If you’ve spent any time stuck in Parkway traffic lately, you’ve probably noticed a new voice cutting through the static on 102.5 WDVE. After a six-month "will-they-won't-they" trial period that kept the city guessing, the verdict is finally in. Tad Wissel WDVE is officially the new permanent co-host of the legendary morning slot, completing one of the most unlikely full-circle arcs in Pittsburgh media history.
The news dropped this week that Wissel is joining the Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show as a full-time fixture. It’s a move that feels less like a corporate hire and more like a homecoming. Wissel isn't just some out-of-town talent flown in to read weather cues; he’s a guy who literally spent the last three years running into burning buildings for the City of Pittsburgh Fire Department. Now, he’s trading the siren for the microphone, joining the heavy-hitting lineup of Randy Baumann, Abby Krizner, and Mike Prisuta.
Who is the new co-host on WDVE?
Tad Wissel is the new full-time co-host of the 'Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show' on 102.5 WDVE. A former intern for the station and a City of Pittsburgh firefighter, Wissel officially joined the team in May 2026 after a six-month trial period following the departure of Bill Crawford. He brings a background in podcasting, local production, and authentic Pittsburgh storytelling to the #1-rated morning show.
The 18-Year Journey: From Intern to the Main Mic
The wild part about Tad Wissel’s ascent is that he’s actually been in the iHeartMedia Pittsburgh building before—he just didn't have his own desk. Back in 2008, while he was a student at Edinboro University, Wissel started as an intern for the very show he now co-hosts. For anyone who has ever fetched coffee or organized prize closets in a windowless studio, Wissel is the ultimate "started from the bottom" success story.
After his internship, Wissel didn't just hang around waiting for a break. He put in the work across the local landscape:
- 2010–2014: Served as the promotions coordinator for Fox Sports 970.
- 2014–2024: Spent a full decade at SLB Radio Productions, where he mastered the art of content creation and audio storytelling.
- 2023–2026: Served as a firefighter for the City of Pittsburgh, a role that cemented his status as a "voice of the people."
This decade-long "radio hiatus" at SLB and the firehouse is exactly what makes him a Tad Wissel firefighter success story. He didn't spend twenty years in a radio bubble; he spent them in the community. That experience is already translating into the kind of authentic, gritty humor that 102.5 WDVE listeners demand.
Filling the Void: The Bill Crawford WDVE Replacement
Let’s be real: replacing Bill Crawford was never going to be an easy task. Crawford was a staple of the WDVE Morning Show for 13 years before his departure in November 2025 to focus on his stand-up comedy career. Crawford’s style was defined by sharp, observational snark and a comedian’s timing.
Wissel’s vibe is a bit different, and that’s likely why it’s working. Where Crawford was the polished comic, Wissel feels like the guy you’d grab a Iron City with at a tailgate. His comedic style is deeply rooted in Pittsburgh-centric segments that reflect the actual culture of the city—not just the stereotypes. During his six-month trial, listener sentiment on Reddit and Twitter shifted from "Who is this guy?" to "He fits perfectly" almost overnight.
The chemistry with the current cast—Randy Baumann, Abby Krizner, and Mike Prisuta—is already locked in. Baumann noted that Wissel has been "prolific" since he started joining the morning fray, seamlessly jumping into the Pittsburgh Steelers radio discussions and the general chaos that defines the show.
The 'Sin the Fields' Factor and Modern Content
One thing the corporate press releases won't tell you is that Wissel is a bit of a podcasting pioneer. He’s been the host of "Sin the Fields," a popular podcast focused on Ultimate Frisbee culture. While that might seem niche, it proved he could build a dedicated audience from scratch.
This digital-first mindset is a huge win for iHeartMedia. As Pittsburgh radio ratings 2026 continue to be influenced by digital streaming and podcast downloads, having a host who understands how to package content for the iHeartRadio app is essential. Don’t be surprised if we see a new wave of WDVE morning show podcast episodes specifically tailored to Wissel’s brand of storytelling.
Is He Still a Firefighter?
The question everyone in the Pittsburgh Firefighters Local No. 1 is asking: is he done with the firehouse? While Wissel has joked about the "unorthodox" career shift, this appears to be a permanent move. He’s described the WDVE gig as his "dream job" since he could first think about the workforce.
However, the impact of his time in the fire service shouldn't be underestimated. It gives him a level of credibility with the city's blue-collar backbone that you can't fake. Whether he’s talking about the Steelers or local politics, he’s doing it with the perspective of someone who has actually served the city.
Key Takeaways: The New Era of WDVE
- The Official Role: Tad Wissel is the permanent co-host of the Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show, effective May 2026.
- The Background: A former intern (2008) and Edinboro University grad who spent 10 years at SLB Radio.
- The Pivot: Wissel spent the last three years as a Pittsburgh firefighter, bringing a unique, authentic perspective to the airwaves.
- The Predecessor: He replaces Bill Crawford, who exited in November 2025 for a full-time stand-up career.
- The Style: Expect more Pittsburgh-centric segments and a focus on storytelling that bridges the gap between traditional radio and modern podcasting.
What’s Next for the Morning Show?
With the lineup now officially set, don't expect any massive shifts in start times or the show's core DNA. 102.5 WDVE remains the Pittsburgh rock station of record and the flagship for the Steelers. However, with Wissel’s writing talent and his history with the Sin the Fields podcast, the show is likely to lean harder into original digital content and scripted comedy bits that have been a hallmark of the station since the days of Jimmy Krenn and Steve Hansen.
The iHeartRadio Pittsburgh lineup changes might have felt like a gamble when Crawford left, but in Wissel, they’ve found something rare: a local guy who grew up listening to the station, worked his way up from the bottom, and actually knows the city he’s talking to. Real talk? That’s exactly what Pittsburgh radio needed.
