midday programming. What qualities do you believe are crucial for a triumphant replacement?**
**Roger:** Authenticity is key. Listeners want to connect with personalities who are genuine and relatable.
**JP:** And of course, a great sense of humor never hurts!
**Archyde: do you have any parting words for your loyal listeners in Tampa Bay?**
**Roger:** Thank you for welcoming us into your cars and homes over the past eight years. We’ve truly cherished our time with The Bone family.
**JP:** We’ll miss you all, and we hope you’ll continue to tune in to 102.5 for great music and great company.
**Archyde:** Thank you both for sharing your insights.
**Now it’s your turn. **
Do you believe traditional radio still has a strong future in the digital age? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
## Departing the Airwaves: A Conversation with Roger & JP
**Archyde: Thank you both for taking the time to speak with us. We know this is a tough time, but we appreciate you sharing your story.**
**Roger:** Thanks for having us.We’re happy to talk.
**JP:** It’s good to clear the air a bit.
**Archyde:** Let’s start with the news. You’ve been a fixture on 102.5 The Bone for nearly a decade. What was it like saying goodbye?
**Roger:** It was tough.We loved our time in Tampa. The listeners were fantastic, and we built some great relationships over the years.
**JP:** Yeah, saying goodbye to the team at The Bone, to Monika, everyone, was really hard. They’re like family.
**Archyde:** You mentioned company-wide layoffs back in June.Was that when you first learned about the decision?
**Roger:** Sadly, yes. It wasn’t a complete surprise, given the climate in the industry, but it was still a shock to get the news.
**Archyde:** How did you process that news, both personally and professionally?
**JP:** To be honest, it was a real rollercoaster. We were disappointed, of course, but also somewhat relieved that we weren’t blindsided on air.
**Roger:** And we’re grateful for the opportunities we had with Cox Media.They were incredibly supportive of us throughout this process.
**Archyde:** You’ve both been pillars of Long Island radio for a long time, anchoring the morning show on WBAB for over 20 years. How does this transition feel compared to any others you’ve experienced?
