DICK CLARK, WHN, BACK ON THE RADIO! APRIL 25,1979

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Dick Clark had a groundbreaking career in both radio and television.

Radio Career: He began in 1945 at WRUN in Utica, NY, and later worked at WFIL in Philadelphia, where he hosted a record-hop show that led to American Bandstand (1956). He founded United Stations Radio Networks, syndicating shows like Rock, Roll and Remember and Countdown America, reaching thousands of stations. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.

Concert Tours: From 1959 to 1966, Clark produced Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars, featuring top rock and R&B acts like Bobby Vee, Paul Anka, and The Supremes.

Television & Production: As host of American Bandstand, he introduced new music artists to national audiences. He launched Dick Clark Productions (1957), producing American Music Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and various TV specials. He created New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (1972) and hosted game shows like The $10,000 Pyramid, winning multiple Emmys.

Dick Clark passed away on April 18, 2012, at 82, after a heart attack, following complications from a 2004 stroke.

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WHN, a historic New York City radio station, debuted on March 18, 1922, at 833 kHz before settling at 1050 kHz. Initially offering a mix of music, news, and drama, it underwent several ownership changes, including a lease by Loew’s Theatre Organization. Renamed WMGM in the late 1940s, it shifted to a rock & roll format in the late 1950s and later became a leading country music station in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1987, it transitioned to sports radio as WFAN, the first all-sports station. Today, it operates as WEPN (1050 ESPN), affiliated with ESPN Radio.