03/23/2022
While we’re working on some exciting plans we hope to share with you soon, we have some sad news to pass along. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri and Central Florida broadcast legend Rob Newton passed away Monday, March 21st.
Rob was one of the lucky few who discovered his passion early in life, beginning his radio journey in his late teens, then building a career in broadcasting that would last his entire life.
Along the way Rob worked with many other broadcasting legends, including Lee Corso, as he became involved in various types of programs including sports, play-by-play, talk shows, and of course, playing hit music.
After spending much of his early career in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri, Newton made his way to Central Florida eventually spending several stints at Orlando’s news and talk leader, the legendary WDBO. During his most recent time at WDBO Rob became the station’s lead weekend anchor, guiding clients through their talk shows, interacting with callers and seamlessly transitioning in and out of commercial breaks.
Rob Newton also spent quite a bit of time in The Villages, FL at their community owned station, WVLG. Working first as a field reporter alongside our Chris English, then hosting his own music shift, mid-day talk show, and various remote broadcasts, all while endearing himself in the minds and hearts of the station’s listeners and the community’s residents. Rob even declared himself “The Voice of The Villages”, much to the chagrin of station management and ownership.
After his time in The Villages, Rob produced various programs for area businesses, including Robert Palmer of RP Funding fame.
As mentioned, our Chris English worked with Rob at WVLG in The Villages in the early to mid 2000’s. Chris shared the following:
“Rob Newton was a character with a presence all his own. We spent many an hour together on remote broadcasts all over The Villages community. While many may remember Rob for his on-air persona or his time at the old Katie Belle’s bar, off the air Rob Newton was a generous and kind person. While I can’t share every story he told me, he would often recount with excitement his early radio years in Missouri and his time aboard the WDBO ‘Starship.’
One of my favorite memories from my time working alongside Rob was during one of our remotes at the Savannah Center. Lou Christie was performing that evening and Newton was able to interview him before the show. After the interview, Rob shared with me just how excited he was to have met Christie. Turns out, of all the stars Rob had spoken with over the years, Christie was one of his favorites. I think it had to do with the fact that as an adolescent, he invited a girl over and they sat on his bedroom floor listening to Lightnin’ Strikes together.
Other memories that stand out happened during our coverage of the many hurricanes to hit Central Florida in 2004. Rob & I camped out at the station several times and helped provide round-the-clock updates and coverage. We ate a lot of cold pizza, shared a lot of stories, and produced a hell of a lot of great radio.
I’m sad that my friend has gone on to that great radio station in the sky. But I know that somewhere up there, Rob Newton is doing what he loves most; Sitting in front of a microphone, producing an incredibly good program, and looking forward to that after-show beer. And all the while his beloved Callie dog is by his side. Thanks for everything Rob, we’ll sure miss you buddy.”
