WHK (AM)

Last updated

WHK
WHK simulcast logo.png
Broadcast area Greater Cleveland
Frequency 1420 kHz
BrandingAM 1420 The Answer
Programming
Language(s) English
Format Talk radio
Affiliations
Ownership
Owner
History
FoundedAugust 26, 1921 (1921-08-26)
First air date
March 5, 1922
(102 years ago) (1922-03-05)
Former call signs
  • WHK (1922–2001)
  • WHKK (2001)
  • WCLV (2001–2003)
  • WRMR (2003–2005)
Former frequencies
  • 833 kHz (1922–1923)
  • 1060 kHz (1923–1925)
  • 1100 kHz (1925–1927)
  • 1130 kHz (1927–1928)
  • 1390 kHz (1928–1941)
Call sign meaning
none, sequentially assigned
Technical information [1]
Licensing authority
 FCC
Facility ID 72299
Class B
Power 5,000  watts
Transmitter coordinates
 41°21′30.19″N81°40′2.46″W / 41.3583861°N 81.6673500°W / 41.3583861; -81.6673500
Translator(s) 102.9 W275DF (Cleveland)
Links
Public license information
Webcast Listen live
Website whkradio.com

WHK (1420 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, carrying a talk format known as "AM 1420 The Answer". Owned by the Salem Media Group, the station serves both Greater Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region as an affiliate for the Salem Radio Network. WHK's studios are currently located in the Cleveland suburb of Independence while the transmitter site resides in neighboring Seven Hills. [2]

Contents

Formally established in 1922 but borne out of experimental broadcasts by founder Warren R. Cox, WHK was the first licensed radio station to broadcast in Ohio and is the 15th oldest station still broadcasting in the United States. [3] Operated by Cox and then the Radio Air Service Corporation, WHK spent the 1940s and 1950s as the broadcast extension of daily newspaper The Plain Dealer . Owned by Metromedia from 1958 to 1973, WHK signed on an FM adjunct which took on the identity of WMMS in 1968 as one of the city's first progressive rock outlets, while WHK boasted a popular Top 40 format earlier in the decade led by Johnny Holliday. Purchased by Malrite Communications in 1973, WHK converted to a country music format headlined by shock jock Gary Dee, Joe Finan and, for a brief period, Don Imus. Flipping to oldies in 1984 and business news in 1988, WHK and WMMS would be sold twice between 1993 and 1994, segueing to sports radio in the latter year. Purchased by Salem in 1996, WHK adopted a Christian radio format, then a complex radio station/intellectual property asset swap on July 3, 2001, saw WCLV owner Radio Seaway purchasing the license as a second incarnation of adult standards WRMR (using the WCLV calls from 2001 to 2003). Repurchased by Salem in 2004, it has carried a conservative talk format with the restored WHK calls since.

In addition to a standard analog transmission, WHK is relayed over low-power Cleveland translator W273DG (102.5 FM ) and is available online.

History

Experimental license

WHK received its first broadcasting station license in February 1922. However, the station's history dates back to a series of broadcasts begun in August 1921 over an amateur radio station operated by WHK's original owner, Warren R. Cox. [4]

Radio broadcasting in the United States started to become organized in the fall of 1919, largely due to improvements in vacuum tube design. Many of the earliest programs originated from a mixture of amateur and experimental stations. The amateurs in the Cleveland area were particularly well organized, and in early May 1921 the Cleveland Radio Association announced that its members had inaugurated a weekly Friday evening series of live concerts, transmitted on the standard amateur wavelength of 200 meters (1500  kHz ) by a rotating roster of local amateur stations. [5]

Soprano singer Carolina Hudson Alexander broadcasting over 8ACS in November 1921. 1921 broadcast by Carolina Hudson Alexander at radio station 8ACS in Cleveland, Ohio.jpg
Soprano singer Carolina Hudson Alexander broadcasting over 8ACS in November 1921.

Warren R. Cox made his first contribution to the series on August 26, 1921, [lower-alpha 1] operating amateur station 8ACS at 3138 Payne Avenue S. E. [lower-alpha 2] This was the location of the Cox Manufacturing Company, which primarily produced electrical components for automotive markets and radio receiver construction. Cox's station was described as "one of the newer and most powerful in the city". [7]

The 8ACS programs were soon recognized as providing "exceptional wireless entertainment", and B. Dreher's Sons Company donated a Steinway grand piano for use in the station's studio. [8] In October the Cleveland Radio Association concerts moved to Thursday nights. Around this time Warren R. Cox added his own weekly concerts, on Sunday evenings. In December the Cleveland Radio Association ended the Thursday broadcasts, and switched to exclusively supporting the 8ACS Sunday concerts. [9]

Warren R. Cox's broadcasting activities gained special prominence during local elections held in the fall of 1921. The November 3 broadcast featured short speeches by six of the city's seven candidates for mayor. [10] In addition, the Cleveland Plain Dealer made arrangements to relay vote totals on election night by telephone to 8ACS for broadcasting by the station. [11]

Initially there were no specific standards in the United States for radio stations making transmissions intended for the general public, and numerous stations under various classifications made entertainment broadcasts. However, effective December 1, 1921, the Department of Commerce, regulators of radio at this time, adopted a regulation that formally created a broadcasting station category, and stations were now required to hold a Limited Commercial license authorizing operation on wavelengths of 360 meters (833 kHz) for "entertainment" broadcasts or 485 meters (619 kHz) for "market and weather reports". [12] By the end of 1922 over 500 stations would be authorized nationwide.

At first this new policy was loosely enforced, but in early February 1922, the government's official monitor of radio in the region, S. W. Edwards, [lower-alpha 3] contacted the local stations to reiterate that amateurs were no longer permitted to make entertainment broadcasts. Thus, on February 3, 1922, Edwin H. Poad, president of the Cleveland Radio Association, announced that his organization was ending the weekly broadcasts started nine months earlier. [13] This ban also ended the broadcasts over 8ACS, however it was soon reported that Warren R. Cox was making plans to apply for one of the new broadcasting station licenses in order to return to the airwaves. [14]

WHK (1922–2001)

December 1922 print ad Radiovox advertisement (Cleveland) (1922).jpg
December 1922 print ad

WHK was issued its first broadcasting station license on February 21, 1922, for operation on the 360–meter entertainment wavelength, with Warren R. Cox listed as the licensee. [15] Prior to April 4, 1922, the Commerce Department issued three-letter call signs to most commercial radio stations; [16] the WHK call letters were randomly chosen and did not have any particular meaning. [lower-alpha 4] According to one analysis, WHK was the second broadcasting station license issued for Ohio, and the 52nd in the United States, [18] and is Ohio's oldest surviving radio station, and 15th in the country. [3]

The station began broadcasting from the Radiovox Company, [19] which was located at the Stuyvesant Building on 5005 Euclid Avenue. WHK's debut broadcast, on Sunday night March 5, 1922, was advertised as a continuation of the suspended Cleveland Radio Association weekly concert series. Cox announced that, in addition to the Sunday schedule, he planned to broadcast Tuesday night concerts in conjunction with the Keith vaudeville organization, with additional programs on Thursday nights. [20] In July 1922 the station's transmitting power was reported to be 200 watts. [21] Later in the year the licensee name was changed to "Radiovox Company (Warren R. Cox)". [22]

WHK founder Warren R. Cox (1923) Warren R. Cox (1923).jpg
WHK founder Warren R. Cox (1923)

In May 1923 the U.S. government made additional broadcasting station transmitting frequencies available. [24] In late 1923 WHK was reassigned to 1060kHz, which was followed by moves to 1100kHz in early 1925 and 1130kHz in 1927. [25]

