Wendy Williams

The Queen of Radio

Wendy Williams (Hunter) has it going on. Her tremendously successful radio career spans 20 years with 15 of them spent on the air in New York City. Now, Wendy’s outstanding career in media includes a number one radio show on 107.5 WBLS called The Wendy Williams Experience, a television show on VH1 called Wendy Williams is on Fire, and two (2) New York Times best sellers, Wendy’s Got The Heat by Simon & Schuster and her latest book, The Wendy Williams Experience by Dutton Books as well as her current novel, Drama Is Her Middle Name by Harlem Moon/Broadway Books. 

Wendy grew up in Ocean Township, New Jersey, a suburb 45 minutes outside New York City. Wendy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in communications with a minor in journalism from Northeastern University in Boston. Wendy spent most of her time working various shifts at her college radio station, WRBB, and interning for the most popular morning show in Boston on Kiss 108 with Matt Siegel. Two weeks after graduation, she landed her first professional radio gig at WVIS, St. Croix USVI. After eight months, it was off to Oldies WOL AM in Washington, D.C. Less than a year later, it was time to take a bite out of the Big Apple. First stop, WQHT HOT 103.5, largely targeting Latino and White listeners. Wendy’s next stop was the 10pm-2am shift on WPLJ 95.5. The music was more mainstream Top-40 and with a predominate audience of white 18-34. She wanted more and heard that the very well respected radio honcho Tony Gray was a fan of hers.

At that time, Tony ran WKRS 98.7 Kiss FM, and lured Wendy away from WPLJ. Wendy was just what KISS needed; young, hip and informative. Her career took off from KISS making Wendy a household name with Black, Latino and White 18-34 listeners. Her 6pm-10pm radio show was rated number one for years until Emmis Broadcasting purchased the station. At that time, KISS changed its image and style by switching to a Classic Soul format. As a result, Wendy moved to the afternoon shift at HOT 97, a hip-hop station also owned by Emmis, and soon became New York City’s “Hot Girl”. In a rating landslide, she beat all competition and was consistently rated the number one afternoon show by Arbitron. Wendy’s career at HOT 97 lasted from 1995-98 during which time Wendy continued to perfect her “brand” of chitchat, advice, gossip, honesty and interviews. Due to creative differences, Wendy and HOT 97 parted ways. She was immediately offered a job as a morning anchor at Hip-Hop WUSL POWER 99 Philadelphia. 

During her three years at POWER 99, she took the morning show from number 15 to number one. She also went through a pregnancy and bed rest, all the while broadcasting from her home. During those years in Philly, Wendy received several distinctive awards for outstanding broadcasting. She was awarded Radio Personality of the Year from Billboard, Black Radio Executive and two years in a row from Radio & Records Magazine. 

After reaching the “glass ceiling” in Philly, Wendy, now a wife and mother set her sights back on New York City. Coincidentally, WBLS Program Director Vinny Brown ha Wendy in his sights. In September 2001, Wendy hit the air with a bang. Her 2PM-6PM afternoon show, The Wendy Williams Experience, is a ratings bonanza and is the number one rated show in its timeslot. This program is now being syndicated nationally through Superadio so every market’s afternoon drive can enjoy the same ratings bonanza as WBLS.  

Wendy’s successful radio career has now opened doors for her in other media industries. In July of 2003, Simon & Schuster Atrium Books released her debut book, Wendy’s Got The Heat. This book sheds light on her story of triumph over adversity, including her bouts with sexism, racism, drugs and her weight battle. It quickly became a New York Times best seller. . In September 2004, Dutton Books released her tales of the crazy radio business “The Wendy Williams Experience”, which also became a New York Times best seller.  

Wendy also stays busy with television. She covered the 2003 Grammy Awards for Extra and has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, E!, BET, MTV, and Celebrity Justice. Wendy’s interviews are legendary. She has proven her ability to cross all lines with interviews including Whitney, Mariah, J.Lo, Jay-Z, Fred Durst, Art Garfunkel, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Hunter and a host of others. Wendy is a regular on VH-1 and developed a new show called Wendy Williams is on Fire. This new series, which launched in July, 2003 includes interviews and specials.  

Her latest endeavor, a compilation CD called Wendy Brings the Heat. The compilation CD made its debut on June 28, 2005 and is creating quite a stir in the music world. Wendy Brings The Heat is the first collaboration of its kind and features major acts such as R&B artists; Marcus Houston, Amerie featuring lyrical genius NAS, Jaheim, Mario Winans, and Brook Valentine. Hip-Hop artists include; Jada Kiss, Styles, Jim Jones, Jules Santana and heavy weight producer, Jermaine Dupree. 

This shock-jock has managed to rally some of today’s hottest talent in the music industry—both established and new emerging artists. These hot singles have set the airwaves on fire, which Wendy is known for making happen and instantly topping the major charts. 

Wendy’s new goal is to expand her radio dominance through syndication via Superadio, which conquering the publishing and television world. When does it end…according to Wendy, “It never stops.”

Contact: Booker, Nicole Spence (212) 447-1000