A Radio Legend Bids Farewell: The End of an Era for Whitney Allen
The Big Time with Whitney Allen, a beloved country music show, will sadly be signing off for good on December 31, 2025. This independently syndicated program, which started as a weekly show called "America's Hotlist" back in 2005, has been a staple for country music fans across the nation. Over the years, it evolved into "The Big Time Saturday Night" and then the daily "The Big Time," reaching an impressive 180 affiliates at its peak.
Whitney Allen, the host, has an impressive radio career spanning decades. She began her journey in 1979 at KATA Eureka CA and later worked in San Diego and various stations in Los Angeles, including KQLZ, KIIS-FM, and KZLA. Before launching her own show, Allen also hosted the weekend edition of Premiere Networks' "After Midnite" for eight years.
In a heartfelt letter to her affiliates, Allen reflected on the show's success and its unique, independent nature. She wrote, "What sets us apart is that The Big Time was never backed by a large group or corporation. Our growth and success were entirely self-made, built on our own merit, one station and one listener at a time. This independence is at the core of our show's identity, and it's something we're incredibly proud of."
Allen expressed her gratitude to the key players who made the show possible. She thanked her agent, Eric Weiss, for his unwavering support and guidance from the very beginning. Marc Amazon, the affiliate sales manager, was praised for his tireless efforts in expanding and maintaining the show's national reach. The exceptional producers, Justin Michael, Tim Winebrenner, and Jackie Stevens, were acknowledged for their creativity, dedication, and long hours, bringing The Big Time to life daily. (You can reach Justin at Justin@RadioJustin.com and Tim at TimWinebrenner@Live.com)
The team also extended their deepest gratitude to their affiliates, past and present. They expressed their appreciation for the trust and support, saying, "Your belief in our show and your willingness to include The Big Time in your programming lineups meant everything to us. We are incredibly thankful for the role each of you played in making our independently built show a success and ensuring its longevity."
And this is the part most people miss... Whitney Allen also acknowledged the crucial support of their syndication partners, Katz Media, Westwood One, and Dial Global, for their collaboration and unwavering trust throughout the journey.
As the show approaches its final broadcast, the team promises to continue with the same heart, energy, authenticity, and gratitude they've always shown. This final year is a celebration of the show, the talented individuals behind it, and the community that made it all possible.
But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think about the end of this iconic show? Is it a natural progression, or do you wish it could have continued? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions and memories of The Big Time with Whitney Allen.
