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After several years off the air, West Michigan radio icon Tony Gates is returning to the airwaves, and he’s doing it on Greenville-based radio station M106.3 WGLM, starting Monday, Nov. 24. – Submitted photo
After several years off the air, West Michigan radio icon Tony Gates is returning to the airwaves, and he’s doing it on M106.3 WGLM, the locally owned station he calls “refreshingly real radio.”
Beginning Monday, Nov. 24, Gates takes over middays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Greenville-based radio station.
Gates spent 37 years at WLAV in Grand Rapids, becoming one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in Michigan broadcasting. Known for his humor, sharp timing, unmistakable laugh and relentless community involvement, he built a career on connecting with listeners in a way few personalities ever do.
Gates’ legendary career includes introducing West Michigan fans to bands like Genesis and The Police, airing a live Sammy Hagar concert before seven-second delays existed and organizing countless listener trips to Detroit and Chicago. He’s responsible for bringing Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Grand Rapids and convincing them to add a first-ever matinee show. Tony also led or supported dozens of signature events including the Dam-to-Dam Ice Fishing Tournament, the Parade of Pole Barns, the Leinenkugel Canoe Trip and the Yackers & Hackers Golf Outing for Charity (the 29th outing occurred in 2025). If there was a cause to support — and a fun way to do it — Gates was almost always involved.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Gates says the decision to come back to radio wasn’t about the industry — it was about the right station.
“WGLM is what radio used to be,” he said. “Local owners, local decisions and no out-of-market consultants telling us how our own neighbors live. It’s community-first — and that’s the only type of radio I ever want to do again.”
What sealed the deal for him was WGLM’s massive 5,000-song music library — one of the largest in Michigan — and a format that allows genuine personality and storytelling.
“I didn’t want a place where I had to follow a script or be a clone,” Gates joked. “I wanted a place where I could have fun, talk about hunting and fishing, laugh with listeners, and play the music that makes people feel good. That’s WGLM.”
The addition of Gates creates new programming flexibility at WGLM. Kara Helms/Stevens, the current midday host and longtime sales and promotions lead, will move into an evening slot and work on new specialty programming, including potential weekend rock features, Michigan musician features and expanded community content.
“I told Tony he could have my spot so I could get some work done,” Helms joked. “He’s an icon. And he believes in what we’re doing here. That means everything.”
Station leadership says Tony’s addition is a major win for the community.
“Tony’s not just a broadcaster, he’s part of West Michigan’s identity,” said owner and General Manager Jim Aaron. “He has decades of experience, knows the community, and brings a kind of authenticity you simply can’t manufacture. We’re proud he chose us.”
M106.3 WGLM is an independently owned West Michigan radio station featuring upbeat hits, local news, community storytelling, and one of the largest music libraries in the region. With a commitment to local businesses, local voices and local events, WGLM continues to be a trusted hometown station for Montcalm, Ionia, Kent and Mecosta counties.
