WSB-TV and 95.5 WSB’s Mark Arum will no longer be performing his traffic duties. That being said, the youngest-ever Georgia Radio Hall of Fame recipient is not going anywhere.
Every morning at 3 a.m. for nearly 24 years, Mark Arum has been getting up out of bed, making his way to the WSB studio and breaking down the morning’s traffic for countless Atlanta drivers. For many of those years, Arum has been doing the dreaded split shift. After waking up at 3 a.m. to perform his traffic duties in the WSB studio, Arum would sleep from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to prepare for his night talk show on 95.5 WSB. Burning the proverbial midnight oil, Arum would return home for a nap from 1:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. before starting the whole day over again. It’s a schedule that takes its toll.
In order to focus his incredible talents on 95.5 WSB’s Atlanta’s News & Talk with Mark Arum weekdays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Arum has decided to make a change. The award-winning broadcaster is now stepping down from the WSB Triple Team Traffic and ‘Channel 2 Action News’ teams. But, it was not an easy decision.
Speaking on WSB-TV’s ‘Channel 2 Action News,’ Mark Arum offered a bittersweet message. The Hall of Famer also noted that this is certainly not goodbye.
“I’ve come to a very difficult decision.” Mark Arum said. “It was a very tough decision. I’ve been a part of Triple Team Traffic on ‘Channel 2 Action News’ this morning for 23 and a half years. And, I have decided that today is going to be my last day.”
“And it’s a tough decision, but bittersweet as you mentioned.” Arum continued. “For the last seven years, I’ve been doing the split shift with my radio show on WSB-Radio, and it’s been evident in the last few months that I just don’t have the physical or the emotional energy to do both jobs as well as I want. So, today’s my last day. I’m still part of the family. I’m not going anywhere.”
Arum’s time both on radio and on television have touched the lives of countless. From his hilarious pun exchanges with WSB-TV’s Fred Blankenship to his razor sharp reporting on WSB Triple Team Traffic, everyone has been affected by Arum’s warm personality. 95.5 WSB Program Director Drew Anderssen has come forward to express just what the recent news means to him.
“Mark has had a grueling split-shift schedule for more than a decade: early morning traffic on TV & Radio, then hosting his talk show, which has moved from late nights to early evenings and now to afternoon drive on WSB.” Anderssen said. “I’m very proud of Mark and his work, and the incredible success his show is already having in afternoon ratings on WSB.”
WSB-TV entertainment reporter and host Heather Catlin will be taking over for Mark Arum concerning traffic duties for ‘Channel 2 Action News.” Meanwhile, 95.5 WSB listeners can look forward to hearing more from traffic reporter Mike Shields. Traffic reporter Ashley Frasca will also aid B98.5 and 97.1 The River drivers with their morning traffic. For fans of Mark Arum, tune in to 95.5 WSB, 750AM or online to listen to the radio talent as he helps Atlanta sift through the days news on Atlanta’s News & Talk with Mark Arum weekdays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.