WHK was sold to the Radio Air Service Corporation in October 1925. [26] In the following years, the station facilities underwent a series of moves, including 5105 Euclid Avenue, the Hotel Winton at 1010 Prospect Avenue (later the Hotel Carter), the Standard Building at St. Clair and Ontario, the top floor of the Higbee Company on Public Square, and Carnegie Hall at 1220 Huron Road. By 1928, the station was located in the Engineers' Building at 1370 Ontario Street. [27]

On November 11, 1928, under the provisions of a major reallocation resulting from the Federal Radio Commission's (FRC) General Order 40, WHK was reassigned to 1390kHz. [28] WHK became a CBS affiliate in 1930, [6] operating with 1,000 watts full-time. [25] When George A. Richards established WGAR on December 15, 1930, the new station had to sign on using WHK's backup transmitter at the Standard Building. [29] On March 9, 1931, the station moved to the Terminal Tower, and celebrated with the live broadcast of Faust from its auditorium. [27]

As of January 1, 1934, WHK was broadcasting with a daytime power of 2,500 watts and a nighttime power of 1,000 watts. [30] The station broadcast a full season of Cleveland Indians baseball games in 1936, with announcers Jack Graney and Pinky Hunter. [27]

United Broadcasting ownership

In 1939 the Radio Air Service Corporation sold WHK to the United Broadcasting Company, which also purchased WCLE, a station that had been broadcasting in Cleveland since January 5, 1927, and was currently transmitting on 610kHz. [31] WCLE's studios were relocated to the Terminal Tower to join WHK, and the two stations were placed under common management. [32] WHK switched its network affiliation in 1937 from CBS to the NBC Blue Network plus the Mutual Broadcasting System, which had started three years earlier. In the 1940s WHK, like most Mutual affiliates, became a participant in network programming. Rhythm and Rhyme Time was a Saturday night band concert on Mutual that originated from the Terrace Room of the Statler Hotel through the WHK's facilities. In 1943, when the NBC Blue Network was sold to Edward Noble to eventually become ABC, the Blue Network switched its Cleveland affiliate from WHK to WJW, leaving WHK with just Mutual. The Mutual network brought its popular Queen for a Day program to Cleveland Music Hall on April 5, 1946, for a two days of broadcast with local contestants chosen by WHK. [27]

On March 29, 1941, WHK, along with all the other stations on 1390kHz, moved to 1420kHz [25] as part of the implementation of the North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement. [33] In 1945 as the FCC began enforcing a rule limiting owners to a single AM station in a market, United Broadcasting moved WCLE out of Cleveland to Akron [32] and changed its call sign to WHKK and its frequency to 640kHz. (WHKK became WHLO in 1962.) This in turn meant United could now use the vacated 610 frequency in Columbus, where it was assigned to WHKC, which had been broadcasting daytime-only on 640. [34] (WHKC became WTVN in the 1950s).

In August 1946 WHK received an experimental FM license, W8XUB, transmitting at 107.1MHz; this station became WHK-FM at 100.7MHz upon receipt of a commercial license.

WHK also obtained a construction permit for television station WHK-TV on Channel 19, [35] but this never made it on the air, due to the financial challenge of the time of launching a UHF station in a VHF market such as Cleveland.

WHK moved its studios in 1951 to 5000 Euclid Avenue, across the street from its first studio location, which it would occupy for 26 years. (This is presently the site of the Agora Theatre and Ballroom and Lava Room Recording.) In 1955, ownership was transferred to the Forest City Publishing Company, the parent company of The Plain Dealer. In May 1957, as part of the station's 35th anniversary celebration, WHK honored founder Warren R. Cox with "a small transistor radio and a plaque". [36]

Metromedia ownership

The February 10, 1958, issue of Broadcasting magazine reported that WHK AM/FM, along with the construction permit for channel 19, were "on verge of being sold", with the DuMont Broadcasting Corporation as the likely buyer. [37] The $700,000 deal for all three stations (equivalent to $7.39 million in 2023) was approved by the FCC by April, [38] with the company renaming itself as Metropolitan Broadcasting by July and again to Metromedia in 1961. [25] [lower-alpha 5] The new owners soon adopted a rock and roll Top 40 format. Morning man Ernie Anderson was let go because he did not fit into the new format. Ironically, Anderson would later find local fame with his Ghoulardi character that would have been ideally suited as an early rock disk jockey. Pete "Mad Daddy" Myers, another early iconic rock DJ, was lured away from rival WJW for a successful stint in WHK's early rock-and-roll years, before he left for New York.

WHK Centaur interview at the Space Power Chamber (December 1963) WHK-1963-NASA.jpg
WHK Centaur interview at the Space Power Chamber (December 1963)

By the early 1960s WHK was Top 40 powerhouse, adopting the slogan "Color Radio" and "Color Channel 14." The station soared with fast-talking deejays like Johnny Holliday, who broadcast from "the glass cage" at 5000 Euclid, and dubbed the station's echo-chamber reverberation its "stratophonic sound." The "Action Central" newsroom included young reporters Tim Taylor and Dave Buckel. When The Beatles made one of their North American tours in 1964, WHK outmaneuvered rival KYW to sponsor the Beatles appearance at Cleveland Public Auditorium on September 15, 1964. The station offered free tickets to listeners with an on-air promotion; the winners were selected in what is believed to be the first automated audience selection. Those receiving tickets were selected by an IBM computer. [40] In the mid-1960s, the WHK DJs adopted the name the "Good Guys" and included Joe Mayer. On the cover of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album, a doll wears a sweater emblazoned with "Welcome The Rolling Stones" and "Good Guys", a possible reference to the WHK DJs. [27]

Late in 1967, WHK stopped rocking to become "The Good Life Station," with easy-listening music and phone-in shows aimed at older listeners. [41] Possibly the biggest reason for the format change at WHK, was the pressure put on the station by newcomer WIXY, an AM station at 1260 which started playing top 40 music in 1966.

In 1968 the FCC mandated that FM sister stations could no longer duplicate their AM sister's programming, and WHK-FM adopted a new progressive rock sound, one of a handful of commercial stations in the country to try that format. The callsign of WHK-FM was changed to WMMS on September 28, 1968.

From 1968 through 1984, WHK was the flagship station of the Cleveland Browns radio network. Gib Shanley provided play-by-play commentary for the majority of the Browns' run at WHK; he was succeeded by Nev Chandler. Color commentary duties were first held by Jim Graner, then Jim Mueller, and finally Doug Dieken, who continues in that position to this day. [42]

Malrite years

Metromedia sold WHK and WMMS in November 1971 to Detroit–based Malrite Broadcasting for $3.5 million (equivalent to $26.3 million in 2023); co-founder Milton Maltz had applied for a job at WHK in 1958 while awaiting approval to build WTTF in Tiffin, Ohio. [43] When the sale closed, Malrite moved its corporate headquarters to Cleveland. [44] WHK dropped the beautiful music in 1973 for "Cover Hits", a modified Top 40 format developed by Mike Joseph featuring hit songs recorded by different artists instead of the more well-known versions. [45] Despite a visible marketing and promotional effort, "Cover Hits" failed to catch on in the Arbitron ratings in the Fall 1973 book, while ratings for WMMS doubled. [46]

