News Summary
98.5 WNCX announces Matt Spatz as the new morning host, replacing Tim Slats, who retires after 14 years. Spatz’s first show is scheduled for October. Slats will host a retirement event supporting animal welfare.
Cleveland – 98.5 WNCX (WNCX-FM) has announced that Matt Spatz will be the new morning host, succeeding Tim Slats, who will retire after fourteen years with the station. Spatz’s inaugural show is set to air on weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET, beginning on October 6, 2025. Slats will make his final broadcast on October 3, 2025.
Nard, the Brand Manager of 98.5 WNCX, has expressed appreciation for Slats, stating that he has been a “true Cleveland legend” during his long tenure at the station. Nard also conveyed excitement regarding Spatz’s “dynamic energy” and his evident passion for rock music, traits that align well with the station’s brand.
Tim Slats described his time at WNCX as an “honor and a privilege,” humorously noting his anticipation of continuing to be part of the community by mentioning, “I’ll see ya around… Avon, OH-IO.” His departure will mark the end of a chapter for both him and the radio station, which has built a dedicated listener base under his leadership.
Matt Spatz hails from Berea, Ohio, and most recently served as the Morning Show host at WONE in Akron, where he was also the Program Director. His radio career spans over three decades, having started in the 1990s after graduating from Otterbein University. Throughout his career, he has worked at various radio stations in Northeast Ohio and Virginia, including WLVQ, WROV, WYFM, WRQK, and WNCD. He has held Program Director positions with major companies like Cumulus Media and Clear Channel Communications, showcasing his extensive experience in the industry.
To celebrate his retirement, Slats will host an event titled “Slats Final Bow Wow,” benefiting the Friendship Animal Protection League. This organization is dedicated to helping animals find permanent homes, further emphasizing Slats’s commitment to community involvement beyond his radio career.
Listeners interested in tuning in to WNCX can do so through the Audacy app and website, as well as interact with the station via social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram. Audacy is a leading audio content and entertainment company, managing over 220 radio stations and reaching more than 200 million listeners each month, which highlights the station’s availability and reach within the Cleveland area.
The transition from Slats to Spatz marks a significant moment in local radio, as the station looks to maintain its connection with rock music enthusiasts and continue its tradition of engaging morning programming. As listeners prepare for this change, the excitement around Spatz’s arrival signals a new era for 98.5 WNCX, continuing its legacy of delivering quality broadcasts to the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cleveland Announces Final I-X Trick or Treat Street Celebration
Three Students Taken into Custody at Pebblebrook High School
Charlotte FC Gears Up for Match Against Real Salt Lake
Schools Enhance Communication with Modern Technology
LAFC Faces Portland Timbers in Crucial Matchup
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Connection to Actor’s Death
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Sexual Exploitation
Doctor Faces Charges for Medical Fraud and Exploitation
Rise of Personal Injury Lawyer Advertising in Philadelphia
British Columbia Launches Recruitment for U.S. Healthcare Workers
Additional Resources
- Radio Ink: WNCX Welcomes Matt Spatz to Mornings
- Cleveland.com: WNCX DJ Bill Louis to Retire
- Audacy: Announcement from Slats
- Wikipedia: Radio in the United States
- Google Search: Matt Spatz WNCX
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
