photo by steed media service

The radio industry needs more people like Sam Sylk. With an uncanny ability to connect with listeners and break format without missing a beat, the Chicago native is a fan favorite. Following in the footsteps of his heroes, Tom Joyner and Doug Banks, Sylk hosted the No. 1 rated weekly radio show at legendary WCGI in Chicago from 2002–2006. But he’s returned to Cleveland, a place he called home back in 1999.

“It was a great experience; the listeners embraced me and the city embraced me,” he says of the experience. Today, the “Sam Sylk Show” is a top-rated program on Z107.9 FM. The show offers unique perspectives on the entertainment industry and touches on issues pertinent to the African American community.

“To me, radio is more than just about playing the hits,” says Sylk, who once played Kirk Franklin’s “My Life is in His Hands” during a hip-hop set as a tribute to his general manager’s son.

In addition to affecting change while on-air, Sylk serves his community. For example, he enjoys running community food drives during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“If you don’t have an effect on someone’s life, it’s like [so what],” he says. “Anybody can come and play the 30 songs that are in there, but to able to help people, to touch people — I think that’s the best part that I love about radio.” - gavin phillip godfrey

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