After nearly 46 years as the iconic voice of WABE, “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes announced at the end of her March 6 broadcast that she would retire in June.
“It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work at WABE,” Reitzes said, noting that her last broadcast would be June 26.
Reitzes said she wouldn’t disappear from WABE, as she plans to contribute occasional interview segments. She will also continue hosting WABE’s Atlanta Symphony Orchestra broadcasts through March 2026.
Reitzes, a Chicago native, joined WABE in 1979 after graduating from the Chicago Music Conservatory with a degree in music history.
To WABE, she brought her knowledge, love of classical music, and signature warbly voice to the airwaves. Her daily “Second Cup Concert” program of classical music was a favorite for listeners.
Along with hosting duties, Reitzes was program director at WABE from 1992 to 2007. She began hosting “City Lights with Lois Reitzes” in 2015.
WABE said in a statement that it is developing the next iteration of “City Lights,” set to launch this summer.