Maltz originally intended to flip WMMS to country music [47] but rescinded those plans after the station's air talent, listeners, community activist Henry Speeth and Cleveland councilman Dennis Kucinich lobbied in support of the progressive rock format. [48] [44] Ultimately, it was WHK that flipped to country on March 16, 1974, [49] within two weeks of WNCR's format switch to country from Top 40. [50] [51] Veteran personality Joe Finan was originally placed in morning drive with the switch [52] but former WERE host Gary Dee (Gary D. Gilbert) took over the slot in July 1975 [53] after WERE switched to an all-news format. [54] Dee's addition moved Finan to middays, turning WHK into a combination country and talk format [55] and the lone country outlet in the market as WNCR flipped to beautiful music as WKSW. [56] After being fired from New York City's WNBC for excessive drinking and absenteeism in 1977, [57] WHK hired Don Imus—who briefly hosted mornings on WGAR in 1971—for afternoon drive until WNBC rehired him a year later. [53]

The majority of attention and media coverage for the station, however, focused on the mercurial shock jock Dee. In one particular incident, Dee claimed "40 percent" of money raised during the annual MDA Labor Day Telethon went to Jerry Lewis with the MDA keeping the other 60 percent; after finding out WHK took out newspaper advertisements apologizing for his claim, Dee resigned on-air but management refused to accept it. [58] Dee's volatile and public marriage with WEWS-TV anchor Liz Richards, which had the couple repeatedly trading insults on his show, ended after Dee's 1980 arrest on domestic violence charges. [54] WMMS program director John Gorman later recalled how Dee would typically conclude his show at 10 a.m., leave the studio, quietly stand against a wall and take deep breaths for a few minutes and eventually come out of character. [53]

On February 14, 1977, WHK and WMMS moved their studios from 5000 Euclid Avenue to the Statler Office Tower near Playhouse Square, which originally housed WGAR and their FM adjunct WNCR from 1930 through the early 1970s. [59] [60]

WHK's monopoly on country music ended when WKSW flipped back to country in April 1980 [61] and WWWE also switching to country in December 1981. [62] All three stations struggled in the Arbitron ratings, with WHK and WKSW seeing slight declines and WWWE losing listeners. [63] The three-way battle also affected Dee's ratings, falling from first place to fifth. [64] Following a nearly month-long absence, WHK fired Dee on September 27, 1983, after a survey commissioned by Malrite showed that Dee's largely negative approach no longer appealed to listeners who felt more positive about Cleveland. [65] Prior to his firing, Dee only referred to himself by his birth name as a contract negotiation ploy, claiming that Gary Dee is "dead"; [66] WHK was ultimately compelled to take out advertisements in The Plain Dealer stating, "Gary Dee is gone for good." [67]

WHK's "14K Solid Gold" logo, 1984-1988. 14K WHK CLE.png
WHK's "14K Solid Gold" logo, 1984–1988.

Dee's departure caused WHK's ratings to decline substantially against WKSW, while WWWE reverted to MOR in August 1983. [68] Conceding the country battle outright to WKSW, [69] WHK flipped to oldies on April 24, 1984, as "14K Solid Gold" [70] intended as complementary to WMMS and utilizing that station's existing record library, with WMMS calling it a "transistor sister". [71] Gorman, who helped oversee the launch of "14K", boasted that the station would play "full-service rock 'n' roll, and no wimpy stuff either, no Barry Manilow or Bobby Sherman." [70] The station also carried Dr. Demento's syndicated show on weekends. [72] WHK's relationship with the Browns ended after the 1984 season when team owner Art Modell attempted to move the radio rights to his own station, WJW (850AM) [73] and later sold WJW to purchase WWWE and WDOK. [74]

Following program director Bernie Kimble's departure for WNCX in 1986 (along with Gorman), [75] the station fired the majority of local air talent as February 1987 began, opting to use Transtar Radio Networks' "The Oldies Channel." [76] WHK fell to 19th place in the Cleveland Fall 1988 Arbitron ratings and 23rd place in Akron, symptomatic of music-oriented AM stations. [77] In a time-brokered arrangement with Belkin Productions, the station began breaking format on Saturday nights to air heavy metal. [78] On November 14, 1988, WHK switched to a business-themed format with Business Radio Network and NBC Talknet programming along with local news updates. [79] General manager Chuck Bortnick defined the format as "the Wall Street Journal , Business Week magazine and the USA Today money section all rolled into one" [77] while Akron Beacon Journal radio critic Bob Dyer regarded WHK as "... (epitomizing) the longtime radio trend of 'narrowcasting'". [80] WHK started simulcasting the audio of WJW-TV's 6 p.m. newscasts in mid-1990, [81] and along with WMMS, regained the Browns rights in 1991 in what was termed an "expensive" deal. [6]

WHK's format transitioned again to talk radio on August 10, 1992, when veteran local hosts Merle Pollis and Joel Rose joined the station in late-morning and afternoon drive. [82] In 1992, studios were moved again to the Skylight Office Tower as part of the Tower City Center complex. [83]

Shamrock and OmniAmerica

The Skylight Office Tower complex housed WHK's studios from 1992 through 1996. Skylight Office Tower - Cleveland, OH.jpg
The Skylight Office Tower complex housed WHK's studios from 1992 through 1996.

Early in 1992, Malrite found itself unable to service its growing debt, with Standard & Poor's putting $115 million of junk bonds held by the company for downgrading. [84] By December of that year, trade publications began reporting on a possible merger between Malrite's radio group and Shamrock Broadcasting—controlled by Roy E. Disney—and a potential re-sale of WHK and WMMS to former Malrite executive and WMJI owner Carl Hirsch. [85] WMJI had already formed a joint operating venture with WHK/WMMS that merged the station's marketing and sales staffs, but continued to be run autonomously. [86] The $300 million (equivalent to $633 million in 2023) Shamrock-Malrite merger, including the assumption of $165.5 million in Malrite debt, was announced in March 1993. [87] Pollis and Rose both left on October 1, 1993, after the Shamrock merger cleared, with WHK airing an all-syndicated lineup of Doug Stephan, G. Gordon Liddy [88] and Charles Adler. [89]

The rumors of Shamrock spinning off WHK/WMMS to Hirsch came to pass on November 2, 1993, in a $12 million (equivalent to $25.3 million in 2023) deal. [86] [90] As part of the deal, Hirsch transferred WMJI, which he had owned under the "Legacy Broadcasting" name, to OmniAmerica. [91] In announcing the deal, Hirsch spoke of restoring WHK by possibly installing an aggressive locally oriented news and talk format, stating, "what you have now on AM radio doesn't work". [86] Prior to the takeover, WHK/WMMS lost the Browns radio rights to both WKNR and WDOK, [92] [93] while Hirsch also openly floated the idea of flipping WHK back to country. [94]

None of WHK's employees were retained when the deal closed on April 15, [95] with the station continuing to run the all-syndicated talk lineup on a temporary basis. WHK flipped to sports radio on May 16, 1994, featuring Tom Bush, Les Levine, Rick Bay and WMJI sportscaster Tony Rizzo. [96] WHK's approach to the format was regarded as more loose and "fan-friendly" as opposed to WKNR, which WHK hosts openly criticized for being tightly programmed, rigid and sober. [97] Bush and Bay were reassigned to other roles by early July due to personal schedule conflicts [98] with Pat McCabe, Dan McDowell [99] and Ken Jurek being added to the lineup; [100] Jurek was eventually replaced by producer Ron Brines. [101] The station also signed up as an affiliate of the Ohio State Sports Network. [102]

WHK struggled in the Arbitron ratings, with Levine as the highest-rated show but heavily outranked by both WKNR's Geoff Sindelar and WWWE's Mike Trivisonno. [100] [101] WKNR had a stronger signal along with the Browns and Indians radio rights; by contrast, WHK held play-by-play rights to Ohio State, Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball, the Cleveland Crunch and Lumberjacks IHL hockey. [97] The Fall 1995 Arbitron ratings, influenced by the 1995 World Series and the Browns relocation controversy, showed WHK continuing to trail WKNR by substantial margins. [99] By February 4, 1996, WHK began simulcasting WMJI's morning show with John Lanigan, John Webster and Jimmy Malone (whom Rizzo did sports reports for) [97] as part of a wide-ranging schedule realignment that also saw executives Phil Levine and Art Greenberg dismissed. [103] The station continued to air brokered programming throughout the weekend, a practice WERE also embraced throughout the week. [104]

Salem purchase and Christian radio

WHK/WHK-FM simulcast logo, 1997-2001. 98.1 WHK-FM.png
WHK/WHK-FM simulcast logo, 1997–2001.

Following an attempted merger with Citicasters announced on August 28, 1995, [105] and called off by November 17, [106] rumors soon emerged of OmniAmerica divesting their Cleveland radio properties, potentially to Clear Channel Communications. [107] On April 23, 1996, WMJI and WMMS were sold to WGAR-FM owner Nationwide Communications for $43.5 million (equivalent to $84.5 million in 2023) [108] and WOMX-FM in Orlando, Florida. [109] Two days later, WHK was sold to Camarillo, California–based Salem Communications for $6.5 million (equivalent to $12.6 million in 2023). [110] Hirsch's divestments limited OmniAmerica's holdings to Florida along with the possibility of selling those stations and going into retirement, while Hirsch acknowledged that he had tried unsuccessfully to purchase other stations in Cleveland. [109]

Les Levine left radio to host a call-in show on SportsChannel Ohio, remarking that WHK's pending format change made the last few months at the station "just horrible". [111] All local programming was eliminated on June 28, 1996, [112] with Pat McCabe's final day documented by Plain Dealer staffers in a photo essay commemorating Cleveland's bicentennial year. [113] Syndicated sports talk aired as filler until the sale closed on September 2, 1996, when Salem instituted a Christian radio format; the new ownership also announced plans to upgrade WHK's Seven Hills transmitter site. [111] Salem purchased WHLO and Canton-based WTOF-FM from Mortenson Broadcasting that October, [114] with WTOF-FM becoming WHK-FM (98.1), a full-time WHK simulcast. Parma-licensed daytimer WCCD was purchased by Salem in March 1997. [115] Salem later purchased WRMR (850AM) and WKNR on May 6, 2000, as part of a court-ordered divestiture to complete Clear Channel's merger into AMFM, Inc. [116]

In addition to the station's regular lineup of taped sermons and Christian music, nationally syndicated area pastor Alistair Begg [117] aired daily on both WHK and WHK-FM. [118] In October 1997, both stations broadcast live from the "Stand in the Gap" rally held by Promise Keepers. [119]

2001 "frequency swap"

WHK was one of seven Northeast Ohio radio stations involved in a complex exchange on July 3, 2001, between three radio companies. [120] [lower-alpha 6] Announced on November 1, 2000, WCLV (95.5FM) parent Radio Seaway reached an agreement to donate the assets of WCLV to a nonprofit foundation; in order to finance the deal, Radio Seaway sold the station's 95.5FM license to Salem and purchased the licenses for Lorain's 104.9FM from Clear Channel and 1420AM from Salem, while Salem sold WHK-FM's license to Clear Channel. [121] Negotiations between Salem, Clear Channel and Radio Seaway had been ongoing for nearly two years. [122] Radio Seaway's original plan for 1420AM was to simulcast the classical programming originated from 104.9FM, which was weaker than the original 95.5FM signal and centered primarily around Cleveland's western suburbs. [123]

Salem retained WHK's format and call letters and announced plans on May 17, 2001, to transfer them to 1220AM in place of WKNR, simultaneously transferring WKNR's call sign and sports format from 1220AM to 850AM, displacing WRMR's adult standards format entirely. [124] Despite WRMR still having respectable ratings in the 12+ demographic, the format struggled throughout the 1990s in the 25–54 demographic—seen by agencies as the most lucrative [125] —and had a core demographic of 65 and older. [124] Ultimately, Radio Seaway agreed to purchase the intellectual property of WRMR, including the station's music library and some equipment, for an undisclosed fee on May 31, 2001, and announced that 1420AM would adopt the format but with the WCLV call sign. [126] Acknowledging the signal weaknesses of 104.9FM to the east of Cleveland, Radio Seaway arranged a partial simulcast for WCLV-FM programming with Painesville station WBKC. [127]

WCLV (2001–2003)

WCLV logo, 2001-2003. WCLV-FM, WCLV (AM) logo.png
WCLV logo, 2001–2003.

In announcing the format change—reported on as "a new version of WRMR"—Radio Seaway billed WCLV's format as "classic pop". [126] The station placed an emphasis on older standards from the 1930s and 1940s, along with assorted show tunes, in an attempt to make the format hold a more sophisticated sound along the lines of WCLV-FM's classical format. [128] In response to WRMR's format attracting older demos, Robert Conrad, WCLV's co-founder and president, said, "the people who grew up with Bach aren't around anymore either." [126] The entirety of WRMR's air talent was retained for WCLV except for Bill Randle and Rob Schuler; Randle joined WCLV in 2002, [129] while Schuler stayed with Salem as WFHM-FM's midday host. [127] Jim Davis, WRMR's operations manager since 2000, [124] again both programmed and assumed on-air duties. [130]

The long-running Irish Hour with Gerry Quinn, a WRMR staple, also made the move to WCLV on Sunday mornings. WCLV-FM news director Hugh Danaceau also did live drive-time newscasts on the AM station until his death in 2003. [131] Many of WCLV-FM's long-running specialty shows, including Weekend Radio , the City Club of Cleveland's weekly forum, and Footlight Parade were also aired; [130] Footlight Parade host Bill Rudman also hosted a Saturday afternoon program for the AM station. [132]

On January 1, 2003, WCLV's call sign was changed to WRMR, reinforcing the station's link to the former WRMR at 850AM and to resolve confusion between it and WCLV-FM. [133]

WRMR (2003–2005)

WRMR logo, 2003-2004. 1420 WRMR.png
WRMR logo, 2003–2004.

Rebranded as "The Songs You Love", WRMR's music programming reverted to the adult standards format, again placing an emphasis on pop music and contemporary ballads from the 1950s and 1960s. [134] In November 2003, WRMR's lineup significantly changed: Ted Alexander replaced Ted Hallaman in the morning slot, [135] WCLV staffer John Simna assumed the mid-morning slot and Jim Davis and Carl Reese were moved to the afternoon and evening slots, respectively. [136]

Despite these changes, Radio Seaway sold the station back to Salem on July 6, 2004, for $10 million (equivalent to $16.1 million in 2023). [137] WRMR had experienced an overall loss in listenership and advertising revenue so significant that Robert Conrad said, "we gave (the standards format) three years, but unfortunately it's dying all across the country", conceding WRMR had become a financial liability for WCLV. [136] The sale was indicative of the adult standards format fading from terrestrial radio, having fallen from a peak of 595 stations nationwide in 1999 to 457 stations in 2004. [134] WRMR's sale and pending format change was made more poignant as Bill Randle died five days later, on July 11, 2004, at the age of 81. [138]

WHK (2005–present)

Bob Frantz in 2010 Bob Frantz (converted).jpg
Bob Frantz in 2010

Salem took over WRMR via local marketing agreement on July 13, 2004, changing the station's format to conservative talk, [139] assuming a format WCCD had adopted in early 2003. [140] While branded as "WHK" [137] and reported on as "WHK moving back to 1420 on the dial", [139] the WRMR call sign stayed until April 5, 2005, when the sale was consummated; [136] WHK then changed their calls to WHKW, allowing the WHK calls to be restored on 1420AM. [141] While WHK's conservative talk format was at launch entirely syndicated via the Salem Radio Network, [139] a local program hosted by area personality Bob Frantz was added in 2015. [142] [143] WHK was rebranded as "The Answer" on April 15, 2013, a slogan used by many Salem-owned conservative talk stations. [144]

Current programming

Aside from Frantz's local late morning show, the bulk of the weekday lineup features Salem Radio Network conservative talk programming, Bloomberg Radio in early mornings and daily commentaries from Bill O'Reilly. [145] Brokered programming makes up the majority of the station's weekend lineup, [146] and WHK serves as the Cleveland affiliate for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football.

