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TV and newspapers: Detroit media history<\/p>\n
The Detroit Free Press has been publishing since the mid-19th century.<\/p>\n
Detroit radio legend Doug \u201cDoc of Rock\u201d Podell is retiring after a 50-year career in broadcasting.His final afternoon drive show on 106.7 WLLZ Detroit Wheels will be on December 5.Podell is known for his significant impact on Detroit’s rock scene and for helping launch “The Howard Stern Show” in Cleveland.Throughout his career, he has been a passionate advocate for local musicians and charitable causes.<\/p>\n
A Detroit radio legend will soon sign off for the last time.<\/p>\n
This week, iHeartMedia Detroit announced the upcoming retirement of Doug \u201cDoc of Rock\u201d Podell from 106.7 WLLZ Detroit Wheels. After 50 years in broadcast radio, Podell will end his weekday 2-7 p.m. afternoon drive show on Dec. 5.<\/p>\n
Podell, a legendary figure in Detroit rock radio, leaves behind a lasting legacy that defined the city\u2019s sound and spirit.<\/p>\n
He first hit Detroit\u2019s airwaves in 1975 at 99.5 WABX, later moving to 106.7 WWWW (W4) and then 92.5 KQRS in Minneapolis. In the 1980s, Podell became program director and on-air personality at 98.7 WLLZ, shaping the station\u2019s identity and securing its place in Detroit\u2019s rock history.<\/p>\n
His career continued in Cleveland at 98.5 WNCX, where he served as operations manager and afternoon host, driving the station to a No. 1 ranking and introducing Howard Stern to a major new market. Returning to Detroit in 1995, Podell joined 101.1 WRIF, where he helped launch the iconic \u201cDrew & Mike Show\u201d and spent 15 years as operations manager, producing major events and revolutionizing the city\u2019s rock morning format.<\/p>\n
From 2009 to 2017, Podell was a familiar voice on 94.7 WCSX and later appeared on 93.1 WDRQ. For more than two decades, he also hosted Westwood One\u2019s \u201cLive in Concert,\u201d bringing national rock performances to millions of listeners across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoug Podell is a Detroit original,\u201d said Casey Krukowski, program director for iHeartMedia Detroit\u2019s 106.7 WLLZ. \u201cHis passion for music, deep connection with listeners, and commitment to radio excellence have left a lasting mark \u2014 not only on this station, but on generations of Detroit rock fans. We are honored that he chose to conclude his legendary run right here at WLLZ.\u201d<\/p>\n
Podell told the Free Press the timing feels right for retirement.<\/p>\n
\u201cFifty years kind of creeps up on you,\u201d he said. \u201cYou don\u2019t get a lot of extra points for 51 or 52, you know? I just turned 73 today, as a matter of fact. My wife had some health issues this year, and it kind of took me back a little bit. She\u2019s doing absolutely great now, but it kind of made me reflect a little bit on radio life and real life. So I think the timing works out pretty good. When iHeart called me, I never expected that we\u2019d still be here seven years later. I\u2019m pretty happy with it, and they have been absolutely fantastic in letting me retire on my own terms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started out working in current radio stations, but over the last 20 years or so, it\u2019s been \u2018classic rock.\u2019 I\u2019ve been an operations manager, I\u2019ve been a music director, but my first and true love has always been on the air and interacting with the listeners, going out to events. It\u2019s who I am, and it\u2019s what I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Early days with Howard Stern<\/p>\n
Looking back on major moments in his career, Podell shared a few, including a peak experience with now-legendary shock jock Howard Stern back in the early days of their careers. Stern moved to Detroit in 1980 and spent two years with WWWW; during that time, he developed and refined the no-holds-barred, in-your-face style that would later earn him nationwide fame.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was in Cleveland, we were the third affiliate for The Howard Stern Show, and we went number one in Cleveland with Howard Stern on a small station that, when I took it over, was in 21st place. I knew Howard from Detroit, and later we connected when he started his syndication, and I think that was truly one of the biggest highlights of my career.<\/p>\n