CLEVELAND, OH – September 22, 2025 –  98.5 WNCX (WNCX-FM), an Audacy station in Cleveland, announced that Matt Spatz will succeed Tim Slats weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET starting October 6. Slats is retiring after 14 years at the station and his last day on air will be October 3.

“Slats is a true Cleveland legend, and we can’t thank him enough for being the rock of our mornings for so long,” said Nard, Brand Manager, 98.5 WNCX. “We are delighted for Spatz to bring his dynamic energy and a deep passion for rock music. He is inheriting an important legacy and we are confident in his ability to connect with our listeners and excited for how he shapes the future of mornings on WNCX.”

“21 years in Cleveland, 14 years at WNCX, and it’s been an honor and a privilege,” said Slats. “I’ll see ya around… Avon, OH-IO.”

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some great W’s in my career — WLVQ, WROV, WYFM, WONE, WRQK and WNCD, to name a few — but having the opportunity to take the morning reins from Slats at WNCX in my hometown is truly a dream come true,” said Spatz. “Thank you so much to the Audacy Cleveland team led by Jeff Miller, Chase Daniels and Nard; as well as to Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards and Vince Richards for your trust and belief in me. Can’t wait to get started!”  

Spatz is a seasoned radio professional and Berea native who most recently served as the Morning Show host for WONE Akron where he was also Program Director for the Rubber City Radio Group. With a career spanning since the 1990s after graduating from Otterbein University, he has held prominent roles at stations across Northeast Ohio and Virginia, including Program Director positions with Cumulus Media and Clear Channel Communications. 

To celebrate his long career, Slats will host “Slats Final Bow Wow,” which will benefit Friendship Animal Protection League, a non-profit helping dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes. More information can be found here. 

Listeners can tune in to 98.5 WNCX (WNCX-FM) in Cleveland on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook and Instagram.