WKNR Drops Keener DJ Veterans for New Radio Faces and Voices with Shakeup in 1968
WKNR-AM, once Detroit’s dominant radio station in the 1960s, signed off the 1310 AM frequency for the final time on April 25, 1972.
Originally WKMH-AM, the station rebranded as “the new Radio 13” on October 31, 1963. By early 1964, WKNR had become Detroit’s most popular station, holding the No. 1 spot until mid-1967.
Affectionately called “Keener 13,” WKNR’s decline began in April 1967 when it faced growing competition from CKLW, a Canadian station undergoing a major transformation. Under the guidance of RKO radio consultant Bill Drake and newly appointed program director Paul Drew, CKLW adopted the “Boss Radio” format, which had already propelled 93 KHJ in Los Angeles to No. 1 by the end of 1965.
Despite WKNR’s efforts to compete, its ratings steadily declined. By November 1967, CKLW had overtaken WKNR as Detroit’s top station, according to a Billboard Radio Response Survey. CKLW’s powerful 50,000-watt signal reached three Canadian provinces and, at night, extended across 28 U.S. states. In contrast, WKNR’s 5,000-watt signal weakened significantly after sundown, limiting its reach, especially east of Detroit.
Before these changes, Bob Green and Paul Cannon were the only remaining original DJs from WKNR’s October 31, 1963 launch, with Cannon remaining and continuing as music director. Jerry Goodwin, who had joined in December 1963, was retained and moved over to WKNR-FM in April 1968.
By early 1969, the station’s on-air lineup included:
- Tony Randolph (6–9 a.m.) – An energetic morning show host, quickly embraced by listeners.
- Ron Sherwood (9 a.m.–Noon) – A smooth-voiced mid-day personality with a fresh approach.
- Dan Henderson (Noon–3 p.m.) – A distinctive presence in the afternoon slot.
- Sean Conrad (3–7 p.m.) – A dynamic and engaging radio voice.
- Mark Allen (7–10 p.m.) – Known for his smooth delivery and strong music selection.
- Edward Alan Busch (10 p.m.–1 a.m.) – A stalwart from CKLW and from Lincoln Park, MI., Busch was charismatic DJ who connected well with audiences.
- Dave Forster (1–6 a.m.) – Brought his unique style to the overnight hours.
Despite these efforts, WKNR continued to lose ground, ultimately remaining on the air until April 1972, when the Top 40 format was dropped and became WNIC (Nice Music) and WNIC FM.
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A USARM Note: Much of the information in this post was adapted and was condensed from the original Motor City Radio Flashbacks post (4/25/2022): 50 Years Ago: WKNR Signs Off Into Detroit Radio History