FM translator

WHK is additionally relayed over the following low-power FM translator:

Broadcast translator for WHK
Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) Class Transmitter coordinatesFCC info
W275DF102.9 FM Cleveland 14393050D 41°23′36.8″N81°39′15.7″W / 41.393556°N 81.654361°W / 41.393556; -81.654361 (W275DF) LMS

Notes

  1. ↑ In later years, WHK recognized July 26, 1921, as their sign-on date after then-program director Chip Binder evaluated "everything we can find". [6]
  2. ↑ The leading "8" in 8ACS's call sign denoted that the station was located in the eighth Radio Inspection district. The fact that the call sign's first letter, "A", was in the range A-W reflected its status as a standard amateur station. Other participating stations included Ira E. Beasley (8ACC), James Hausser (8BCA), Latimer Charnicky (8CD), Archibald G. Spiller (8ACR), H. H. Kreighbaum (8NQ), Edwin H. Poad (8UK), H. H. Hurd (8ALY), Norman M. Kraus (8AFO) and Frank M. J. Murphy (8ML).
  3. ↑ Edwards's formal title was Radio Inspector for the Commerce Department's Eighth Radio Inspection district, which was headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.
  4. ↑ Some later accounts suggest that, instead of being randomly assigned, the WHK call letters were selected because they were the initials of station manager Harry K. Carpenter. However, Carpenter did start working for WHK until July 23, 1934, and was not associated with the station at the time of its founding. [17]
  5. ↑ Later in the year, John Kluge withdrew his planned purchase of WSRS/WSRS-FM in Cleveland Heights after he purchased a controlling interest in Metropolitan. [39]
  6. ↑ Although generally reported as a "frequency swap", these stations mostly traded call signs, formats and staffers in order to facilitate ownership transfers for four of the seven stations. See WCPN § 2001 "frequency swap".

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WOIO</span> CBS/MyNetworkTV affiliate in Shaker Heights, Ohio

WOIO is a television station licensed to Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States, serving the Cleveland area as an affiliate of CBS. It is owned by Gray Television alongside low-power Telemundo affiliate WTCL-LD and Lorain-licensed CW affiliate WUAB, the latter station transmitting over WOIO's full-power spectrum via a channel sharing agreement. WOIO, WUAB and WTCL-LD share studios on the ground floor of the Reserve Square building in Downtown Cleveland, with WOIO and WUAB sharing transmitter facilities at the West Creek Reservation in Parma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WUAB</span> CW affiliate in Lorain, Ohio

WUAB is a television station licensed to Lorain, Ohio, United States, serving the Cleveland area as an affiliate of The CW. It is owned by Gray Television alongside low-power Telemundo affiliate WTCL-LD and Shaker Heights–licensed CBS affiliate WOIO, the latter station whose full-power spectrum WUAB transmits over via a channel sharing agreement. WUAB, WOIO and WTCL-LD share studios on the ground floor of the Reserve Square building in Downtown Cleveland, with WUAB and WOIO sharing transmitter facilities at the West Creek Reservation in Parma.

WVIZ is a PBS member television station in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is owned by Ideastream Public Media alongside classical music station WCLV and co-managed with Kent State University–owned WKSU, the NPR member for both Cleveland and Akron. The three stations share studio facilities at the Idea Center on Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland; WVIZ's transmitter is located in suburban Parma, Ohio.

WQHS-DT is a television station in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, broadcasting the Spanish-language networks Univision and UniMás. Owned and operated by TelevisaUnivision, it is the only full-power Spanish-language television station in the state of Ohio. WQHS-DT's studios and transmitter are located on West Ridgewood Drive in suburban Parma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WTAM</span> Clear-channel news/talk radio station in Cleveland

WTAM is a commercial radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, United States, and carries a news/talk and sports radio format commonly known as "Newsradio WTAM 1100". Owned by iHeartMedia, WTAM serves Greater Cleveland and much of surrounding Northeast Ohio, and is a clear-channel station with extended nighttime range. WTAM is also Northeast Ohio's primary entry point station in the Emergency Alert System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WKNR</span> Sports radio station in Cleveland, Ohio

WKNR – branded as 850 ESPN Cleveland – is a commercial sports radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, serving Greater Cleveland. Owned by Good Karma Brands, WKNR is the Cleveland affiliate for ESPN Radio and the AM flagship station for the Cleveland Browns Radio Network; the Cleveland affiliate for the Ohio State Sports Network, and the radio home of Je'Rod Cherry and Tony Grossi. The WKNR studios are currently located in the East Bank of The Flats in Downtown Cleveland, while the station transmitter resides in the Cleveland suburb of North Royalton, And due to the 4-tower array at the site, WKNR’s daytime signal can be heard as far as Mansfield, and even as far as Newark and Zanesville. In addition to a standard analog transmission, WKNR is available online.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WMMS</span> Rock radio station in Cleveland

WMMS is a commercial radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, serving Greater Cleveland and much of surrounding Northeast Ohio, commonly identified as "The Buzzard". Widely regarded as one of the most influential rock stations in America throughout its history, the station has also drawn controversy for unusually aggressive tactics both on and off the air. Owned by iHeartMedia, and broadcasting a mix of active rock and hot talk, WMMS is currently the flagship station for Rover's Morning Glory, the FM flagship for the Cavaliers AudioVerse and Cleveland Guardians Radio Network, the Cleveland affiliate for The House of Hair with Dee Snider and the home of radio personality Alan Cox.

WCPN is a non-commercial educational radio station licensed to Lorain, Ohio, featuring a public radio format as a repeater of Kent–licensed WKSU. Owned by Ideastream Public Media, the station serves the western portion of Greater Cleveland and parts of surrounding Northeast Ohio. By virtue of WKSU, studios are located at Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland, while WCPN's transmitter resides in the Cleveland suburb of Avon. In addition to a standard analog transmission, WCPN broadcasts over four HD Radio channels and streams online.

WCLV is a non-commercial educational radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, carrying a fine art/classical music format. Owned by Ideastream Public Media, the station serves both Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio as the home station for the Cleveland Orchestra and an affiliate of the BBC World Service.

