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Radio Station WMNF Manager Santa Dies At Age 56

WMNF (88.5 FM)

Vicki Santa was a volunteer at radio station WMNF before she became manager. Battling cancer, she handed over day-to-day operations in June.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2008

Updated: 12/09/2008 08:40 pm

TAMPA - WMNF radio station manager Vicki Santa died today at St. Joseph's Hospital after battling cancer for almost a year, station officials said.

Santa, 56, died of a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia.

She began as a volunteer at the station in the 1980s, and stepped down in June from managing the day-to-day operations, said Laura Taylor, development director of WMNF, 88.5 FM.

"Vicki was the heart and soul of this station and largely instrumental in getting our new radio facility built, both in terms of fundraising and construction acumen," Taylor said.

"She was like the station's mother," said program director Randy Wynne. "In a lot of ways, she can't be replaced. She was the embodiment of what community radio is. Everyone here saw her as a selfless person who gave her life to the station.

"She would use her vacation time to help in station on-air fundraisers," Taylor said.

She also was co-host of WMNF's "Freak Show," heard 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, with host Ed Greene. The program plans a tribute to her tonight.

In 1998, Santa was hired as development director, and in 2000 she became station manager.

She also was on the board of directors of Pacifica Radio and was active in National Federation of Community Broadcasters conferences. She also was active in establishing the Grassroots Radio Coalition.

"Vicki was widely known and respected in public broadcasting as well." Taylor said.

Born in Chicago, she was the daughter of Martin J. and Phyllis Santa. She is survived by her mother; her sister, Shelley Santa; and her longtime companion, Kenneth Wilson.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

There will be a celebration of her life, including music, stories and testimonials, beginning at 6 p.m. Monday at Skipper's Smokehouse in North Tampa.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

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