May 16, 2009
Duluth News Tribune

After brief exile, Latto returning to Duluth radio
By Andy Greder

Radio talk show host Lew Latto will return to WDSM-AM 710 on June 1.

The Northland’s longest-standing radio talk-show host left the station against his will in mid-March. Now, Latto will return to his previous time slot from 7 to
9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

“We are happy to have Lew back with WDSM, and we believe the agreement we reached will have long-lasting benefits for Lew’s listenership, 710 WDSM-AM, the show’s sponsors, and Lew himself,” said Derek Moran, acting operations manager for Midwest Communications Duluth, in a news release.

Latto was hired at WDSM in 1958 after his senior year at Duluth Denfeld High School. Latto said he hoped he would get his show back after he heard that Ron Stone, the market manager who canceled it, was leaving Midwest Communications.

“I went to Green Bay last Friday and [Duke Wright, president and CEO of Midwest Communications] said, ‘Come on back. You can’t retire,’ ” Latto said.

Now, with an opportunity to respond to his initial firing, Latto had no comment on Stone. Latto said that in his time off-air, the first thing he did every day was go online and keep up with the news. His show returns on June 1.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said from his home in Florida.

Latto has been on air longer than any other talk radio host in the area. He recalled his first show was talking about the bond referendum for the Duluth Arena. He also organized and emceed the Jan. 31, 1959, Winter Dance Party show at the Duluth Armory featuring Buddy Holly in one of the singer’s last concerts.

News Tribune staff writer Christa Lawler contributed to this report.