Beth McDonald welcomes new co-host for 'Beth and Friends' on KEZ 99.9 in Phoenix: 'Fun ahead'

Beth McDonald of "Beth and Friends," the popular morning show on KEZ 99.9 FM in Phoenix, is getting a co-host — her first in 15 years.

Andrew Babinski, who has been the show's executive producer, has been promoted to co-host, effective immediately, according to a news release from the station.

“I’m so happy to have Andrew as my co-host," McDonald said in the release. "This show has a storied history since we debuted in 1990 with ‘Beth and Bill’ and transitioned to ‘Beth and Friends’ after Bill Austin’s passing in 2010. Andrew is my first co-host since then, and he’s the perfect guy to take over such a meaningful role on our team."

Babinski is McDonald's first co-host since Bill Austin

Paul Kelley, KEZ's program director, said Babinski has earned the position.

"Andrew has been on the show as a producer since 2019, and has built Beth’s trust and the trust of the listeners," Kelley told The Arizona Republic. "Those who experienced 'The Beth and Bill Show' prior to Bill’s passing in 2010 know that it was a very special relationship. When I arrived as the program director to KEZ in 2015, Beth told me she didn’t believe that she would ever trust anyone to be her co-host again. So for Beth to endorse Andrew as her partner and co-host on this show is really something."

Babinski, who has been with iHeartMedia Phoenix (the company that owns KEZ) for 24 years, will continue as executive producer, as well as "a primary creative voice on the 'Beth and Friends' on-air show as well as on all 'Beth and Friends' social media channels," the news release says.

“He’s funny, the listeners and advertisers love him, and he’s a pretty darn good employee," Kelley said in the release. "'The Beth and Friends Show’ is better with Andrew sitting across from Beth."

Beth McDonald has been on the air for nearly 40 years

"The show is now the best it has been since the 'Beth and Bill' days," McDonald said. "I’m looking forward to many years of fun ahead with Andrew!”

McDonald has been on the air for nearly 40 years. She's known as a big fan of Christmas music — a good thing, since the station plays nothing but that during the holiday season (and dominates ratings because of it).

"I am honored and excited to continue working with Beth each morning," Babinski said in the news release. "She’s an absolute legend."

'A long, good run which continues': Beth McDonald celebrates 35 years on the air

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Beth McDonald of 'Beth and Friends' on KEZ in Phoenix welcomes co-host