Former WKNR and WMCA Deejay Hits Big Today As President of Doubleday Chain _____________________ NEW YORK -- Gary Stevens, president of Doubleday Br
Former WKNR and WMCA Deejay Hits Big Today As President of Doubleday Chain
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NEW YORK — Gary Stevens, president of Doubleday Broadcasting, reflects on the industry’s evolution, noting that his company should not exist in the traditional sense. He says it’s only because he couldn’t find a job, and was dismissed as an ex-deejay without business acumen. Stevens, formerly a Top 40 DJ, points out that his journey was unconventional since most managers rise through sales or programming. Despite early skepticism, he built one of America’s fastest-growing radio chains.
Stevens, passionate about broadcasting since childhood, began his career at WWOW in Conneaut, Ohio, while attending the University of Miami. He worked at stations like WCKR, WAME, and WFUN, learning from industry greats. His quick rise continued in cities like St. Louis and Detroit, where he worked with top talent and achieved great success. In April 1965, he moved to New York, while his station WKNR was on top at No. 1 in Detroit, which helped him land a job at WMCA in New York.
After returning from Europe, Stevens struggled to find a management role. In 1968, he was hired by Doubleday Broadcasting to manage KRIZ in Phoenix, where he turned the station around, eventually making it one of the top-rated in the country. His work in Minneapolis further solidified his management skills, and in 1977, he was named president of Doubleday.
Stevens reshaped Doubleday, focusing on FM stations in major markets and modernizing their approach with music research. His company grew rapidly, acquiring stations in top markets like New York, Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Denver. Despite early doubts, Stevens transformed the company, emphasizing consistency across stations, which allowed for rapid growth.
He credits Doubleday’s success to its strong team, noting that good talent is key to the company’s growth. He believes that radio’s biggest challenge is the lack of professional management, and that effective management is critical for long-term success. His track record of nurturing talent has made Doubleday a leader in the industry, with many former employees achieving successful careers.
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Much of the information in this post was adapted and was condensed from the credited source: Billboard, December 18, 1982
Gary Stevens passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025. He was 84.
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