Ed Welsh’s ‘Auto Talk’ Radio Show Retires This Saturday

What began as a one-time guest spot answering automotive questions in 1987, quickly turned into the weekly radio show Auto Talk on WIBX that lasted 32 years. Now, with host Ed Welsh taking on a new mission in life as Executive Director of the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), he's decided to hang up his headphones for the final time this Saturday.

"Why are gas prices so high?" "What's causing my engine to make a tapping sound?"  "What kind of oil should I use?" These are just examples of the thousands of questions Welsh has answered over the years on Saturday mornings as part of Auto Talk on WIBX. In addition to the radio program, Welsh has been the General Manager of the AAA Auto Club as well as an Oneida County Legislator; these two jobs coincided well with his role as talk show host. Welsh recently announced his retirement from both of those jobs, as well.

"I want to be able to focus 100% of my attention on my new job. The agency (CABVI) deserves nothing less from me," Welsh told WIBX's Bill Keeler. "I will tell you, it's difficult and emotional for me to leave both AAA and to leave here. My radio family and my AAA family means a lot to me," he added.

Evergreen replays of Auto Talk and Welch's 60 second daily segment Auto Quips with Ed Welsh will continue to air on WIBX, at least through the summer.

Listen to Welsh's retirement announcement and his thoughts on radio here: