Kathy Romano, a longtime co-host of the Preston & Steve morning show on 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia, is leaving the station after 22 years. Her departure, announced on-air and in a heartfelt Instagram post Thursday, comes as part of broader cutbacks at Beasley Media Group, WMMR’s parent company.

“This was in no way my choice or Preston & Steve’s choice,” Romano wrote. “We are devastated. It’s been the ride of a lifetime sharing mornings with the best team and the most incredible listeners.”

Beasley confirmed that Romano’s contract was not renewed, saying in a statement, “We are very grateful for her many contributions over the years and wish her the very best in her next chapter.”

Romano, who joined Preston & Steve in 2003, also hosted Her Story, a weekly show spotlighting women making an impact across the Philadelphia region. Her last day on the air will be Friday.

During Thursday’s show, an emotional Preston Elliot informed listeners of the news, calling it a “profoundly sad” moment. Cohost Steve Morrison added, “The way you have handled what is happening has been some of the most professional, some of the most amazing and mature displays of how this goes than I’ve ever seen.”

Romano compared the experience to an unwanted breakup: “There’s a little anger in there, but I’m heartbroken.”

Preston & Steve, which originated at Y100 in 1998 and moved to WMMR in 2005, has long dominated Philadelphia’s morning radio ratings. Elliot and Morrison signed contract extensions in 2022 that keep the show on the air through 2030. Fellow co-hosts Casey “Casey Boy” Fosbenner, Marisa Magnatta, and Nick McIlwain will remain with the program.

“This isn’t a goodbye – just turning the dial to what’s next,” Romano wrote.