WGAR-FM is a commercial radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, and features a country music format. Owned by iHeartMedia, the station serves Greater Cleveland and surrounding Northeast Ohio as the local affiliate for The Bobby Bones Show. WGAR-FM's studios are located at the Six Six Eight Building in downtown Cleveland's Gateway District and the transmitter is in nearby Parma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WFHM-FM</span> Contemporary Christian music radio station in Cleveland

WFHM-FM is a commercial radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, known as "95.5 The Fish" and featuring a contemporary Christian format. Owned by the Salem Media Group, the station serves Greater Cleveland and much of surrounding Northeast Ohio. WFHM-FM's studios are located in the Cleveland suburb of Independence and the station transmitter resides in Warrensville Heights. In addition to a standard analog transmission, WFHM-FM is available online.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WMJI</span> Classic hits radio station in Cleveland, Ohio

WMJI is a commercial radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, featuring a classic hits format dubbed "Majic 105.7". Owned by iHeartMedia, the station serves Greater Cleveland and much of surrounding Northeast Ohio. WMJI's studios are located in downtown Cleveland's Gateway District at the Six Six Eight Building, while the transmitter resides in the Cleveland suburb of Parma. In addition to a standard analog transmission, WMJI broadcasts over two HD Radio channels and is available online via iHeartRadio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WAKS</span> Contemporary hit radio station in Akron, Ohio, serving Cleveland

WAKS is a commercial radio station licensed to Akron, Ohio, known as "96.5 KISS-FM" and featuring a top 40 (CHR) format. Owned by iHeartMedia, WAKS's studios are located at the Six Six Eight Building in downtown Cleveland's Gateway District, and its transmitter resides in Brecksville; because of this, the station is recognized as a Cleveland radio station serving Greater Cleveland and much of surrounding Northeast Ohio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WCCD</span> Radio station in Parma, Ohio, serving Cleveland

WCCD is a commercial daytime-only radio station licensed to Parma, Ohio, with a religious format known as "Radio 1000". Owned by New Spirit Revival Center Ministries, Inc., co-founded by the Rev. Darrell C. Scott, WCCD serves Greater Cleveland and parts of surrounding Northeast Ohio. The station's studios are located at The New Spirit Revival Church in the Cleveland suburb of Cleveland Heights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WHKW</span> Christian radio station in Cleveland, Ohio

WHKW is a commercial radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, and is known as "AM 1220 The Word" featuring a Christian format. Owned by Salem Media Group, the station serves both Greater Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region. WHKW's studios are located in the Cleveland suburb of Independence while the transmitter site is in neighboring Broadview Heights.

WWGK was a commercial daytime-only radio station licensed to Cleveland, Ohio, that broadcast on 1540AM from 1947 until 2022. Last owned by Good Karma Brands, it featured ESPN Radio programming at the time of closure, co-owned with ESPN affiliate WKNR. The transmitter tower for WWGK was located on Euclid Avenue at East 81st Street in Cleveland's Fairfax neighborhood.

Ideastream is the main public broadcaster in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, serving both Greater Cleveland and much of Northeast Ohio. Its headquarters, newsroom, and radio and television studios are located at the Idea Center in Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland. It operates WKSU, the region's main radio news service aligned with NPR, and owns classical music/jazz outlet WCLV and Cleveland PBS member station WVIZ.

The year 2001 in radio involved some significant events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cleveland Browns Radio Network</span> Regional play-by-play radio network

The University Hospitals Cleveland Browns Radio Network is an American radio network composed of 24 radio stations which carry English-language coverage of the Cleveland Browns, a professional football team in the National Football League (NFL). Jim Donovan has been the lead announcer since the team's return in 1999, but went on medical leave to undergo treatment for leukemia following the 2023 season opener; various broadcasters, including Chris Rose, Andrew Siciliano and Paul Keels have served as interim play-by-play announcers in his absence. Nathan Zegura serves as commentator and Je'Rod Cherry is the sideline analyst/reporter.

