Frank Ski Drives V-103 Mornings to Number One in Atlanta

The Frank and Wanda in the Morning show on V-103 has returned to the number one position in the radio ratings for adult listeners age 25-54. Probably the most important demo in most markets and in Atlanta. The show also placed third in the younger demo of 18-34.

Frank Ski’s wife Dr. Patrice Basanta-Henry wanted to celebrate his return to first place with a gathering at the Palm Restaurant in the Buckhead section of Atlanta. This event was covered by the AJC Radio/TV reporter Rodney Ho.

Frank Ski along with his co-hosts Wanda Smith and Miss Sophia (pictured left) have taken a circuitous route to dominate mornings in Atlanta. Frank Ski left V-103, a CBS Radio owned station, as morning host in 2012 to pursue a nationally syndicated radio position. He had been on the air at V-103 since 1998. The show was the most listened to morning show in Atlanta for years.

He found no takers to syndicate him and eventually landed in Washington, D.C. as afternoon host on 96.3 WHUR in 2013 replacing Michael Baisden by winning the station's afternoon host contest by an audience vote. No small feat considering he was an outsider, although one of his first jobs in radio was at American University's college station WAMU in D.C. and at nearby Baltimore stations 92Q and V103 WXYV in the late 80's and 90's. But after two years rather than compete against Donnie Simpson, who returned to radio after a 5 year absence at Majic 102.3, Frank was motivated to return permanently to Atlanta in 2015, two weeks before Donnie's return to radio. However more pressing was Frank Ski's need to handle family and financial issues even though he had a successful run in D.C. Despite working at WHUR he maintained a connection to the ATL and commuted back and forth every weekend.

Now back in Atlanta he became a weekend host on V-103 now owned by Entercom. He was also going through a divorce and filed for bankruptcy. However earlier this year Ryan Cameron announced he was leaving V-103 and Frank Ski was offered his old position as morning host. He was very transparent with his listeners regarding the personal challenges he was facing. He connected with the ATL radio audience once again. He hit the reset button. From there Frank has been steadily re-building. He remarried. And now he's a proven winner. Now will Frank Ski be considered for a nationally syndicated show for Urban Adult Contemporary stations. Tom Joyner is slated to retire at the end of 2019 and Steve Harvey has hinted at relinquishing his radio show duties. There may be others out there, but Frank Ski would be an excellent choice.

🔗Check out the celebration of Frank Ski's return to number one in Atlanta article from the AJC's Rodney Ho.