John DeBella Retires After 41 Years In Philadelphia Radio

John DeBella retires after an incredible 41 years in Philadelphia radio. The Philadelphia radio legend hosted his final morning radio show on Friday, June 30, 2023.

John has been synonymous with Philadelphia radio entertainment for 4 decades. John has served as the Morning Host of WMGK-FM for the past 21 years. He was also a major force, doing mornings from 1982 to 1993 on sister station, 93.3 WMMR-FM.

John DeBella is one of the originators of The Morning Zoo format. His morning show became an unprecedented number-one-rated show in Philadelphia. It achieved the highest ratings in local radio history at that time.

In addition to DeBella’s nationally honored radio career, he is a local EMMY award-winning host & producer. Also, he has co-anchored the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and has won numerous local service and humanitarian awards. In June of 2023, DeBella was named among the finalists for the National Radio Hall of Fame. He was officially inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame this past April.

“Being on air 48 years in a business where someone else usually decides your retirement date, I was happy to decide this on my own,” said DeBella. “I have been blessed over the years with so many talented coworkers and managers- all of whom helped me be my best and had my back when I needed it.  Combine that with a very supportive audience, I leave grateful to them all.”

To commemorate his final month on the air, WMGK-FM ran a special tribute segment to celebrate DeBella’s legendary career. It was entitled “41 & Done!” DeBella recounted some of his favorite radio stories. He played old live performances from the Morning Zoo broadcasts in Atlantic City and London. He also read a few tear-jerking emails from longtime listeners.

Good luck with everything, John.

Here are 6 fun facts about the new Philadelphia-born Superman: David Corenswet.

James Gunn found his Superman, and this one hails from Philadelphia instead of Krypton. The world waited with bated breath to see who the co-CEO of DC Studios would announce as his next Superman. News came out this week. Philadelphia native David Corenswet will wear the cape, and we couldn’t be happier! Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) will play the role of Lois Lane.

Gunn, the filmmaker known for the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and current co-CEO of DC Studios, tested several actors for the roles of Superman and Lois Lane, including Nicholas Hoult (The Great), Tom Brittney (Make Me Famous), Emma Mackey (Barbie, Death on the Nile), and Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton). The new storyline is set to launch DC's rebooted movie universe and hopes to help DC reinvent itself after a string of box office disappointments.

According to IMDB:

Superman: Legacy is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. No other roles, like the infamous Lex Luthor, have been announced yet.

Corenswet is still relatively new on the Hollywood scene, but his history here in Philadelphia runs deep. Don't bother digging around, we did it for you! And as you scroll you'll see that David Corenswet made a mark on this town since he was a child. From getting his start on stage in Delco to famous high school classmates, and even a famous grandfather, these fun facts about David Corenswet are sure to make you enjoy him even more.

Both Corenswet and Marshmello (electronic music producer and DJ) are alumni from the affluent Shipley School in Bryn Mawr.

After the Shipley School, Corenswet was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania. During his freshman year, he decided to follow his dream and went to New York to study and eventually get his bachelor's degree from the esteemed Juilliard School. Other notable alumni include Robin Williams, Jessica Chastain, Adam Driver, and fellow superhero Anthony Mackie.

Corenswet’s ride to stardom began with guest appearances on tv shows including Elementary and House of Cards before Ryan Murphy brought him on to star in two of his Netflix series, The Politician (2019-2020) and Hollywood (2020). He also starred in the Netflix movie Look Both Ways (2022).

Although David’s father dabbled in theater when he was younger, he eventually became a lawyer like David’s mother and sister.

Corenswet’s maternal grandfather is Edward Packard, creator of the “choose your own adventure” book concept and author of more than 50 titles. The concept allows readers to choose what happens and is now called “interactive fiction.”

It's a bird, it's a plane! Corenswet spent time honing his skills at the Upper Darby Summer Stage.