Janelle Irwin Taylor
Retired journalist Rob Lorei, who was among the founding members of WMNF Community Radio and served as host of WEDU’s Florida This Week for nearly 24 years, has passed away following a battle with cancer, according to multiple social media posts mourning his death.
He was 70 years old.
Randy Wynne, who was among the WMNF founders and worked closely with Lorei for 35 years, posted on Sunday evening of Lorei’s passing, writing that he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Rob and I worked together to make WMNF for 35 years. I was Program Director, and he was News Director. For 35 years! We didn’t always agree; we sometimes competed in our visions for the station,” Wynne wrote. “But we always respected each other and we worked together to make WMNF an exceptional and successful media organization.”
He shared a photo of himself with Lorei and other WMNF legends, including two who preceded Lorei in death: Vicki Santa, a former station manager; and Gene Moore, who ran membership and volunteer efforts at the station.
Others have begun celebrating Lorei’s life and mourning his death.
“The true heart, soul and vision of WMNF 88.5 and a voice so often for the voiceless, even if it was not popular opinion,” wrote listener Heather Yarrow.
Another longtime WMNF listener, Joy Kobasko, wrote that she met Lorei in 1992, volunteering for the station as a college student.
“It’s a sad day for local news,” she wrote. “He always made sure to focus on the stories that never received enough coverage on the network news. He made a big impact on me, and his voice will be missed in West Central Florida.”
Lorei most recently served as anchor of Florida This Week on WEDU, the local PBS station. Each week, he hosted a panel of guests, including other local journalists, political strategists, political activists, scholars and other experts in various areas. Lorei is known in that role for ensuring balanced viewpoints, sharing the camera with Democrats, Republicans and nonpartisans alike.
Lorei served as host until March, when he announced he would be stepping down. It was then that Lorei also revealed his cancer diagnosis.
He, along with several others, helped found WMNF in 1979 and, until 2021, served as the station’s news director. His weekly news and public affairs show, Radioactivity, was among the most listened-to hours in WMNF’s programming.
Lorei was fired as News Director in 2019, over a list of eight areas of improvement provided to him by then-station manager Craig Kopp, including more consistently posting to social media. But after massive public outcry, including tens of thousands of dollars in canceled sustaining memberships — money listeners pledge to the station that is automatically withdrawn monthly — he was reinstated. In 2021, he was fired again, over an email alleged to have used an ethnic slur, which Lorei disputed. Public outcry continued, but Lorei was not reinstated this time, and continued his work as a journalist at Florida This Week.
“There aren’t many like him and journalism is a much poorer profession without him,” wrote former Tampa Tribune reporter Sean Ledig, adding that Lorei “was always friendly while also conducting himself with the utmost professionalism as a newsman.”
Another longtime listener who goes by the name Krishna Raisinbran on social media wrote that Lorei’s work “considerably enriched my life.”
“Thank you for your vital service to our community, Rob,” they wrote. “You were a trustworthy voice in our wilderness.”
As of 8 p.m. Sunday, neither WMNF nor WEDU had publicly commented on Lorei’s passing.
16 comments
Catherine E Hamel
August 17, 2025 at 8:46 pm
I’m so very, very disappointed, along with feeling “rivers of tears” sad, to have just read of Rob’s passing. One of the top radio guys of any state, Rob’s personality like no other. Condolences to all close, heart & soul during any or all aspects of Robs’ life. Rest in comfort, Rob Lorei. Peace.
Jeannie Holton
August 17, 2025 at 11:44 pm
I have been at WMNF essentially from the beginning. While there were times when Rob challenged me, most of the time I benefited from his calm, intelligent views on issues. He was the voice of WMNF. He was our compass. During fundraisers, I could always count on him to join me in the control room and as we were both at the mics, he had so many reasoned responses and interaction that it always made it go so well. Rob was also my neighbor, living right across the street in Hyde Park. He was a good man who just wanted to spend his career making a difference …and he did. This was a life well-lived Rob. I join you in wishing that you had more time. You did everything right- I really hate losing you. I also was able to walk this walk with him over the last 6 months. It was hard, but I got to know him more deeply than every before. Rest in Peace, Rob. With love, Jeannie
Naszenaturalne
August 18, 2025 at 1:11 am
This made me 🤔 think deeply
tom palmer
August 18, 2025 at 7:24 am
A great loss. I recall discussing news policy with him early in his career at WMNF. He really grew into a respected figure in local news. I made it a point to never miss his Friday night show on WEDU,
Alex sink
August 18, 2025 at 7:39 am
Rob was special.
Alex sink
August 18, 2025 at 7:39 am
Rob was special.
Jennifer Sullivan
August 18, 2025 at 8:26 am
I also had huge respect for Rob Lorei. As a Green, it was often difficult to even get a mention on WMNF because they had to be “apolitical” .
But I’d find ways to bring in MORE so called 3rd parties, as well as Greens, in an interesting format and Rob would be intrigued. He was a person with a very good soul and missed so much on the radio.
Vinny Scully
August 18, 2025 at 8:31 am
I loved Rob and his wry sense of humor and intelligence. He was as good as any interviewer I’d ever heard and I told him so. He was also modest in accepting that compliment. We have suffered a loss in this community.
Condolences to all.
Vinny Scully
August 18, 2025 at 8:31 am
I loved Rob and his wry sense of humor and intelligence. He was as good as any interviewer I’d ever heard and I told him so. He was also modest in accepting that compliment. We have suffered a loss in this community.
Condolences to all.
Ross P Alander
August 18, 2025 at 8:34 am
A good man and good friend. Rest well our friend
Peace
Ross and Cindy Alander
Ross P Alander
August 18, 2025 at 8:34 am
A good man and good friend. Rest well our friend
Peace
Ross and Cindy Alander
Sadfan
August 18, 2025 at 11:09 am
July 2003 I flew into Tampa for a home search. Got into the rental car searched for local community radio and the “Women’s Show” was playing Patti Smith. Within that week, I discovered Ron and felt like I found a trusted neighbor. Gratitude and love to his friends and family.
Peter B. Gallagher
August 18, 2025 at 9:18 pm
One person put so many I’s and me’s in their tribute, I like to throw up. See if you can guess who!!!!
CL
August 18, 2025 at 10:26 pm
Yes Peter Gallagher! Preach!
Dick Lobo
August 19, 2025 at 8:39 am
I’ve lost a friend and former colleague… the Tampa Bay Community has lost a trusted media voice.
A man of honor and integrity. May he rest in peace.
Dick Lobo
August 19, 2025 at 8:39 am
I’ve lost a friend and former colleague… the Tampa Bay Community has lost a trusted media voice.
A man of honor and integrity. May he rest in peace.
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