Shelby signs off for final time at 'CCO Radio

Article by: PAUL WALSH , Star Tribune
Updated: December 11, 2009 - 11:17 PM

He bids farewell on afternoon show he hosted for nine years. His TV anchor duties to continue.

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WCCO Radio's Don Shelby signed off Friday after nine years hosting an afternoon show, buying lunch for some of his co-workers and joshing on-air with caller Al Franken.

Shelby's departure from radio brought an end to his broadcast double duty. He will continue his news anchoring gig at WCCO-TV, where he has been employed for more than 30 years and has made himself the most recognizable face in Twin Cities television.

The final radio show for the 62-year-old Shelby on AM 830 ended at 3 p.m. Before going on the air, Shelby sprung for steaks from Murray's for several of his co-workers.

Late in the show, Shelby fielded a farewell call from Franken, one of Minnesota's two Democratic U.S. senators.

Franken suggested there must be only one reason for Shelby to leave radio: "What are you running for?"

After they both laughed off the comment, Shelby said, "I could never run for the Senate because I could never run against you or Amy Klobuchar," Minnesota's other U.S. senator.

Before the 1-to-3 shift, he had been filling the afternoon drive-time slot, but he was replaced by Michele Tafoya.

To wrap up the final show, Tafoya read a touching letter from Shelby's wife, Barbara. The praise and sentiment that his wife expressed left Shelby choked up.

He then expressed appreciation for "all my friends, the people here at the station who will be friends the rest of my life. I am the luckiest guy in the world."

With his last sign-off, applause could be heard in the background.

A replacement for Shelby has yet to be determined.

In an industry want ad, WCCO said that Shelby's successor "must have ability to make an emotional connection with and build listener loyalty on-air; conduct entertaining interviews and interact with callers. Must exude personality and not be afraid to have strong opinions as well as possess the ability to entertain in person."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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