References

  1. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for WHK". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ↑ Fybush, Scott (May 8, 2015). "Site of the Week 5/8/15: From Cleveland to Akron". Fybush.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via RadioBB.
  3. 1 2 White, Thomas H. (January 1, 2018). "United States Pioneer Broadcast Service Stations". Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Station WHK One of First Ten in U. S.". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. August 20, 1922. p. 3, Radio section.
  5. ↑ "Radiograms: Last Concert is Voted a Success". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. May 12, 1921. p. 8.
  6. 1 2 3 Feran, Tom (October 6, 1991). "Radio's history marked by turbulence, growth and WHK-AM" . The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 24. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  7. ↑ "Radiograms: Minstrels to Sing for Amateurs". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. August 25, 1921. p. 7.
  8. ↑ "Steinway Tone Heard by Radio" Archived September 2, 2022, at the Wayback Machine The Music Trades, November 26, 1921, page 19.
  9. ↑ "Radio grams: Future Concerts on Sunday Nights". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. December 15, 1921. p. 9.
  10. ↑ "Radio Amateurs! Have Sets Ready". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. November 3, 1921. p. 11.
  11. ↑ "Election Concert of Radio Association to Give Latest Returns". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. November 3, 1921. p. 11.
  12. ↑ "Miscellaneous: Amendments to Regulations" Archived October 11, 2021, at the Wayback Machine , Radio Service Bulletin, January 3, 1922, page 10.
  13. ↑ "Radio Ban Announced". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. February 4, 1922. p. 1.
  14. ↑ "Amateurs Wonder at Radio Mandate". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. February 5, 1922. p. 5A.
  15. ↑ "New Stations" Archived May 3, 2022, at the Wayback Machine , Radio Service Bulletin, March 1, 1922, page 2. Limited Commercial license, serial #300, call letters WHK, issued on February 21, 1922, for a three month period to Warren R. Cox, 1965 East 66th Street, Cleveland, Ohio.
  16. ↑ White, Thomas H. (January 1, 2018). "Mystique of the Three-Letter Callsigns". Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Carpenter Goes to WHK; Howlett to Watch Tower" (PDF). Broadcasting-Broadcast Advertising. Vol. 7, no. 2. July 15, 1934. p. 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via World Radio History.
  18. ↑ White, Thomas H. (January 1, 2018). "United States Pioneer Broadcast Service Stations: Actions Through June 1922". Archived from the original on July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018. The first Ohio broadcasting station, WDZ, was licensed on January 22, 1922, to the Marshall-Gerken Company of Toledo. It later became WBAJ and was deleted on January 26, 1923.
  19. ↑ "Stations Heard All Over the Country Shown" Archived September 2, 2022, at the Wayback Machine , Radio Digest, April 22, 1922, page 8. (americanradiohistory.com)
  20. ↑ "Radio Concert Sunday Night". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. March 4, 1922. p. 8.
  21. ↑ "Answers to Radio Queries Appear Here: Broadcast Station". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. July 16, 1922. p. 2, Radio section.
  22. ↑ "Alterations and Corrections" Archived September 2, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Radio Service Bulletin, December 1, 1922, page 7.
  23. ↑ "Back Stage Folks of Three Plants", Radio Digest, April 28, 1923, page 5.
  24. ↑ "Radio Conference Recommendations: New Wave Lengths", Radio Age, May 1923, page 11. Beginning with these assignments radio stations ended the practice of broadcasting their market reports and weather forecasts on the separate 485 meter wavelength.
  25. 1 2 3 4 FCC History Cards for WHK
  26. ↑ "Radio Stations Change Ownership". Washington Star. Washington, D.C. October 24, 1925. p. 34. Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 "WHK History". Cleveland Broadcast Radio Archives Project. Archived from the original on February 1, 2003. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  28. ↑ "Broadcasting Stations, by Wave Lengths, Effective November 11, 1928" Archived September 2, 2022, at the Wayback Machine , Commercial and Government Radio Stations of the U.S. (Edition June 30, 1928), page 175.
  29. ↑ "WHK to Send Out Premier of WGAR". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. December 14, 1930. p. 11.
  30. ↑ "U.S. Radio Stations as of January 1, 1934" Archived July 7, 2018, at the Wayback Machine (Federal Radio Commission)
  31. ↑ "Report of Applications Received for Broadcast Services" Archived September 2, 2022, at the Wayback Machine (Report #840), Federal Communications Commission, August 30, 1939, page 1.
  32. 1 2 "WCLE History". Cleveland Broadcast Radio Archives Project. Archived from the original on December 4, 2004. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  33. ↑ Radio Broadcast Stations Archived September 2, 2022, at the Wayback Machine , Federal Communications Commission (March 29, 1941, edition), page 66.
  34. ↑ Fybush, Scott (February 26, 2004). "More Columbus". Tower Site of the Week. Archived from the original on June 30, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  35. ↑ Jones, Vance A. "North American Radio-TV Station Listings". U.S. and Canadian Television Stations as of 1958. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  36. ↑ "WHK Honors Founder Cox". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. May 7, 1957. p. 29.
  37. ↑ "Closed circuit" (PDF). Broadcasting. Vol. 54, no. 6. February 10, 1958. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via World Radio History.
  38. ↑ "Changing Hands" (PDF). Broadcasting. Vol. 54, no. 16. April 21, 1958. p. 58. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via World Radio History.
  39. ↑ "Changing Hands: Announced" (PDF). Broadcasting. December 22, 1958. p. 56. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  40. ↑ "Computer Picks Beatle Audience". Billboard. June 27, 1964. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Action Line Bonus: It Staggers Their Imagination". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. November 19, 1967. p. D15. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  42. ↑ "The voices of Browns games past". The Plain Dealer. The Plain Dealer Publishing Co. November 10, 2002. p. J6 – Sunday Arts.
  43. ↑ Olszewski 2003, pp. 61–62.
  44. 1 2 Gorman & Feran 2007, p. 3.
  45. ↑ Olszewski 2003, p. 96.
  46. ↑ Gorman & Feran 2007, pp. 38–39.
  47. ↑ Gorman & Feran 2007, p. 42.
  48. ↑ Olszewski 2003, pp. 83–86.
  49. ↑ Gorman & Feran 2007, pp. 41–43.
  50. ↑ "Stereo Rocker WNCR/Cleveland Goes Country" (PDF). Radio & Records. Vol. 2, no. 6. February 15, 1974. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 25, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022– via World Radio History.
  51. ↑ Olszewski 2003, p. 101.
  52. ↑ Olszewski, Berg & Wolff 2011, p. 110.
  53. 1 2 3 Gorman & Feran 2007, p. 128.
  54. 1 2 Vishnevsky, Zina (November 12, 1995). "Shock radio pioneer Gary Dee dies at 60" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1A. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022– via NewsBank.
  55. ↑ Gorman & Feran 2007, p. 55.
  56. ↑ Collie, Biff (May 16, 1975). "Inside Nashville" (PDF). Radio & Records. Vol. 3, no. 19. p. 30. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 25, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022– via World Radio History.
  57. ↑ Smith, Dinitia (June 24, 1991). "Morning Mouth: The rise, fall, and rise of Don Imus, New York's funniest radio maniac". New York Magazine. Vol. 24, no. 25. pp. 29–35. ISSN   0028-7369. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  58. ↑ "Gary Dee quits WHK". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. November 9, 1977. p. A8. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  59. ↑ Olszewski 2003, pp. 132–133.
  60. ↑ Gorman & Feran 2007, pp. 124–126.
  61. ↑ "WKSW goes country". The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. April 8, 1980. p. 6B.
  62. ↑ Mehno, John (February 13, 1982). "WWWE-AM Keys On Country Competition" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 94, no. 6. p. 27. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2019– via World Radio History.
  63. ↑ Hall, Douglas E. (July 24, 1982). "Arbitrons Put Spotlight On AM Ratings Decline" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 94, no. 28. pp. 1, 18–19, 27. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022– via World Radio History.
  64. ↑ "Dee controversy". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. October 6, 1983. p. B10. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  65. ↑ Bianculli, David (September 30, 1983). "Enjoy 'Yellow Rose;' forget other 3 premiering series". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. C4. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  66. ↑ Bianculli, David (March 2, 1983). "'High Performance' is a low point in TV viewing". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. B5. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  67. ↑ Dawidziak, Mark (April 1, 1984). "Gary Dee in D.C." Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. pp.  4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 20. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  68. ↑ "WWWE Converts From Country To MOR" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 498. August 26, 1983. pp. 3, 30. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2019– via World Radio History.
  69. ↑ "WGAR Switches From A/C To Country" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 541. July 6, 1984. pp. 1, 25. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 1, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021– via World Radio History.
  70. 1 2 Faris, Mark (May 3, 1984). "'The King' is gone, but he's far from forgotten". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. D3. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  71. ↑ Gorman & Feran 2007, pp. 225–226.
  72. ↑ Dyer, Bob (March 16, 1986). "Former Akron DJ making waves in Chicago". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. H2. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  73. ↑ Phelps, Peter (February 11, 1984). "WHK keeps Browns' games". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. B2. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021– via Newspapers.com.
  74. ↑ Gottlieb, Ken (May 25, 1985). "Modell group about to take over WWWE and WDOK". Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. Elyria, Ohio. p. A8. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021– via NewspaperArchive.
  75. ↑ "CHR ENDS WGCL CALLS: Gorman WNCX VP, Sanders PD" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 657. October 17, 1986. pp. 1, 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2019– via World Radio History.
  76. ↑ Dyer, Bob (February 15, 1987). "Package deals rate big on stations' playlists". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. H2. Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  77. 1 2 Dyer, Bob (November 6, 1988). "Two AM stations to change formats". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. B2. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  78. ↑ Olszewski 2003, pp. 324–325.
  79. ↑ "Riding Gain: Changing formats" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. Vol. 115, no. 22. November 28, 1988. p. 124. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via World Radio History.
  80. ↑ Dyer, Bob (June 17, 1990). "Clevelanders' anti-drug simulcast earns award". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. F2. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  81. ↑ Dyer, Bob (June 24, 1990). "Upcoming WWWE purge not a well-kept secret". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. G2. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2022– via Newspapers.com.
  82. ↑ Santiago, Roberto (July 21, 1992). "Talkers Pollis, Rose move shows to WHK" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 12D. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  83. ↑ Olszewski 2003, pp. 382–383.
