WHK (AM)

WHK (AM)
Salem Media Group · Public domain · source
Name	WHK (AM)
City	Cleveland
Brand	WHK
Frequency	1420
Format	Talk radio
Power	50,000 watts
Facility id	19529
Owner	Salem Media Group

WHK (AM) is a commercial AM radio station located in Cleveland, Ohio, broadcasting on 1420 kHz. The station is owned by Salem Media Group, a leading Christian radio broadcaster, and features a talk radio format with programs from notable hosts such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Mark Levin. WHK (AM) is also an affiliate of Fox News Radio, CBS News, and Bloomberg Radio, providing listeners with up-to-date news and information from CNN, NBC News, and ABC News. The station's programming is also available online through iHeartRadio and TuneIn.

● History

WHK (AM) has a rich history dating back to 1922, when it was first licensed to Warren, Ohio, and later moved to Cleveland in 1930. The station was originally owned by Warren Radio Company and was later acquired by United Broadcasting Company in 1935. Over the years, WHK (AM) has undergone several format changes, including Top 40, Rock music, and Adult contemporary music, before adopting its current talk radio format in the 1990s. The station has been affiliated with various networks, including Mutual Broadcasting System, NBC Radio Network, and ABC Radio, and has featured programs from notable personalities such as Paul Harvey, Larry King, and Howard Stern. WHK (AM) has also been a longtime affiliate of Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns broadcasts, providing sports fans with coverage of Major League Baseball and National Football League games.

● Programming

WHK (AM) features a lineup of popular talk radio programs, including The Rush Limbaugh Show, The Sean Hannity Show, and The Mark Levin Show. The station also airs local programming, such as The Mike Trivisonno Show and The Bob Frantz Show, which focus on Cleveland-area news and issues. In addition, WHK (AM) broadcasts news and weather updates from Fox News Radio and AccuWeather, as well as traffic reports from Total Traffic and Weather Network. The station is also an affiliate of Coast to Coast AM, a popular late-night talk radio program that explores paranormal and conspiracy theory topics. WHK (AM) has also featured programs from notable hosts such as Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, and Michael Savage, and has been a platform for Republican Party and Democratic Party candidates, including Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama.

● Technical

WHK (AM) operates at a power of 50,000 watts, making it one of the most powerful AM radio stations in the United States. The station's transmitter is located in Cleveland's West Side, and its signal covers a large portion of Northeast Ohio, including Akron, Ohio, Canton, Ohio, and Youngstown, Ohio. WHK (AM) also broadcasts in HD Radio format, providing listeners with digital sound quality and additional programming options. The station's technical facilities are maintained by Salem Media Group's engineering team, which also oversees the technical operations of other Salem Media Group stations, including WGUL and WLSS. WHK (AM) has also partnered with Comrex and Tieline to provide high-quality audio and video streaming services.

● Management_and_ownership

WHK (AM) is owned by Salem Media Group, a leading Christian radio broadcaster with a portfolio of over 100 stations across the United States. The company was founded in 1974 by Edward G. Atsinger III and Stuart W. Epperson, and has since grown into one of the largest radio broadcasting companies in the country. WHK (AM) is managed by Salem Media Group's Cleveland market manager, who oversees the station's programming, sales, and marketing operations. The station's staff includes a team of experienced radio professionals, including program directors, sales managers, and engineers, who have worked with notable radio personalities such as Ryan Seacrest, Ellen DeGeneres, and Oprah Winfrey.

● Awards_and_recognition

WHK (AM) has received numerous awards and recognition for its programming and community service. The station has been named one of the top talk radio stations in the country by Talkers Magazine, and has received awards from the National Association of Broadcasters and the Ohio Association of Broadcasters. WHK (AM) has also been recognized for its community service efforts, including its annual Christmas toy drive and its support of local charities such as the United Way and the American Red Cross. The station has also partnered with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals to provide health and wellness information to its listeners. WHK (AM) has also been honored with awards from Marconi Award and Gracie Award for its outstanding programming and community service.

● Controversies

WHK (AM) has been involved in several controversies over the years, including criticism of its conservative programming and allegations of bias in its news coverage. The station has also faced criticism for its handling of controversial topics, such as immigration and gun control. In 2018, WHK (AM) was criticized for airing a program that featured a conspiracy theory about the Parkland school shooting, which sparked outrage from gun control advocates and Parkland, Florida residents. The station has also faced criticism from FCC for its indecency and obscenity complaints. WHK (AM) has also been involved in a controversy with Cleveland City Council and Cuyahoga County officials over its coverage of local issues. Despite these controversies, WHK (AM) remains a popular and influential talk radio station in the Cleveland market, with a loyal listener base and a strong reputation for conservative programming and community service. The station has also been a platform for Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee events, and has hosted notable politicians such as John Kasich, Ted Strickland, and Sherrod Brown.