Samsula joined WRR as a part-time announcer in 2009 before coming onboard full-time as the morning host in 2012. During his tenure, he built a robust and loyal audience of listeners who enjoyed his amicable personality and friendly on-air delivery. Samsula initiated his popular “March Buddies” segment adjacent to WRR’s longstanding March of the Day feature, where he acknowledged birthdays, anniversaries, and other dedications sent from listeners.

Additionally, Samsula served as co-host for WRR’s live broadcast of the final two nights of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017 and emceed the awards ceremony for the organization’s Juniors competition in 2019. For nearly a decade, Samsula helped host numerous other remote broadcasts for WRR, including the Classic Café at One Arts Plaza and WRR’s annual Christmas caroling events.

“Our thanks to Barry for his years of dedication to WRR are deep and many,” says WRR General Manager and Program Director Mike Oakes. “He has been a ‘fan favorite’ for so many years now, waking up DFW each morning. Not to mention (but I will!) Barry's interaction with our listeners. Whether it's by phone, email, social media or his countless public appearances, Barry has been an amazing ambassador in the community for WRR and Classical music. He will be missed. But time 'marches' on (see what I did there?) and we absolutely wish Barry the very best that life has to offer as he writes the next chapter in his life.”

WRR’s Matt Rogers, host of The Homestretch (weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m.), will move to morning drive beginning Wednesday, July 13. The station’s weekend host, Nikki Velonis, will join the weekday lineup as host of The Homestretch.

WRR will hold a “Farewell” Road Show with Barry Samsula on Saturday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to
1 p.m. at Behnam Rugs, 18000 Preston Rd., Dallas, 75252. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of WRR and the public is invited to attend.

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