  84. ↑ Yerak, Rebecca (January 22, 1992). "Malrite group modifying bank agreements" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1H. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  85. ↑ Santiago, Roberto (March 4, 1993). "Watch for Tiburski as airwaves' whiz" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 13C. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  86. 1 2 3 Santiago, Roberto (November 4, 1993). "WMJI owner cracks world of duopoly radio ownership" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 20D. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  87. ↑ Santiago, Roberto (March 4, 1993). "WMJI's Gorman reveals magic ratings formula" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 12E. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  88. ↑ Santiago, Roberto (May 20, 1993). "Liddy brings fascination, not charisma, to talk-radio fans" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 12E. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  89. ↑ Santiago, Roberto (September 23, 1993). "Pollis and Rose are cut from WHK talk shows" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 12E. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  90. ↑ "Shamrock to sell radio stations". Wall Street Journal. New York, New York. November 4, 1993. p. C22. ProQuest   398380030 – via ProQuest.
  91. ↑ Feran, Tim (April 23, 1994). "Mitchell ends 3-year stint at WCEZ" . The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio. p. 4H. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022– via NewsBank.
  92. ↑ Santiago, Roberto (April 23, 1996). "Browns end use of flagship radio station" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 7E. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  93. ↑ "2 radio stations outbid others for rights to carry Browns". Mansfield News Journal. Mansfield, Ohio. Thomson News Service. March 23, 1994. p. 3C. Archived from the original on August 16, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  94. ↑ Santiago, Roberto (January 13, 1994). "Stern can't out-mouth Lanigan here" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 15E. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  95. ↑ Sandstrom, Karen (April 15, 1994). "It's farewell today to the Zoo: Zany WMMS team bowing out as station's ownership changes" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1A. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  96. ↑ Dolgan, Bob (May 17, 1994). "WHK has a mixed first day in sports" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. pp. 5D. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2007– via NewsBank.
  97. 1 2 3 Ocker, Sheldon (October 10, 1994). "And now, a word from..." Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. pp. B1, B5. Archived from the original on August 17, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021– via Newspapers.com.
  98. ↑ "WHK format reassigns Bush, Bay" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. July 1, 1994. p. 10D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  99. 1 2 Dolgan, Bob (January 30, 1996). "Big news leads to ratings for WKNR" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 13D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  100. 1 2 Dolgan, Bob (October 13, 1994). "WHK losing sports-talk battle: Only one host earns more than a 1 share in Arbitron rating" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  101. 1 2 Dolgan, Bob (January 19, 1995). "WHK struggles in ratings battle" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 11D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  102. ↑ Dolgan, Bob (May 6, 1994). "WHK gets OSU games" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 3D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  103. ↑ Drexler, Michael; Brown, Roger (February 4, 1996). "WHK shuffles sports-talk lineup" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 13D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  104. ↑ Brown, Roger (January 14, 1996). "Brave voices of brokered radio paying to hear themselves talk" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1J. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  105. ↑ Sabath, Donald (August 29, 1995). "Cleveland and Cincinnati radio station owners merge" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1C. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  106. ↑ Phillips, Stephen (November 18, 1995). "Media firms' merger plan is called off: Citicasters-OmniAmerica deal was valued at $197 million" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1C. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  107. ↑ Brown, Roger (February 14, 1996). "'What 'Ya Know' about Feldman?" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 5E. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  108. ↑ Brown, Roger (April 23, 1996). "Nationwide 'to own' Cleveland radio: Insurer to be largest owner of stations with WGAR, WMMS, WMJI" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1A. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  109. 1 2 Rathburn, Elizabeth A. (April 29, 1996). "OmniAmerica shutters in Cleveland: Company couldn't refuse swap deal with Nationwide, chairman Carl Hirsch says" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. Vol. 126, no. 19. p. 36. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via World Radio History.
  110. ↑ Brown, Roger (April 26, 1996). "WHK sold to West Coast firm" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. pp. 6E. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2007– via NewsBank.
  111. 1 2 Brown, Roger (August 19, 1996). "Conversion near at WHK: Religion talk format and improved signal in new owner's plans" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 7D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  112. ↑ Lebovitz, Hal (July 2, 1996). "Sports talk shows more than 'good radio'". Mansfield News Journal. Mansfield, Ohio. p. 4C. Archived from the original on August 14, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021– via Newspapers.com.
  113. ↑ The Staff of the Plain Dealer (April 23, 1996). "Making History" . The Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 8. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  114. ↑ Rathbun, Elizabeth, ed. (October 14, 1996). "Changing Hands" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. Vol. 126, no. 43. pp. 43–44. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via World Radio History.
  115. ↑ Brown, Roger (March 17, 1997). "WHK parent shopping for more stations" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 7D. Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022– via NewsBank.
  116. ↑ Thomas, George (May 7, 2000). "Firm sells five radio stations in region". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. Associated Press. pp. D7, D12. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  117. ↑ Jenkins, Colette M. (February 21, 2009). "New start for congregation as Parkside Church in Green". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. pp. B1, B2. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021– via Newspapers.com.
  118. ↑ Long, Karen R. (October 11, 1997). "Pastor won't tread lightly" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 4E. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022– via NewsBank.
  119. ↑ Carney, Jim (September 29, 1997). "Area Radio Stations to Broadcast Rally". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. p. A10. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2002– via Newspapers.com.
  120. ↑ Quinn, Jim (June 29, 2001). "It's time to reset your radio dial: Seven stations will get new frequencies Tuesday". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. pp. B1, B3. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021– via Newspapers.com.
  121. ↑ Rosenberg, Donald; Feran, Tom (November 2, 2000). "Arts group will take ownership of WCLV" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1A. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via NewsBank.
  122. ↑ Feran, Tom (November 8, 2000). "Completing the score on WCLV deal" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1E. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via NewsBank.
  123. ↑ Quinn, Jim (June 18, 2001). "Seven area radio stations will play musical chairs". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. pp. A1, A5. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021– via Newspapers.com.
  124. 1 2 3 O'Connor, Clint (May 18, 2001). "WKNR's move to 850 will bump WRMR off the air" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 7D. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via NewsBank.
  125. ↑ O'Connor, Clint (May 25, 2001). "Senior listeners are the losers in radio game" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1E. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via NewsBank.
  126. 1 2 3 O'Connor, Clint (June 1, 2001). "Classic pop radio will stay alive here: Actually will expand on WCLV AM" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1A. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via NewsBank.
  127. 1 2 O'Connor, Clint (July 2, 2001). "DO touch that dial: Six radio stations switch frequencies" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. 1C. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via NewsBank.
  128. ↑ Goforth, Jerry R. (May 31, 2001). "What's new at WCLV: WRMR Format Moves! WRMR format moves to WCLV 1420 AM in July". WCLV (Press release). Archived from the original on August 3, 2001. Retrieved September 1, 2022.
  129. ↑ O'Connor, Clint (August 2, 2002). "Indian games bat WTAM AM/1100 into first place" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. E5. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via NewsBank.
  130. 1 2 "WCLV-AM Program Guide" Web.archive.org (February 3, 2002).
  131. ↑ Baranick, Alana (October 27, 2003). "Hugh Danaceau, longtime WCLV-FM news director" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. B5. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  132. ↑ Crump, Sarah (May 16, 2003). "Musical Man: Show tunes are the lyric of life for radio host Bill Rudman" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. E1. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  133. ↑ O'Connor, Clint (December 18, 2002). "Calling all WRMR fans: Its call letters are back" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. E11. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  134. 1 2 O'Connor, Clint (July 18, 2004). "WRMR listeners mourning the day their music died" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. J8. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  135. ↑ O'Connor, Clint (December 4, 2003). "Wonder where 'Tall' Ted Hallaman went? We found him" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. F4. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  136. 1 2 3 Washington, Julie E. (July 7, 2004). "Sale Tunes Out Big-Band Sound" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. E1. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  137. 1 2 Davis, Denise (July 7, 2004). "Salem Communications to Acquire WRMR-AM, Cleveland; Station Will Broadcast as WHK-AM in News/Talk Format". Salem Media Group (Press release). Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
  138. ↑ O'Connor, Clint (July 10, 2004). "1923-2004: DJ legend Bill Randle dead at 81" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. A1. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 21, 2021– via NewsBank.
  139. 1 2 3 O'Connor, Clint (July 8, 2004). "Station sale moves WHK back to former spot on the dial" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. F4. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2021– via NewsBank.
  140. ↑ O'Connor, Clint (February 14, 2003). "WCCD lineup offers conservative Voice" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. p. E5. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  141. ↑ "Call Sign History: WHKW". licensing.fcc.gov. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  142. ↑ Heaton, Michael (January 29, 2015). "WHK-1420 AM to host screening of 'American Sniper' and panel discussion with vets" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  143. ↑ Heisig, Eric (April 17, 2015). "Maple Heights mayor accuses councilman foe of defamation in a lawsuit" . The Plain Dealer. Cleveland, Ohio. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022– via NewsBank.
  144. ↑ "WHK Now 'The Answer'". All Access. April 15, 2013. Archived from the original on September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  145. ↑ "Over 100 Affiliates Air 'The O'Reilly Update' Debut". All Access.
  146. ↑ "Program Guide: Sunday" (whkradio.com)

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.