WJBK (AM)

WJBK (AM) is a defunct AM radio station that operated in Detroit, Michigan, and was owned by Cumulus Media. The station was affiliated with several networks, including CBS Radio, Mutual Broadcasting System, and NBC Radio. WJR, another prominent AM radio station in Detroit, Michigan, was a major competitor to WJBK (AM), with both stations featuring popular on-air personalities such as J.P. McCarthy and Dick Purtan.

● History

WJBK (AM) began broadcasting in 1922 as one of the first AM radio stations in the United States, with its initial license issued by the Federal Radio Commission. The station was originally owned by Storer Broadcasting, and later changed hands to Taft Broadcasting and Great Lakes Broadcasting. During its early years, WJBK (AM) was affiliated with the NBC Radio network, featuring popular shows such as The Jack Benny Program and The Edgar Bergen Show. The station also broadcast Detroit Tigers games, with Ernie Harwell and George Kell providing play-by-play commentary. In the 1950s and 1960s, WJBK (AM) was a major Top 40 station, competing with CKLW and WKNR for listeners in the Detroit, Michigan market.

● Programming

WJBK (AM) featured a variety of programming over the years, including news, sports, and entertainment shows. The station was known for its talk radio format, with popular hosts such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage. WJBK (AM) also broadcast Detroit Lions games, with Dan Miller and Jim Brandstatter providing play-by-play commentary. In addition, the station featured traffic reports from Metro Traffic, as well as weather forecasts from The Weather Channel. WJBK (AM) was also affiliated with the ABC Radio network, featuring shows such as Paul Harvey and The Larry King Show. The station's programming was also influenced by its ownership, with Cumulus Media implementing a conservative talk radio format in the 2000s.

● Technical information

WJBK (AM) operated on a frequency of 1500 AM, with a power output of 50,000 watts. The station's transmitter was located in Southfield, Michigan, and its signal covered much of Southeastern Michigan, including Detroit, Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio. WJBK (AM) was a clear-channel station, allowing it to broadcast at night without interference from other stations. The station's technical facilities were also used by other Cumulus Media stations, including WKQI and WDVD. WJBK (AM) was also a member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and adhered to the Federal Communications Commission's regulations regarding broadcasting.

● Former personalities

WJBK (AM) had several notable on-air personalities over the years, including J.P. McCarthy, Dick Purtan, and John McCulloch. The station also featured news anchors such as Mort Crim and Jacqueline Howard, as well as sports personalities like Ernie Harwell and George Kell. In addition, WJBK (AM) was the home of popular talk radio hosts such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, who got their start in Detroit, Michigan before moving to national syndication. Other notable personalities who worked at WJBK (AM) include Paul W. Smith, Charlie Langton, and Frank Beckmann, all of whom are well-known in the Detroit, Michigan market for their work in broadcasting. Category:Defunct radio stations in the United States