Longtime Pittsburgh DJ Abruptly Departs Station

PITTSBURGH, PA — After more than a decade behind the microphone, longtime Star 100.7-WBZZ-FM disc jockey Elista has left the station in a cost-cutting move by station owner Audacy. She had been working the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. shift.

According to Inside Radio, Elista had been with the station since 2012 was named its assistant program director in 2021.

Her departure on Thursday coincided with Audacy laying off as many as 300 employees in its first large-scale reduction in force after exiting bankruptcy. Radio Ink reported that the staff cuts span local and national levels, impacting all departments, including on-air talent, traffic, sales, and management.

Elista announced on social media Friday that she has left the station.

"Yesterday was my last day on 100.7 Star," she said in a Facebook post. "It's been a dream.

"Growing up in the small town of Oil City, I always loved visiting the Steel City. It was the first place I had on my list in a journal when I was on air at a station in the center of the state with carpets on the walls.

"That’s where I fell in love with radio.

"I fell in love with radio so hard that it became all I wanted to do. Eat. Sleep. Radio.

"From State College, PA to Parkersburg, WV, to Pittsburgh PA, I’ve had the honor to hit the airwaves and connect with listeners near and far. It’s been an absolute joy talking with so many amazing people on and off the mic.

"I loved doing radio in Pittsburgh. Whether it was in the studio, a parking lot, or from my kitchen. I loved my job so much that I didn’t want to use vacation days. I’m blessed to have been able to do it for so long in a place I love.

"It’s been an honor to be a part of your days, your drives, and your lives. I love this city and am grateful to have been part of an amazing station that just last year won the national Crystal Award honoring community service. Whether you listened, won tickets, or called in, I can’t thank you enough for being apart of the show and showing your kindness.

"There’s more dreams from that journal and many more memories to be made.

"It’s been an honor doing a radio show here and I’m so excited for what’s to come."