Shannon Burke Biography

Edward Shannon Burke came to Central Florida Radio from Texas. Before his radio career, Shannon was in the club business. In 1995, he became part owner and manager of The Copper Tank Pub and Cafe as well as Cedar Street in Austin, Texas. Burke soon opened a Cedar Street in Dallas. He was also involved with the opening of the equally upscale District Bar & Grill also in Austin. In 1997, Shannon sold his share of Cedar Street. By 1998 Shannon became the host of a talk show called "Blowin' Smoke" on KJFK-FM 98.9 weeknights from 9PM to 11PM. "The Shannon Burke Show'' moved to the 2PM to 4PM time slot later that same year. On Shannon's quick rise, KJFK General Manager Mark Kiester said; "For a guy who had never done radio before, he's a natural.'' In 2001 KJFK changes formats and the liberal Texas talk-show host is out of work. Job offers were few and far between. He was convinced that the station in Orlando, WTKS-FM 104.1 was "the place to be". It was the model for FM talk stations across the country. Shannon was offered a spot at a station in Omaha. He considered it. An ad in a trade magazine led him to Orlando. WFLF-AM 540 was looking for a "conservative political" host. Tom Benson the program director at the time, introduced him to Chris Kampmeier who offered him the 3PM-7PM slot. He accepted. It wasn't his dream job, but "Real Radio" was just down the hall and maybe someday...
In 2003 Clear Channel fired Howard Stern and moved Russ Rollins and The Monsters to the morning spot. That opened the mid-day show. Burke tells how he went to see Chris Kampmeier. "I am your man". Kampmeier had no idea what I was talking about. I said " I am your man for the opening at Real Radio"! His exact, response was, and this is a quote......"You are out of your f#&#^$g mind, bud"! I was crushed. it was over. Back to AM for me. A month later the station's employees got together to discuss who should fill the opening. Jim Philips spoke up & said, "what about Shannon Burke"? "He has the chops, as long as he drops that conservative crap". For his new role on "Real Radio" he changed to a more-aggressive style. In 2009 Burke's life began a downward spiral.

Shannon Burke Arrested 5-2-09
WTKS-FM 104.1 mid-day host Shannon Burke was arrested on April 30, and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and animal cruelty. Deputies said the handgun discharged, but did not specify if the shooting was intentional. The bullet went through the dog's leg and hit Burke's wife, Catherine Burke, in the head. He told deputies he became angry with the pet late Thursday and was waving a firearm that he thought was not loaded, Sheriff's spokeswoman Kim Cannaday said. Burke is still on probation for an alcohol-related reckless driving charge in Orange County and a judge has issued a warrant for his arrest on a violation of probation connected to that charge, which carries no bond. Burke could be transferred to Orange County custody and he'd have to appear before an Orange County judge before that county could release him.

The Return of Shannon Burke 10-8-09
Shannon Burke, former WTKS-FM 104.1 midday host, will be returning to the Central Florida airwaves on Saturday, Oct 10. According to the Orlando Sentinel he'll be joining the Saturday afternoon line-up from 2PM-4PM on WORL-AM 660. "It's a show that's just about recovery, alcohol recovery, drug addiction," he said. "I really feel it's something I need to do, to give to the community." he told the Sentinel. He will be paying for the time himself and selling the commercial time. He has committed to the time slot for at least 12 weeks. Burke also said he's talking to other stations in the market.

More Jail Time For Shannon Burke 1-15-10
Shannon Burke, who is currently serving a six-month jail sentence in Seminole County will have to serve another 60-day jail term for violating his probation in Orange County. Orange County Judge Faye Allen ordered Burke to begin this new sentence after completing his current six-month sentence. Burke was arrested in May, 2009, on charges related to shooting both his wife and her dog. In November, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of cruelty to animals (for shooting his dog) and guilty to a misdemeanor charge of using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Both of which were a violation of his probation.

Shannon Burke To Be Released 5-12-10
Shannon Burke, last heard on WORL-AM 660, will be released today from the Orange County jail. Burke was arrested in May, 2009, on charges related to shooting both his wife and her dog. In November, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of cruelty to animals (for shooting his dog) and guilty to a misdemeanor charge of using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Both of which were a violation of his probation. Burke was transferred to Orange County from the Seminole County Jail, where he had served about four months for the shooting. Both, Catherine Burke and the dog have recovered.

Shannon Burke Will Be Back 6-18-10
Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel is reporting Shannon Burke will be returning to the Central Florida airwaves. He told Scott that the show will start in July and he's looking forward to doing conservative talk in the middays. Shannon was last heard on WORL-AM 660, in 2009.

Shannon Burke Returns 6-29-10
Multiple sources tell me that Shannon Burke will be joining WEUS-AM 810 from Noon-3PM beginning Monday, July 5. Burke most recently hosted a brokered show 2-4PM on WORL-AM 660.

Bad Boy Burke Stirs Controversy Again 2-3-11
Shannon Burke, heard weekdays on WEUS-AM 810 from 3PM-6PM, is the center of controversy once again. Billboards are popping up around the Orlando area. On one billboard, Burke is holding a "smoking" microphone which resembles a gun, with the words, "Listen... or else," written above his picture. Some domestic violence advocates have been outspoken about the billboards, saying it's a slap in the face to victims of abuse. Burke served time in jail in 2010 for shooting his wife and dog.